SRMP Dynamic Earth Curriculum - American Museum of Natural ...

Science Research Mentoring ProgramDynamic EarthSession One: MineralsWORKSHEET: Mineral IdentificationMinerals can be identified by their physical properties. We will be observing and recording sixcommon properties, as well as three special properties, in order to identify some mineral samples.Materials• Copper penny• Steel nail• Glass plate• Streak plate (porcelain)• Magnifying lens• Magnet• Eyedropper, acid• Black light1. Luster is the character of light reflected by a mineral. For each of the samples, observe andrecord the color and luster.2. Determine and record the crystal shape and cleavage of each sample.3. Scratch the porcelain streak plate with each mineral to determine its streak (color). Recordbelow.4. For each mineral use (in order) your fingernail, the copper penny, the glass plate and the steelnail to scratch the mineral. Once you’ve made a scratch on a mineral, stop with that mineral,and do not try to scratch it with the other materials. Compare your observations to the Moh’sScale, and record the hardness below.5. One of the special properties of minerals is fluorescence. View each mineral under the UV light.Does the mineral fluoresce? If so, note the color below.6. Another special property of minerals magnetism. Bring the magnet near the mineral. Is themineral magnetic? Record your observations.7. The last special property is a reaction to acid. Using the eyedropper, place a drop of acid oneach mineral. Is there a reaction? Record your observations.8. Once you have noted all six physical properties and tested for fluorescence, magnetismand reaction to acid, compare your observations to the properties of some known minerals.Using the list, identify each of the minerals you were given and write their names on thecorresponding lines, next to the observed properties.© 2013 American Museum of Natural History. All Rights Reserved. 5