Other Special Identification Properties Other Special Identification Properties

Magnetism Magnetic force generated by an object Use a magnet to determine if the magnet is attracted to the sample

Reaction to HCl Chemical interaction of hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ). Place one small drop of HCl on a sample a watch for a reaction - effervesces (bubbles).

Taste Lick the mineral….but since we don’t lick things in this classroom another approach is to lick your finger and run it along the sample and then taste your finger.

Odor Some minerals have characteristic odors Smell the mineral…most minerals do not have a characteristic smell.

Color Look at the sample and determine its color - white, black, green, clear, etc. Although this is an easy test many minerals do not have the same color in every sample. Be careful using color!