1. Mineral Identification

2. What is a Mineral?
A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and an orderly arrangement

3. Crystalline Forms
The internal arrangement of atoms or ions determines the shape of the crystal

4. How do minerals form?
Crystallization – when particles dissolve in a liquid or melt softly and reform in the shape of crystals

5. Rock Forming Minerals
Silicate- a member of this group contains silicon and oxygen in their crystal formation
Examples: Quartz, Feldspar, Olivine, Mica
Nonsilicate – a member of this group does not contain silicon
Examples: Calcite, Halite

6. Color

7. The way a mineral reflects or absorbs light at its surface
Luster
The way a mineral reflects or absorbs light at its surface
Metallic – the shiniest luster
Waxy, Silky, Pearly, Vitreous (glassy)
Earthy, Dull

8. Streak – the color that it leaves behind

9. Hardness
How strong a mineral is compared to other known materials

10. Cleavage
Cleavage – breaks with smooth flat surfaces

11. Fracture
Fracture - breaks in uneven surfaces

12. Density
Mass divided by volume- how tightly the molecules are packed together

13. Other test? Smell – rotten eggs - Sulfur Taste – only if safe - Halite
Chemically Reactive – bubbles in HCl acid - Calcite