1. Physical Properties of Minerals
Learning Goal: The student will understand the basic differences between physical weathering and erosion and be able to identify physical properties of common Earth- forming minerals.
Image by Antranias, Pixabay (CC0)

2. Target for SC.4.E.6.2
Compare and contrast minerals by their physical properties (hardness, color, luster, cleavage, and streak color).

3. Key Question
Discuss with your partner:
What are the physical properties that can be used to identify a mineral?

4. Cooperative Learning Activity
Stand Up, Hand Up, Pair Up.
Greet your partner.
Partner A reads the question to Partner B.
Partner A coaches or praises.
Switch roles.
Thank your partner.
Partners trade cards.
Hand Up, Pair Up.

5. Lab Instructions
Work with Shoulder Partners (turn and greet your shoulder partner).
Both partners work together.
There are 5 activities and you will be given a time limit for each activity.
If you need help, ask your partner first, the ask your table group, then ask me.
EVERY student fills in the lab sheet for your notebook.

6. Check your Materials Each group should have:
Mineral Sample Set • Lab sheet
Nail • Tray
Penny • Moist paper towel
Hand lens • White Streak Plate
Flashlight • Black streak plate
Check that your group has all the supplies

7. Safety Follow the Lab Safety Rules:
Keep mineral samples away from eyes and mouth.
Use caution when handling the iron nails and streak plates. Mineral samples hold be held carefully.
Do not throw or toss items to anyone. Hand items to your partner.
If something breaks, inform the teacher immediately.
Wear eye protection during this lab.

8. Activity 1: Hardness
Problem: how can you determine the hardness of a mineral?
Prediction: ____________________________________________
Materials needed:
Mineral set
Penny
Nail
MOHs hardness scale

9. Activity 1
PROCEDURE: During this activity, you will determine if the mineral is softer than or harder than a fingernail, copper penny, or steel nail.
Begin with the finger. Brush your finger across the mineral.
If you do not see any flakes, try scraping your fingernail over the rock.
If there are still no flakes or mineral particles, scrape the mineral with a penny.
If there are no flakes, try the nail.
Note: Once you see the flakes or particles – STOP testing. Continuing to use other testing methods will damage the mineral sample.
Record your findings on your Lab sheet

10. Activity 2: Color
Problem: How do colors compare across mineral samples?
Prediction: _________________________________________
Materials needed:
Mineral set
hand lens

11. Activity 2: Color Use the hand lens to observe the mineral sample.
Procedure:
Use the hand lens to observe the mineral sample.
Describe the colors you observe on your lab sheet.
Conclusion: Can you identify the mineral based only on its color?

12. Activity 3: Streak Color
Problem: How can you tell the actual color of a mineral, especially if it has tarnished or oxidized?
Prediction: _______________________________________________
Materials needed:
Mineral set
Hand lens
White streak plate
Black streak plate,
Moist paper towel

13. Activity 3
Procedure: Do this for each mineral with a hardness less than 7.
Gently rub the mineral across the white streak plate.
Blow any lose powder off the streak plate.
Observe the color of the streak left by the mineral. Use the hand lens if necessary.
Note: If the mineral does not leave a streak but instead “scratches” the plate, do not try again. The mineral is too hard for the streak plate test.
Describe your observation on your Lab Sheet.
Using the black streak plate to test minerals 2, 3, and 6 (white or clear minerals only).

14. Activity 3, cont.
Conclusion
How does the streak color compare to the color of the mineral?

15. Activity 4: Luster
Problem: How can I classify minerals as metallic and non- metallic?
Prediction: _______________________________________
Materials needed:
Mineral set
Flashlight

16. Activity 4 Shine the flashlight on each mineral sample.
Procedure: During this activity you will use a flashlight to determine a mineral’s luster. Do this for each mineral in your set.
Shine the flashlight on each mineral sample.
Make observations to determine the mineral’s luster. If it is metallic, it will appear to sparkle. Nonmetallic minerals may shiny, but do not sparkle.
Describe your observations on your Lab Sheet.

17. Activity 4, cont.
Conclusion:
How does luster help you identify the type of mineral (metallic or non-metallic)?

18. Activity 5: Cleavage Problem: Do all minerals break the same way?
Prediction: __________________________________
Materials needed:
Mineral set

19. Activity 5 Look closely at each mineral.
Procedure:
Look closely at each mineral.
Observe if the mineral has flat surfaces. (If the top and bottom are flat, this counts).
If it does, then it has cleavage. Mark YES on your Lab Sheet for that mineral.
If all sides are rough or uneven, or smooth rounded sides, the mineral does not have cleavage. Mark NO your Lab Sheet.

20. Activity 5, cont. Do all minerals appear to break the same way?
Conclusion:
Do all minerals appear to break the same way?

21. Extension Activity
Now that you have describe each sample mineral’s hardness, color, streak, luster, and cleavage, use the Mineral Guide to determine the name of your mineral samples. Can you figure it out?

22. and return all lab materials to your basket.
Clean up
and return all lab materials to your basket.

23. Reflection Question:
Which physical properties or property helped the most in identifying the minerals? Why do you think so? Explain your thinking.
Which physical properties or property was the least helpful in identifying the minerals? Why do you think so? Explain your thinking.

24. Exit Ticket
Answer your exit ticket.