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Pg. 34 Use the following terms to construct a concept map of the six major crystal systems: Gypsum Topaz Pyrite Triclinic Cubic Hexagonal Tetragonal Crystal systems Wulfenite Pyromorphite Feldspar Orthorhombic monoclinic
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PG. 17 Identifying Minerals
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Mineral Identification Geologists rely on simple tests to identify minerals Based on chemical and physical properties Usually a combination of tests
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Color Sometimes trace elements cause certain characteristic colors Least reliable clue for identification
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Luster The way a mineral reflects light Described as being either metallic or nonmetallic Differences in luster are caused by difference in chemical compositions
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Texture How the mineral feels to touch Words used to describe: smooth, rough, ragged, greasy, soapy
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Streak The color of a mineral when it is broken up and powdered. Rubbed across an unglazed porcelain plate. A minerals streak doesn’t always match its color Streak color is always the same
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Hardness A measure of how easily a mineral can be scratched Most useful tests Use Mohs hardness scale Fingernail= 2.5 Penny= 3-3.5 Masonry nail- 5.5 Harder will scratch softer
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Cleavage and Fracture Minerals break along planes where atomic bonding is weak Minerals that break easily along a plane are said to have cleavage Minerals that break with rough edges are said to fracture
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Density and Specific Gravity Specific gravity is the ratio of the weight of a substance to the weight of an equal volume of water. Density reflects atomic mass and structure of a mineral
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Mineral Uses Ore- a mineral that is useful if it can be mined for a profit Ex. Aluminum (comes from bauxite) Iron (comes from hematite) Use mines to obtain ores Gems are valuable minerals
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