Name______________________________
date_______________
Science 8R
Mrs. Speight
Lab : Identifying Rocks and Minerals
Station 1: Igneous Rocks
Select three rocks and use the magnifier to observe and record your results.
Rock name
Color and texture
Size of crystals and other
observations
Station 2: Sedimentary Rocks
Select three rocks and use the magnifier to observe
Rock name
Grain size
Color and other
observations
Station 3: Metamorphic Rocks
Select three rocks and use the magnifier to observe
Rock name
Grain size
Color and other observations
IV Streak testing
Record the name of each rock and the external color. Rub the mineral across the tile to create a streak.
Rock name
Color of Rock
Color of streak
Cleavage or
fracture
Luster
Metallic or glassy
*Conclusion Questions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1. Most rocks are composed of ____________________________________.
2. Is color alone a reliable property for mineral identification? Why or why not?
_______________________________________________________________________
3. Define streak:
____________________________________________________________________________
a. How does streak differ from a mineral’s color?
____________________________________________________________________________
b. Why is streak a more reliable property than color in mineral identification?
____________________________________________________________________________
4. Which properties are MOST useful in identifying minerals? Why are these properties more
useful than others?
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5. List the two main types of luster.
___________________________________________________________________
6. What does a crystal’s shape depend on?
___________________________________________________________________________
7. Explain the distinction between cleavage and fracture.
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8. How is the hardness range of a mineral determined? What tools could help you determine the
hardness of a mineral? Explain.
_______________________________________________________________________________
9. If you thought you had a sample of quartz, how could Mohs’ Scale of Hardness help you to
determine the hardness of your sample?
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Igneous Samples
Sedimentary Samples
Metamorphic Samples
Streak test Samples