Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend!
Gems and minerals have been cherished by
humans for thousands of years for their beauty
and usefulness. But did you know they were
women’s first banks? Before women had the right
to
hold property, women collected gems over their
lifetime. Since women generally outlived men, their gems
provided them wealth long after their husband died. A man who
truly loved his wife would buy her only the largest and most
expensive jewels while he was alive. In this investigation, we will
explore properties of minerals that make them unique and
valuable.
Objective: SWBAT determine the definition and characteristics in
order to distinguish a mineral from other materials from the
earth.
Part I Observations
Observe the two items provided by the teacher and answer the following
questions.
1. Which sample is a mineral? __________________________________________
2. How would you describe a mineral? List adjectives that describe the
mineral.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Part II Investigation
Determine the information you need to identify and describe the
characteristics of minerals. Then, complete the graphic organizer
Pg. 1
Criteria of Minerals
Characteristics
Description
Example
3. Provide a definition for each word below. Fill in the chart by drawing an
example of each.
Mineral: _______________________________________________________________
Rock: ____________________________________________________________
Gem: _______________________________________________________________
Mineral
Gem
Rock
Pg. 2
Part III Refining our Knowledge
Trying to pass off a piece of gravel for a diamond wouldn’t work. However,
throughout history there are instances where people attempted to pass off
counterfeit jewels. Once in the hands of a scientist or appraiser, they were
able to discover the true value. What do you think they were looking for?
4. Brainstorm some characteristics the appraiser may have used to identify
the jewels.
Utilize resources to complete the characteristics scientists use to classify
minerals.
Characteristic
Description
Instrument or
Measurement
Hardness
Resistance to damage
Mohs hardness scale;
uses 1-10, 1 is softest
Color
Eyeball; color scale
Streak
Luster
Density
Crystal Systems
Cleavage and Fracture
Special Properties
Pg. 3
Part IV Analysis
1. It once was a custom for a father to provide his future son-in-law with a
dowry, along with his daughter. A dowry was a collection on valuable items
such as gems, gold, and deeds meant to ensure the proper care of his
daughter. The dowry was usually examined and validated by an agreed upon
appraiser who used multiple tests to appraise the gems. Why could he not
rely on just one test?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. According to the definition of a mineral, can water be classified as a
mineral? Explain your answer.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Pg. 4