Sample Mineral Identification Key
Properties
Mineral
Calcite
Feldspar
Mica
Talc
Gypsum
Quartz
Fluorite
Magnetite
Hardness
(scratch test)
3
scratched by nail
6
scratches glass
2
scratched by
fingernail
1
easily scratched by
fingernail
2
scratched by
fingernail
7
scratches glass
4
scratched by nail
4
scratched by nail
Color
Luster
Special Properties
white
dull/glassy
bubbles with acid
pink or white
dull/pearly
---
black/gray
shiny
splits into thin sheets
white
dull
---
white/gray
dull
---
various colors
glassy
---
various colors
glassy
---
black
shiny
magnetic
Students should be able to use a mineral identification key (like the sample above)
to answer various questions such as:
Which minerals have a dull luster?
Which minerals are white in color?
Which mineral is white, dull, and has the softest material?
Which mineral has a dull luster, is white in color, and can be scratched by a nail?
Which mineral comes in many different colors and can scratch all other minerals?
Which white mineral bubbles in acid?
Which mineral can scratch glass and has a glassy luster?
Which mineral comes in many different colors and has a hardness of 4?
Which shiny, gray mineral is soft and can be split into thin sheets?
Starting with the softest mineral, how would you put the minerals in order
according to hardness?