Procedure:
In this lab you will investigate the physical properties of minerals. In this
investigation you will observe minerals. You will perform four different
tests and record the results. Then you will make predictions/infer about the
uses for the minerals.
Materials:
-6 mineral samples such as (talc, pyrite, quartz, fluorite, magnetite,
graphite)
-Tile for streak test
-Magnet
California standard Eight Grade: Set 7.c. Students know substances can
be classified by their properties including their melting temperature,
density, hardness, and thermal and electrical conductivity.
Data Table:
Mineral
Hardness
Shine
Streak
Magnetic
Procedure:
1. Observe each mineral, and decide whether or not it is shiny. Record
result in data table. . This physical property describes how the mineral’s
surface reflects light. For example, dull, metallic or brilliant.
2. Rub the minerals against each other to test their hardness. A harder
mineral will scratch a softer one. Record results in the data table.
Write a number from 1-6 for the hardness of each mineral. Use 1 for the
softest mineral and 6 for the hardest mineral.
3. Perform a streak test. Rub the mineral on the tile. A streak is the
colored line a mineral makes when it is rubbed on a tile. Record the color
of the streak on the data table.
4. Finally, test each mineral with a magnet. Write yes next to the names
of minerals that stick to the magnet. Write no next to the names of those
that do not
Procedure questions:
1. Which mineral is the softest?___________________________________
2. Which minerals make
streaks?______________________________________________________
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3. Which minerals are magnetic?______________________________
Data analysis:
Use the data you recorded on each mineral’s properties to infer its uses.
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