Reflection on Mineral Properties
What are the distinguishing properties of the minerals in your lab?
Based on the data provided, which minerals in your lab exhibit unique properties?
Mineral Properties in the Lab
The minerals in the lab exhibit various properties that set them apart from each other. Let's explore each mineral's unique characteristics:
Quartz and Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase): Both quartz and potassium feldspar have a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making them resistant to scratching with a fingernail. Calcite: Calcite can effervesce when treated with hydrochloric acid, producing carbon dioxide gas bubbles. Muscovite and Biotite: Muscovite and biotite exhibit cleavage in one direction, meaning they break easily along specific planes. Quartz: Quartz forms hexagonal crystals due to its hexagonal crystal system, giving its crystals a distinctive six-sided shape.