1. Introduction to MINERALS
-DeMarco

2. A MINERAL IS:
Non-Living
Inorganic
Solid

3. 5 Major Properties HARDNESS “Moh’s scale” (Ranges from 1-10)
Softest Hardest
TALC = DIAMOND = 10
Used for powder, makeup Used for Jewelry & cutting

4. To use Moh’s scale…
We scratch minerals against each other, or common items to see if we can get them to scratch each other.

5. LUSTER Does it look like shiny metal or is it dull/glassy?
Metallic -or Nonmetallic

6. CLEAVAGE or FRACTURE How the mineral breaks apart…
CLEAVAGE = NEATLY, ALONG FLAT SURFACES
FRACTURE = CRUMBLES OR BREAKS ERRATICALLY
CLEAVAGE FRACTURE

7. COLOR Easy to observe, but NOT very useful…
(Many minerals can be the same color!)
(One mineral can be many colors!)
Amethyst (Quartz) Citrine (Quartz) Rose Quartz Smokey Quartz

8. SPECIAL TESTS Magnetism
Is the mineral magnetic? If yes, then it must be MAGNETITE!

9. Special Tests ODOR Does it smell like rotten eggs?
If yes, you must have SULFUR!

10. Special Tests
TASTE!
Does it taste salty? If yes… it is HALITE.

11. Special Tests Fluorescence Does it glow in the dark?
Some rare minerals do!