Chapter 1. Minerals
Lab 1 Activity
Overview
For Labs 1 and 2, you identify the 22 mineral samples in your lab kit based on observations of their physical properties. The samples include the following minerals:
| Amphibole | Galena | Muscovite | Quartz (Milky) |
| Apatite | Graphite | Olivine | Quartz (Rock Crystal) |
| Biotite | Gypsum | Plagioclase feldspar | Quartz (Rose) |
| Calcite | Halite | Potassium feldspar | Sphalerite |
| Chalcopyrite | Hematite | Pyrite | |
| Fluorite | Magnetite | Pyroxene |
The minerals are divided into two groups, one for each lab. For each of the groups you will receive clues to help guide your detective work.
Note: The labels on samples 180RMi and 190RMi are sometimes confusing. 190RMi is the brighter coloured of the two.
Samples to Use for Lab 1
Take the following samples from your kit:
| 010RMi | 070RMi | 120RMi | 190RMi |
| 020RMi | 080RMi | 140RMi | 200RMi |
| 030RMi | 100RMi | 150RMi |
Clues
- All but one of the samples have excellent cleavage in one or more directions.
- The sample without cleavage is a good example of crystal form.
- Two of the samples have a metallic or submetallic lustre.
What to Do Next
Use the Lab 1 worksheet (Figure 1.20) to record your observations and guide you through the identification process for each mineral in the Lab 1 set. Refer to Tables 1.2 to 1.4, and/or the Mineral ID Decision Tool in the Reference Tools for Minerals section of this lab manual to help you match your observations with a name.
