E.4

Question 1

what are minerals

Answer 1

The basic building blocks of rocks. Each mineral is unique and made of only one type of substance

Question 2

what are 5 Most Common Minerals

Answer 2

Calcite
Quartz
Feldspar
Mica
Hornblende

Question 3

How do geologists identify what minerals are in a rock?

Answer 3

COLOUR: Starting point (first thing you notice)
LUSTER:The way the surface reflects light
STREAK:Colour of powder it leaves behind when you rub it on a rough surface.
CLEAVAGE AND FRACTURE:How it breaks.
Cleavage - splits into two clean pieces
Fracture - breaks with an uneven surface
HARDNESS:How easily it can be scratched. (measured with Mohs hardness scale)

Question 4

Calcite

Answer 4

Colour: white-transparent
Lustre: glassy
Streak colour: white
Cleavage: yes (3 directions)
Hardness: 3

Question 5

feldspar

Answer 5

Colour: white, grey, pink
Lustre: waxy
Streak colour: white
Cleavage: yes (at 90°)
Hardness: 6

Question 6

mica

Answer 6

Colour: grey, brown, white
Lustre: pearly
Streak colour: colourless
Cleavage: yes (flaky)
Hardness: 3

Question 7

quartz

Answer 7

Colour: clear
Lustre: glossy
Streak colour: white
Cleavage: none
Hardness: 7

Question 8

hornblend

Answer 8

Colour: black, dark green
Lustre: glassy
Streak colour: white, colourless
Cleavage: yes (in 2 directions)
Hardness: 5-6