Here are 10 samples of minerals that you will use to answer lab questions. Examine each sample in detail by rotating it and exploring its shape and physical characteristics. Properties of each mineral are listed in the table below the 3D model.
Mineral A
| Luster | Hardness | Color of streak | Cleavage? | Fracture? | Other properties |
| nonmetallic | 1 | white | Absent | No | Very soft. Feels soapy to the touch. |
Mineral B
| Luster | Hardness | Color of streak | Cleavage? | Fracture? | Other properties |
| nonmetallic | 2.5 – 3 | gray-brown to white | 1 (excellent) | No | can be split into thin, flexible sheets |
Mineral C
| Luster | Hardness | Color of streak | Cleavage? | Fracture? | Other properties |
| nonmetallic | 3 | white | Excellent; 3 directions, NOT at 90° to each other | No | fizzes when HCl is applied |
Mineral D
| Luster | Hardness | Color of streak | Cleavage? | Fracture? | Other properties |
| nonmetallic | 5.5-6 | white to pale gray | Moderate. 2 planes, at about 90° to each other | No | color dark green to brown or black; forms short, 8-sided prisms |
Mineral E
| Luster | Hardness | Color of streak | Cleavage? | Fracture? | Other properties |
| nonmetallic | 2 – 2.5 | white | 1 (perfect) | No | can be split into thin, flexible sheets |
Mineral F
| Luster | Hardness | Color of streak | Cleavage? | Fracture? | Other properties |
| nonmetallic | 6.5 | white | 2, at 90° | No | lamellae |
Mineral G
| Luster | Hardness | Color of streak | Cleavage? | Fracture? | Other properties |
| nonmetallic | 7 | None (too hard to streak) | Absent | Conchoidal | No reaction to HCl. Comes in many colors. |
Mineral H
| Luster | Hardness | Color of streak | Cleavage? | Fracture? | Other properties |
| nonmetallic | 7 | (too hard to streak) | No | Brittle; may show parting | Dodecahedral crystals are distinctive. |
Mineral I
| Luster | Hardness | Color of streak | Cleavage? | Fracture? | Other properties |
| nonmetallic | 2.5 | white | Excellent: 3 planes at 90° to each other (so it breaks into cubes) | No | Tastes salty. |
Mineral J
| Luster | Hardness | Color of streak | Cleavage? | Fracture? | Other properties |
| nonmetallic | 5.5-6 | white to pale gray | Good. 2 planes, at about 60°/120° to each other | No | color dark gray to black; forms prisms. |
Submit your answers to your instructor.
