Unit 1 Assignment: Rocks and Mineral Identification by Characteristics:
Proper identification of rocks and minerals is an important part of Earth Science. The goal of this assignment is to understand the major tests to identify each rock or mineral and apply what you learned to four examples. Using Microsoft PowerPoint, create a presentation addressing the following:
Introduce rock and mineral identification as a process. Make sure to include:
The difference between a rock and a mineral
Importance of proper identification
2. Using the list of identification tests for rocks and minerals, create a slide for each test with the following items:
How the test is performed (include equipment, images of equipment)
Examples of potential test outcomes (pictures encouraged)
Describe what each outcome means in terms of the rock and or mineral (e.g. does it indicate the presence of a specific type of chemical?)
3. After this series of slides, create a table with all the tests you presented and input the results for the following examples: Diamond, Dolomite, Gneiss, and Chalk. After your table, summarize the key characteristics of each sample that help in identification.
NOTE: Assignments will also be assessed on how well the presentation is made and accessible for the viewer to understand. This includes:
Clarity of information presented
APA formatting of citations (both on slides and at the end) (all images used must have a citation on the slide with the image)
Visual layout of information that engages the viewer
Mineral Tests:
Luster
Color
Streak
Light Transmission
Crystal Shape/Habit
Hardness
Cleavage
Fracture
Tenacity
Density
Rock Tests
Texture/Grain
HCl Reactivity
Mineral Composition
Appearance
Hardness
LINKS: http://www.minsocam.org/msa/collectors_corner/id/mineral_id_keyi1.htm
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/pccp/fhwahi91205.pdf
GEL111 Unit 1 Assignment Rubric
Criteria:
1. Readability and Citations
10 pts
10
Technical information is presented in a clear and understandable manner with limited jargon. Sources are cited using correct APA format.
2. Mineral Properties
10 pts
10
All mineral properties are listed and briefly (but clearly) described. Including: Luster, Color, Streak, Light Transmission, Crystal Shape/Habit, Hardness, Cleavage, Fracture, Tenacity, Density, and other properties.
3. Mineral Identification
10 pts
10
The identification process is listed with full details that explain the process. This includes the test being used, possible outcomes of the test, and what the test results mean.
4. Rock Properties
10 pts
10
All rock properties are listed and briefly (but clearly) described. Including: Texture/Grain, HCl Reactivity, Mineral Composition, Appearance, Hardness, and other properties.
5. Rock Identification
10 pts
10
The identification process is listed with full details that explain the process. This includes the test being used, possible outcomes of the test, and what the test results mean.
6. Diamond Analysis
10 pts
10
The properties and identification of diamond are fully discussed, including the properties listed above and every step used to identify it.
7. Dolomite Analysis
10 pts
10
The properties and identification of dolomite are fully discussed, including the properties listed above and every step used to identify it.
8. Gneiss Analysis
10 pts
10
The properties and identification of gneiss are fully discussed, including the properties listed above and every step used to identify it.
9. Chalk Analysis
10 pts
10
The properties and identification of chalk are fully discussed, including the properties listed above and every step used to identify it.
10. Comparison
10 pts
10
Diamond, dolomite, gneiss, and chalk are compared and contrasted fully. This includes their overall properties, different tests performed to identify them, and the results of the tests.
11. REFERENCE PAGE
