A geologist working in a national park finds a minerals. He is carrying a kit that contains a penny, a hand lens, a piece of tile, a geologic hammer, and a jackknife. Describe the geologist can use these items to determine some of the minerals characteristic.
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The geologist can use the items in his kit to determine some of the minerals' characteristics as follows:
1. Hand lens: The geologist can use the hand lens to examine the minerals closely. By observing the physical properties such as color, grain size, shape, cleavage, luster, and texture, the geologist can begin to form an idea about the mineral's identity.
2. Geologic hammer: The geologist can use the geologic hammer to perform a hardness test on the minerals. By striking the minerals with the hammer, the geologist can determine their relative hardness using the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This information can help in identifying the minerals, as each mineral has a specific range of hardness.
3. Piece of tile: The geologist can use the tile as a streak plate. By rubbing the mineral against the ceramic surface of the tile, the geologist can observe the color of the streak left behind. The color of the streak can be compared to known mineral identification charts to assist in identifying the mineral.
4. Jackknife: The geologist can use the jackknife for a few different purposes. Firstly, it can be used to test the mineral's cleavage or fracture. By carefully applying pressure to the mineral's surface, the geologist can see if it breaks along planes of cleavage or if it fractures irregularly.
In addition, the jackknife can be used for a basic acid test. By applying a drop of acid, such as hydrochloric acid, to the mineral, the geologist can observe if any effervescence occurs. Effervescence, or the release of gas, can indicate the presence of carbonate minerals like calcite.
5. Penny: The penny in the geologist's kit can be used as a reference for comparison. By comparing the mineral's hardness to that of the penny, which has a known hardness, the geologist can make a rough estimation of the mineral's hardness.
Overall, by utilizing the hand lens, geologic hammer, piece of tile, jackknife, and penny, the geologist can make initial observations and tests to help determine the minerals' characteristics such as color, hardness, streak, cleavage/fracture, and potential presence of carbonate minerals.