A geologist is working in a national park and finds a mineral. He is carying a kit that contains a penny, a hand lens a piece of tile, a geologic hammer, and a pocket knife. How can the geologist use these items to determine some of the minerals charecteristics?
The geologist can use the items in his kit to determine some of the mineral's characteristics in the following ways:
1. Penny: The geologist can use the penny to scratch the mineral's surface. If the mineral is softer than the penny (which has a hardness of approximately 3.5 on the Mohs scale), it suggests a lower hardness. If the mineral scratches the penny, it indicates a higher hardness.
2. Hand lens: The geologist can use the hand lens to closely examine the mineral's surface and observe its physical features. This can include examining the color, luster (how the mineral reflects light), cleavage or fracture patterns, and any visible minerals or crystals.
3. Piece of tile: The tile can be used as a streak plate. By rubbing the mineral against the tile's rough surface, the geologist can observe the color of the streak left behind. The color of the streak can sometimes differ from the mineral's external color and provide additional clues for identification.
4. Geologic hammer: The geologist can use the hammer to test the mineral's hardness further. By gently striking the mineral with the hammer, they can assess its resistance to being broken or shattered. Minerals with higher hardness will show little or no damage, while softer minerals may break or show signs of damage.
5. Pocket knife: The geologist can use the pocket knife to test the mineral's cleavage or fracture. Cleavage refers to how a mineral breaks along planes of weakness, resulting in smooth, flat surfaces. Fracture, on the other hand, refers to irregular or rough breaks. By carefully applying pressure with the pocket knife, the geologist can evaluate the mineral's behavior and identify its cleavage or fracture characteristics.
By combining these tools and observing the mineral's physical properties, the geologist can make initial determinations about its hardness, color, luster, cleavage or fracture patterns, and other characteristics. However, it's important to note that for a more precise and conclusive identification, geologists often use additional laboratory equipment and tests.