Discovering the Physical Properties of Minerals

Students are studying the physical properties of minerals by making observations, experimenting with a variety of  tools, and reading books.  Minerals can be tested according to each characteristic and reasonable identification can be made. With practice, many minerals can be identified solely by visual characteristics. The only absolute test, however, is to determine the chemical composition and the manner in which the chemicals came together to form the mineral. In order to to this some simple tools are helpful.

mineral test tools

Minerals can be tested according to each characteristic and reasonable identification can be made. With practice, many minerals can be identified solely by visual characteristics. The only absolute test, however, is to determine the chemical composition and the manner in which the chemicals came together to form the mineral. In order to to this some simple tools are helpful.

  • a small squeeze bottle or eye dropper
  • a way to test hardness (a collection of objects of known hardness soft, medium, and hard)
  • magnifying glass

There is no specific order for testing a mineral, but many possible classifications can be ruled out using simple visual observations. Using the tools listed above you can also check for acidic reaction from organic matter and limestone with a dilute acid ( like vinegar ) in the squeeze bottle. You can check for hardness using a penny, nail, and apiece of glass. If you have a large enough specimen use a hammer to break a piece. This will tell you about the cleavage and fracture pattern of your mineral. Check for crystal structure using the magnifying glass. For more information visit the following link:  Rocks and Minerals

The Summit Preparatory School is a fully accredited, non-religious, private school offering a full-time seated independent education for students in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, and the greater Southwest Missouri area. Our preparatory school setting offers an enriching early childhood, elementary, middle school, and high school curriculum in a supportive environment. We have state of the art facilities, highly-qualified teachers and staff, and a large range of educational programming. Interested in enrolling your child? Learn more about our admissions process.

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