Slide 1

This specimen is a solid material with particles arranged in a crystal pattern. This must mean that this specimen is aRockMineralA

Congratulations! You have correctly identified all of the specimens! I would like to thank you for all your hard work by presenting you with this Jr. Geologist Award!

Click on the award to print!

NameColorLusterStreakHardnessLocationCalciteWhiteDullWhite3USA, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, England, India, IcelandDiamondYellow, brown, various colorsWaxyWhite10South Africa, India, Brazil, Russia, AustraliaGalenaSilver, grayMetallic to dullGray3USA, Germany, Peru, Mexico, Zambia, EnglandGraphiteBlack, silverMetallic to dullBlack or Gray2USA, Russia, Mexico, Greenland, IndiaGypsumWhite, grayPearlyWhite2Mexico, USA, ItalyMagnetiteBlackMetallic to dullBlack6South Africa, Germany, Russia, USAQuartzClear, white, various colorsGlassyWhite7Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, Russia, USAMineral Database

In order to identify the specimens, you must first collect data. Click on the smiley face and print the data collection sheet to help keep you organized.

Now that youre ready, lets take a look at the specimens.

Color words:-light-dark-black/blackish-brown/brownish-tan-white-gray-blue-pink-green

Texture words:-fine-grained-large-grained-smooth-rough-glassy-silky-porous (holes)

Helpful HintsCHardness TestThe feldspar did not scratch your specimen. Dont forget to record your observations on your data collection sheet.

123456Feldspar78910

CHardness TestThe topaz did scratch your specimen. Dont forget to record your observations on your data collection sheet.

12345678Topaz910

CHardness TestThe diamond did scratch your specimen. Dont forget to record your observations on your data collection sheet.

12345678910Diamond

Click on a specimen to investigate.Once you have collected data from all of the specimens, click here.

ACDBMinerals are always solid materials with particles arranged in a repeating pattern. This pattern is called a crystal. Minerals only form in nature. They are not made in laboratories.

Rocks are always made up of one or more minerals. All rocks can be classified into three groups based on how they are formed. The three type of rocks are igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. Some rocks can be made in laboratories.

Rocks vs. Minerals