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NORTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Geology 101
Summer 2011
Linda Khandro
Lab 2 HW Minerals & Birthstones (25 points) NAME______
Learning Outcomes: by the end of the exercise students will be able to:
· Identify their “birthstone” from tradition
· Identify the common mineral of which the birthstone is one variation
· Identify the chemistry and crystal form for that mineral
· discuss their birthstone, mineral, and crystal form with the class
Instructions:
1. Identify your birthstone from the Birthstone list (A) below.
2. Identify the common mineral of which your birthstone is one variation from the Minerals list (B) below.
3. Identify the crystal form (list B) for that mineral.
4. Submit a 1-2 page, illustrated description of your mineral with as much physical, chemical, geological, and geographical information as you can find. Also include any special history, features or uses of your mineral. Submit this page in person or into the Angel Website Dropbox for Lab 2 HW Minerals.
5. See your instructor for a copy of the crystal form cutout for your mineral.
6. Follow the instructions, and make yourself a paper model of your birthstone’s crystal form. If you wish to color it, do so before assembling the model.
7. Bring your assembled mineral to class on the day announced (date to be announced) and briefly describe your birthstone, mineral, and crystal form to the class.
A. Birthstones
J garnet
F amethyst
M aquamarine
A diamond
M emerald
J pearl*
J ruby
A peridot
S sapphire
O opal*
N citrine
D turquoise or blue topaz
* These are not minerals; pearl is organic, and opal does not have a crystalline structure. See the additional lists of birthstones (ancient and modern) below, for alternatives. If there is more than one choice, use the most common birthstone for this assignment; only use an alternative if the most common one is NOT a mineral!
http://www.galleries.com/minerals/birthsto.htm
http://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones
B. Minerals, Crystal Forms and Birthstones
Crystal Form Typical Minerals Birthstones
Triclinic Turquoise: Turquoise
Kyanite
Na plagioclase (albite)
Monoclinic Gypsum
Pyroxenes
Amphiboles
Micas
K-spar (orthoclase)
Epidote
Azurite
Malachite
Orthorhombic Olivine: Peridot
Topaz: Topaz (blue, yellow)
Chrysoberyl: Alexandrite
Sulfur
Aragonite
Anhydrite
Tetragonal Zircon
Rutile
Chalcopyrite
Trigonal Corundum: Ruby, Sapphire
Quartz: Amethyst, Citrine
Calcite
Hematite
Ilmenite
Dolomite
Hexagonal Beryl: Emerald, Aquamarine
Quartz: Amethyst, Citrine
Graphite
Tourmaline
Isometric (cubic) Diamond: Diamond
Spinel: Ruby
Garnet: Garnet
Copper
Silver
Galena
Fluorite
Halite
Pyrite
Sphalerite
Gold
Platinum