North Seattle Community College s7

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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