Third Nine Week Project Earth Science Ms. Langmead

Birthstone/Gemstone Poster Honors

Due Date: March 12th and 13th 2015

Research one of the following Birthstone/Gemstones:

January-Garnet

February-Amethyst

March-Aquamarine

April-Diamond

May-Emerald

June-Pearl, Alexandrite

July-Ruby

August-Peridot

September-Sapphire

October-Opal, Tourmaline

November-Topaz, Citrine

December-Tanzanite, Turquoise, Zircon

All research is to be done on natural/real gemstones – not synthetic or chemically formed.

Place all the information listed below in order on a piece of poster board:

1. Background Information – History, Lore, and/or philosophy of your gemstone. One paragraph in length (4-6 sentences). 5 points.

2. Main Characteristic Chart – information needs to be placed in a data chart - choose any 7 of the following: a.gemstone classification or category b. chemical formula c. color

d. crystal shape/system e. cleavage or fracture pattern f. hardness g. streak color h. luster

i. specific gravity or density. 14 points.

3. Copy of Moh’s Hardness Scale. 10 points.

4. One paragraph (4-6 sentences) background information and picture of Friedrich Mohs.

10 points.

5. Three different photographs / pictures of your gemstone – in color! 8 points.

6. Use of gemstone – healing, industrial, or other uses – describe in detail. 5 points.

7. Location where gemstone is found – United States and other countries. 4 points.

8. 6 source bibliography in MLA format – 1 encyclopedia (no Wikipedia) or world book limit. Bibliography needs to be in alphabetical order by author’s last name – see easybib.com.

12 points.

9. Poster needs to be neat and organized - 4 points.

Total Points = 72.

Late policy – 10% points off per calendar day. If you are absent from school the day the project is due, your project is due the next day to Ms. Langmead the next day you return to school since this is a pre announced project. If your project is not turned in, it will be considered late!

Helpful Research Hints:

- Try searching the following phrases

o Birthstone Information

o Gemstone Information

o ______(name of gemstone) Information

o Mineral Information

o Mohs Hardness Scale

o Friedrich Mohs

Useful Websites:

http://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones

http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/

www.bernardine.com/gemstones

www.geminfo.com

www.minerals.net

www.agta.org/gemstones

www.gemstoneeducation.com

www.jewelrycentral.com/ - click on education, then click on Main Gemstone Chart