Mineral Identification
Treasure Hunt
 
This treasure hunt introduces mineral identification. Answer the questions on your handout. 
1. List 9 properties that we use in order to identify minerals. 
2. Name a mineral that is always green.
3. Name a mineral that comes in all sorts of colors.
4. What is the line of powder called when you rub a mineral across white porcelain tile?
5. What are the three degrees of transparency?
6. Name a mineral with a vitreous, or glassy luster.
7. What is the hardest mineral on Moh's hardness scale?
8. If a mineral is soft enough that it does not scratch your fingernail, what might it be? 
(There are a few correct answers to this one. You will need to scroll to the bottom of the page to find the answer.)
9. Name a mineral that cleaves into perfect, six-sided crystals (rhombohedrons).
10. What is the difference between cleavage and fracture?
11. Name a mineral with low density.
12. Name a mineral with high density.
13. Minerals grow in different shapes or crystal systems. Look at the pictures. Which is your favorite crystal system?

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