Homework 02 (Week 3)

GEO101 Geology for Engineers

Rock Identification
• Materials or tools needed if applicable
• Hammer, “maso” or any sturdy object for breaking
• Hand lens or magnifying glass
• Safety googles or protective eyewear
• 0.1N hydrochloric acid or diluted muriatic acid (if needed)
• Camera to take photos
• Small magnet
• Knife or any sharp object for scratching
Rock Identification
• Get a fresh rock sample outside of your house. Clean/wash the sample
• Make a photo after cleaning it. Break it by using a hammer. Warning!!! Do
not ever break it without wearing safety goggles or protective eyewear.
Take a photo of the broken sample
• Using the lectures, guide and key charts given, describe the color, the
texture, minerals present, etc.
• Determine if it is sedimentary, metamorphic or igneous rock
• Determine the grain size by optical observations. You can use a hand lens
or magnifying glass when describing the rock sample
• Describe any features like bedding, foliation, massive/crystalline (if any)
• Describe properties: effervesce with acid? magnetic? (if applicable)
• Finally, identify your rock sample
Rock Identification
• Make a report including the photos regarding your rock sample by
citing the following
• Features like bedding, foliation, massive or crystalline if applicable
• Color, minerals present, texture
• Grain size (e.g. fine grained, coarse grained, etc.)
• Type of rock
• Properties: effervesce with acid? Magnetic? (if applicable)
• Rock name
• Uses of this rock
Note: An actual video of you doing the experiment or project may be
submitted also for further additional credit.