Task 1 Introduction to Minerals

Refer to Pearson 8, Module 8.5 and any scientific resources.

Objectives

 Define the term mineral (rocks are a collection of different minerals)

 Discuss the properties used to describe minerals in rocks, including crystal shape, cleavage, lustre,
streak and hardness.
 Understand how Moh’s hardness scale ‘works’.
 Use Moh’s hardness scale to determine the identity of a mineral.
 Define the term ore and give examples.
 Investigate how ores are found (e.g. remote, infra-red, satellite imaging).
 Explain how ores are refined (separated) and/or extracted.
 Research three mineral containing rocks that are found in WA.
 Evaluate the methods used to extract/refine the rocks or minerals chose in the previous objective.

Construct a set of notes that could be used to answer the following questions; you should use headings,
sub-headings, tables and sentences. (Note – don’t answer the questions – make a set of notes that
could be used to answer them.
1. What is a mineral?
2. What is the relationship between a mineral and an ore?
3. Name three solid minerals, their chemical name and the main element they contain.
4. How is the hardness of minerals measured?
5. With regard to Moh’s scale, which statement comparing mineral hardness is true?
a) calcite will only scratch gypsum
b) calcite will only scratch gypsum and talc
c) calcite will scratch any mineral softer than 3
d) calcite will scratch any mineral harder than 3
6. An unidentified mineral can be scratched by orthoclase, but not by calcite. Which of the following best
describes the mineral's hardness?

a) less than 3 c) less than 7 and more than 6

b) more than 7 d) more than 3 and less than 6

7. Mike is identifying a mineral. His mineral scratches fluorite, but not orthoclase. Which could Mike's
mineral be?

a) quartz c) apatite
b) calcite d) gypsum

8. What is the difference between the colour, lustre and streak of a mineral?
9. What is a crystal?
10. How do crystals vary in minerals e.g. size and shape?

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11. What is density/specific gravity? How do minerals vary in density/specific gravity?

Copy the table below into your notes and complete.

Ore Iron ore Copper ore Gold ore
Chemical name of mineral.
Region/area mined in WA/Australia.
How it was formed?
Type of rock it is found in eg igneous,
sedimentary.
How the ore is mined.

How the ore is separated from

unwanted materials?

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