Lab 1 Rocks and Minerals

docx

School

University of Arkansas *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

1111L

Subject

Geology

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by madz36022

LAB 1: ROCKS AND MINERALS 100 points Due one week from lab start time. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of this lab, you will be able to: 1. Understand the difference between a rock and a mineral 2. Identify the 3 different rock groups 3. Evaluate physical characteristics unique to the three rock groups INTRODUCTION A mineral is a naturally occurring, homogenous, crystalline solid that has a definable chemical composition. A mineral usually has the same composition and structure throughout. Liquids and gases are not minerals. Geologists use the word “grain” to define any small, natural solid particle. Some grains are crystals that grew into their present shape, but others are pieces of larger crystals, fragments containing many tiny crystals, or even shards of glass. Crystal faces are distinctive geometric shapes defined by smooth, flat, surfaces. Each face forms at a specific angle relative to its neighbor. We organize minerals based on their color, streak, luster, hardness, specific gravity, fracture, cleavage, and special properties. Rocks are a collection of minerals that are held together in a firm, solid mass. Igneous rocks form when molten rock (magma or lava) cools and solidifies. Sedimentary rocks originate when particles are cemented together, or by precipitation of minerals from water. They often accumulate in layers. Metamorphic rocks result when existing rocks are changed by heat, pressure, or reactive fluids. Each of these types is part of the rock cycle. Through changes in conditions, one rock type can become another rock type. The minerals in a rock may be so tiny that you can only see them with a microscope, or they may be as big as your finger. Many rocks are made of minerals containing silicon and oxygen, the most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust. Rocks are identified primarily by the minerals they contain and by their texture. The following tables and charts will help you identify different rock groups and types of rocks within each group.

https://web.ics.purdue.edu/~braile/edumod/pebble/pebbleAM.htm

Igneous rocks Reference Tables for Physical Setting/EARTH SCIENCE (2011) Property Definition How to evaluate Grain Size Mineral/crystal size Glassy (non-crystalline), fine (cannot see grains), coarse (large mineral grains) Color Reflected visible light Light, intermediate, or dark Vesicles Voids from air bubbles Open voids permeate rock Dark Minerals Estimate % of blackish crystals

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Metamorphic rocks Referenc e Tables for Physical Setting/EARTH SCIENCE (2011) Property Definition How to evaluate Banding Foliated rock layering characteristic shape Look for layering in the rock, usually different colors. Can be linear (straight) or distorted (wavy) Grain size Dimensions of minerals/rock building blocks Fine to coarse (if grains exist)

Sedimentary rocks Refere nce Tables for Physical Setting/EARTH SCIENCE (2011) Property Definition How to evaluate Clastic Obvious pieces of rocks (clasts) fused into a matrix Observe clast size, mixture (many sizes), coarse, medium (sand), fine (smooth) Chemical origin Formed in place by chemical processes Results in a uniform mineral throughout. Crystalline texture can range from coarse (visible) to fine. Organic origin Formed in place by biological processes Contains fossils (limestone) or black plant material, such as coal or lignite.

PART 1: IDENTIFY ROCKS AND MINERALS [40 pts, 4 pts each] Sample Number Color Grain Size (Fine, Medium, Course etc.) Hardness (1 through 10) Streak Color Other Comments Mineral or rock name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Laboratory Summary Questions 20 pts 1. What is the difference between a rock and a mineral? [2 pts] a. Can a rock be made of minerals? Why or why not? [1.5 pts] b. Can a mineral be made of rocks? Why or why not? [1.5 pts] 2. Describe two unique properties of each rock group and what each tells us about how the rock formed [5 pts each, 15 total]. a. Igneous 1. 2. 3. b. Metamorphic 1. 2. 3. c. Sedimentary 1. 2. 3.

PART 2: Campus Rock Hunt 40 pts, 8 pts each Name: _____________________________ Section Time: _______________________ Our class has found itself stranded on an unfamiliar island!!! Where are we? How did we get here? What is this land, and how did it form? To survive and interpret information about our new surroundings, we will attempt to categorize the wild and unknown rock species scattered throughout this land (UARK campus but not Gearhart.) We will collect as much information as we can, and then take that information back home (turned in to the lab instructor) after we are rescued. Directions: • Working in groups of up to three (3), record information in a notebook, on paper, or in this document about the rocks you find on your journey. • Your team will need to systematically identify five (5) rocks and/or minerals in the field. • The following information needs to be recorded: 1. The rock or mineral’s location on campus (e.g., building name or GPS coordinates) 2. Grain size (course, fine, or glassy) 3. Color 4. In situ (placed there by nature), or moved there by humans 5. Extra notes and unique observations 6. A photo or sketch of the rock 7. Rock or mineral? If it is a rock, what type? 8. Hypothesized name for each rock/mineral (what you think the rock/mineral is). A hypothesis is not a guess, it is based on the research that you have performed and could be tested further. • Turn your results into the instructor by submitting the assignment on Blackboard. Sample 1 Location Grain size (course, fine, or glassy) Color In situ (naturally placed) or moved there by humans? Extra Notes Rock or mineral? Hypothesized name for rock or

mineral Photo or Sketch (insert in table or below it) Sample 2 Location Grain size (course, fine, or glassy) Color In situ (naturally placed) or moved there by humans? Extra Notes Rock or mineral? Hypothesized name for rock or mineral Photo or Sketch (insert in table or below it) Sample 3 Location Grain size (course, fine, or glassy) Color In situ (naturally placed) or moved there by humans? Extra Notes Rock or mineral? Hypothesized name for rock or mineral Photo or Sketch (insert in table or below it) Sample 4

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Location Grain size (course, fine, or glassy) Color In situ (naturally placed) or moved there by humans? Extra Notes Rock or mineral? Hypothesized name for rock or mineral Photo or Sketch (insert in table or below it) Sample 5 Location Grain size (course, fine, or glassy) Color In situ (naturally placed) or moved there by humans? Extra Notes Rock or mineral? Hypothesized name for rock or mineral Photo or Sketch (insert in table or below it)

Lab 1 Rocks and Minerals

Related Documents