Mr. Cioffi

Process

Step 1:  Your teacher has a special mineral for you to investigate.  Do you know the name of that mineral? If not, see your teacher before proceeding!

Step 2: Now that you know the name of your mineral you need to gather information about it to do your final report. It is important that you save information as you do your research. For example: you might cut and paste information or pictures in Microsoft Word.

Step 3: Let’s find some distinguishing properties of your mineral. Identify the color, class, streak, hardness,  cleavage /fracture, specific density and any other special properties

            Click here for physical characteristics

Step 4:  What are the elements in your adopted mineral?

             Click here for the chemical composition.

Step 5:  Where in the world is your mineral be found?

              Is it also found in the United States?

Instructions to search for answers.  Go to the google.com link below.

Type in the name of your mineral + found. Example quartz + found

              Google.com.

Step 6:  How is your mineral mined and processed?

             This will require another search using google.com. 

             This time you’re on your own!

Hint: try searching your mineral + mine + process.

                Google.com.

Step 7:  What is the current value of your mineral: $/g or $/oz. or $/ton or $/kg?

               Click to find how much your mineral costs.

 Step 8:  What can your mineral be used for?

Remember your mineral may be made of more than one element, for  example,  galena is made of lead and sulfur. The elements may determine the use of the mineral. Here are some web sites that might help you find the uses of your mineral.

               Rocks and Mineral Uses.

                 Common Minerals and Their Uses

               Mineral Photographs

Step 9:  Minerals often have special properties, one of which is their crystal shape. Find a photograph of your mineral in its crystal form to place in your final presentation. Use any of the previous web sites or search on your own.

Step 10:  What is a gemstone?  Why aren't all minerals gems?

                What is your birthstone?

Step 11:  You now have collected enough information to report on your mineral. 

You need the following sections in your report:

1. Title (mineral name)

2. Where the mineral is found and its current value.

3. How the mineral is mined and/or processed.

4. The principle uses.

5. Pictures of your adopted mineral in its crystal form and your birthstone.