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Station A:
Watch and Learn
_________

Name: ________________________________________
Section: ________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________

Materials:
Laptop or computer for watching the video
Video (bit.ly/Minerals_OpticalProperties)

Procedure:
1. Watch and understand the video discussion about the optical properties of minerals.
2. Create a concept map that will summarize the content of the video. Write a brief
explanation after.
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Concept map:
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Station B:
Color and Light Transmission
_________

Name: ________________________________________
Section: ________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________

Materials:
lab sheets
mineral set
hand lens

Procedure:
1. Color
1. Use the hand lens to observe the mineral sample. Describe the colors you observe
on the table below.

2. Light transmission
a. Place all minerals on a table in a central location. Pick up one of the minerals
and discuss with the group whether it is transparent, translucent, or opaque

Note: The ability to transmit light is another convenient property used in the
identification of minerals. Opaque minerals, such as graphite and jasper, cannot
transmit light. If both light and an image can be transmitted through a mineral, such as
mica, it is said to be transparent. If light, but not an image can be transmitted through a
mineral, such as citrine, it is said to be translucent.
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b. List the mineral under the appropriate column in Table 2 below.

c. Repeat this procedure for few more items.

Guide Questions:

1. Fill out Table 1 below:

Mineral Color description

2. Can you identify the mineral based only on its color? Explain.

3. Fill out Table 2 below:

Opaque Transparent Translucent

4. What makes an object transparent, translucent, or opaque? Explain.

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Station C:
Streak and Luster
_________

Name: ________________________________________
Section: ________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________

Materials:
lab sheets white streak plate
mineral set black streak plate
hand lens moist paper towel
flashlight

Procedure:
a. Streak
1. Gently rub the mineral across the white streak plate.
2. Blow any loose powder off the streak plate.
3. Observe the color of the streak left by the mineral. Use the hand lens if
necessary.

Note: If the mineral does not leave a streak but instead “scratches” the plate,
do not try again. The mineral is too hard for the streak plate test.

4. Describe your observation on Table 3.

5. Repeat for each mineral using the black streak plate.
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b. Luster
1. Shine the flashlight on each mineral sample.
2. Make observations to determine the mineral’s luster (metallic or non-
metallic)
3. Describe your observations on Table 3.

Guide Questions:

1. Fill out Table 3.

Mineral Mineral color Streak color Luster

(metallic/non-
metallic)

2. How does the streak color compare to the color of the mineral? Explain your thoughts.

3. In your own words, define streak.

4. In your own words, define luster.