Name ________________________________ Date ____________________ Period 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Mineral Identification Lab

Streak Testing

Purpose: To perform streak tests on a variety of different mineral samples, and to use this data as a tool in identifying characteristics unique to a mineral or minerals.

Background: The streak test is an excellent tool that can be used to identify different minerals. This is primarily due to the fact that even though mineral color may vary, a minerals streak test will always remain the same. A good example is quartz. Quartz comes in a variety of colors but its streak test is the same for each one regardless of the color.

 

Materials:

• Streak plates
• Pencils
• Scratch paper for rough drafts

Mineral samples:

• Sulfur
• Talc
• Graphite
• Apatite
• Malachite
• Hematite
• Fluorite
• Gypsum
• Limonite

Directions:

In this lab activity you are going to perform streak tests on a variety of minerals. The streak test can be observe by rubbing the mineral sample across a piece of porcelain called a streak plate. Mr. Andrews will demonstrate the procedure before the lab begins so that everyone has a clear understanding of what to do.

Step One:

In lab groups, (decided by Mr. A) on person will go and get the materials needed for the lab and return to the group. Another person in the group will get all of the needed lab observation/conclusion sheets, and return to the group.

Step Two:

Organize the mineral samples so that you know which ones are which and begin performing the streak test. Only use One mineral sample at a time an perform multiple streak tests on each sample to insure the quality of your results. Write down your results on scratch paper along with any comments that you may have. When you are finished with the samples, and the streak plates, Please put them back where they belong and go to step three.

Step Three:

Look at your data and discuss your results with others in your group. This means your group, and not the group next to yours.

Step Four:

Analyze your data and answer the conclusion questions.

	Click here for laboratory Observation Data Sheets
	Click here for Analysis and Conclusion Sheets