Earth Science 2

Sean Justine M.
Caloyloy G11-STEM
“Earth Science”
Quarter 1
Week 2.1
SAQ-1: Explain each physical property that identifies a rock-forming mineral.
Feldspars, quartz, amphiboles, micas, olivine, garnet, calcite, pyroxenes are rock
forming minerals described or identified because of the physical properties,
physical properties can be observed or measured without changing the composition
of matter and this include; color, streak, luster, specific gravity, specific
hardness, cleavage, fracture, tenacity, and crystal habit.
Color – Hue of an object as perceived by humans and it is a physical property
because it doesn't alter the basic nature of the substance.
Streak – Is the color of the mineral in its powdered form, the color of a mineral's
powder may differ from the actual color of the mineral and Almost every mineral
has an inherent streak color, no matter what color the actual mineral is.
Luster - Luster is the property of minerals that describes how light is reflected or it
is a relative differences in the opacity and transparency of a mineral; Metallic,
waxy, vitreous, silky, pearly, and dull are all types of luster.
Specific gravity – Specific gravity or also called relative density is defined as the
ratio of the density of the solid part of a material to the density of water.
Specific hardness - the degree of resistance offered by its smooth surface to being
scratched or the measure of the resistance to abrasions or scratches.
Cleavage - Cleavage refers to the splitting of a crystal along a smooth plane or it is
a tendency of the mineral to be split or broken along flat surfaces.
Fracture – Fracture is nondirectional: minerals which do not possess distinct
cleavage may fracture in any possible direction and it refers to the texture or shape
of the mineral’s surface which can aid in identification and Fracture has distinctive
types of this are 'conchoidal,' 'irregular,' and 'hackly' fracture.
Tenacity - It describes the physical reaction of a mineral to externally applied
stresses such as crushing, cutting, bending, and striking forces.
Crystal habit – refers to the growth pattern of a mineral as single or aggregated.
SAQ-2: Differentiate the 2 chemical properties (solubility and melting point).
Solubility refers the ability of a substance to dissolve and melting point refers to the
temperature at which solid turns into liquid.
SAQ-3: Identify at least 4 common examples of rock forming minerals and describe each.
Olivine, Pyroxene, Mica and Quartz are rock forming minerals.
Olivine - The mineral olivine is a magnesium iron silicate with the formula (Mg2+,
Fe2+) 2SiO. 4. . . . Thus, it is a type of nesosilicate or orthosilicate. The primary
component of the Earth's upper mantle
Pyroxene - Pyroxenes are a group of dark-colored rock-forming minerals found in
igneous and metamorphic rocks throughout the world. They form under conditions
of high temperature and/or high pressure.
Mica - Mica is a mineral name given to a group of minerals that are physically and
chemically similar. They are all silicate minerals, known as sheet silicates because
they form in distinct layers. Micas are fairly light and relatively soft, and the sheets
and flakes of mica are flexible.
Quartz - Quartz is a chemical compound consisting of one part silicon and two
parts oxygen. It is silicon dioxide (SiO2). It is the most abundant mineral found at
Earth's surface, and its unique properties make it one of the most useful natural
substances.
A.
Properties Physical Chemical Description
1. Streak Yes No Is the color of the mineral in its powdered

form
2. Solubility No Yes The ability of a substance to dissolve in a

solvent at a specified temperature.
3. Cleavage Yes No Refers to the splitting of a crystal along a

smooth plane or it is a tendency of the mineral
to be split or broken along flat surfaces.
4. Melting No Yes Refers to temperature at which the solid and
point liquid forms of a pure substance can exist in
equilibrium. ... As heat is applied to a solid, its
temperature will increase until the melting
point is reached
5. Hardness Yes No the degree of resistance offered by its smooth
surface to being scratched
Pictur Name Color Hardness Chemical Formula

e Composition
1. Olivine Olive-green Mohs 6.5 (Mg,fe) A2SiO4
to 7
2. Mica Black Mohs 2 to K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(OH)2
(Biotite) Biotite 2.5
3. Quartz Clear and Mohs 2SiO2
Transparent hardness
of 7
B.
TRY:
1. A. 2. D 3. B 4. C 5. A 6. D 7. B 8. C
9. A 10. C

Earth Science 2

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Sean Justine M.

Properties Physical Chemical Description

1. Streak Yes No Is the color of the mineral in its powdered

2. Solubility No Yes The ability of a substance to dissolve in a

3. Cleavage Yes No Refers to the splitting of a crystal along a

Pictur Name Color Hardness Chemical Formula

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