The mineral Halite
Write a flyer that could be handed to visitors to a museum mineral collection. It should include a combination of written information, photographs, and diagrams. From your flyer the “educated public” (i.e. people with a very basic understanding of high school science) should be able to learn the mineral’s name, composition and variations in composition, identifying physical properties, very basic crystal structure (not systems, miller indices, etc.), uses, geographic/geologic occurrences, and any other interesting or relevant information.
Sample Answer
Minerals: The Building Blocks of Our Planet
Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic, solid substances with a definite chemical composition and a characteristic crystalline structure. They are the building blocks of our planet and are essential for many of the processes that sustain life.
Common Minerals
Some of the most common minerals include:
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Quartz: Quartz is the most abundant mineral on Earth. It is found in a variety of colors, including clear, white, pink, and purple.
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Feldspar: Feldspar is the second most abundant mineral on Earth. It is found in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, and pink.
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Calcite: Calcite is the most common mineral in sedimentary rocks. It is also found in marble, limestone, and chalk.
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Mica: Mica is a group of minerals that are found in many different types of rocks. They are known for their ability to split into thin sheets.
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Olivine: Olivine is a common mineral in igneous rocks. It is also found in some meteorites.
Mineral Properties
Minerals can be identified by their physical properties, such as:
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Hardness: Hardness is a measure of a mineral’s resistance to scratching.
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Color: Color is a helpful clue to a mineral’s identity, but it can be unreliable due to impurities.
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Streak: The streak is the color of a mineral when it is powdered.