Mineral Hardness
Special
Color Luster
(scratch test)
Properties
3
Calcite
White Dull/Glassy
Bubbles with acid
scratched by nail
6
Feldspar
Pink or white Dull/Pearly
scratches glass
2
Splits into
Mica
Black/Gray Shiny
scratched by fingernail
thin sheets
1
Talc
White Dull
easily scratched by fingernail
2
Gypsum
scratched by fingernail
White/Gray Dull
7
Quartz
Various Colors Glassy
scratches glass
Most common mineral
Fluorite
Various Colors Can be banded or striped; multicolored
You and your classmates have been challenged to identify six minerals. You begin with a dull, white sample, that is easily
scratched with a fingernail What is this mineral?
feldspar
gypsum
quartz
talc