Examination of the Quartz, Feldspathoids, Feldspar, Zeolite Group and other Framework Silicates

Dexter Perkins

University of North Dakota

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Initial Publication Date: August 7, 2006 | Reviewed: August 2, 2011 (see revision history: 2 events)

Summary

Students study hand samples of light-colored igneous minerals and related mineral species. They look at some of the same minerals, and others, in thin section.

Optical Mineralogy, Physical Properties, Mineralogy | College Lower (13-14), College Upper (15-16)

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Context

Audience

This exercise is designed for a mid/upper-level undergraduate geology course on the principles of mineralogy.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

Students should have knowledge of basic chemistry and of minerals equivalent to what they would learn in an introductory geology class.

How the activity is situated in the course

This activity is the 11th of 36 mineralogy exercises and is used towards the beginning of the course.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

Learn to identify important light-colored minerals.
Learn to identify the most important minerals in thin section.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

Begin to think about why minerals of the same chemical group have similar properties.

Other skills goals for this activity

Become more familiar and comfortable using a microscope.

Description of the activity/assignment

In this three-part exercise, students study hand samples and thin sections of light-colored igneous minerals and related mineral species.

Part one - Box of Rocks: Students examine a tray of minerals and record their physical properties, composition, and habit. They note chemical and physical similarities and differences and why there are several varieties of minerals in each group.
Part two - Definitions: Define a list of terms relevent to the lab.
Part three - Minerals in Thin Section: Observe minerals in thin section and answer questions about them.