Identification of Minerals & Rocks

Identification of Minerals and Rocks
Contents
1. Minerals The Building Blocks of Rocks........................................................................3
1.1. Definition:............................................................................................................ 3
1.2. Classification or Grouping........................................................................................ 3
1.2.1. The Silicates...................................................................................................... 3
1.2.2. Non-Silicates:..................................................................................................... 5
1.3. Properties of Minerals:............................................................................................. 5
1.3.1. Crystal Form...................................................................................................... 5
1.3.2. Luster.............................................................................................................. 5
1.3.3. Color............................................................................................................... 6
1.3.4. Streak.............................................................................................................. 6
1.3.5. Hardness........................................................................................................... 6
1.3.6. Cleavage........................................................................................................... 7
1.3.7. Fracture............................................................................................................ 7
1.3.8. Specific Gravity.................................................................................................. 7
1.3.9. Other Properties of Minerals.................................................................................. 8
1.4. Identification of Minerals in the laboratory....................................................................8
2. Rocks................................................................................................................... 16
2.1. Definition........................................................................................................... 16
2.2. Rock Cycle......................................................................................................... 16
2.3. Types of Rocks.................................................................................................... 17
2.3.1. Igneous Rocks.................................................................................................. 17
2.3.2. Sedimentary Rocks............................................................................................ 19
2.3.3. Metamorphic Rocks........................................................................................... 20
2.4. Identification of Rocks in Laboratory.........................................................................21
3. References............................................................................................................. 42
1
1. Minerals The Building Blocks of Rocks
1.1.Definition:
Minerals are defined by the Geologists as any naturally occurring inorganic solids that consist of
an orderly internal structure and definite chemical composition. Thus, for any earth material to
be considered as mineral, it must exhibit the following characteristics:-
i. It must be a solid
ii. It must be naturally occurring
iii. It must be inorganic
iv. It must possess an orderly internal structure, that is, its atoms must be arranged in a
definite pattern.
v. It must have a definite chemical composition that may vary within specified limits.
Only those substances that meet these criteria are considered minerals. Consequently, synthetic
diamonds are not minerals as these are man-made. Similarly, animal bones are not minerals as
these are organic in nature. Petroleum is considered as oil and gas not mineral. While ice is
considered as mineral as it satisfies all the above mentioned criteria. Further, gemstone opal is
classified as mineraloid, rather than a mineral, because it lacks an orderly internal structure.
There are nearly 4000 minerals in Earth. These minerals are composed of elements. At present
112 elements are known. Of these, only 92 are naturally occurring. Some minerals such as Gold
and Sulfur, are made entirely from one element. But most minerals are the combination of two or
more elements, joined to form chemically stable compounds.
1.2.Classification or Grouping
Nearly 4000 minerals have been named and about 40 to 50 new ones are being identified each year. It is
interesting to note that only eight elements make of the bulk of these minerals and represent over 98
percent (by weight) of the continental crust. Out of these eight elements Oxygen (O) and Silicon (Si)
constitute 46.6 percent and 27.7 percent respectively.
As the most common elements are Silicon and Oxygen, which combine to form the framework of most
common mineral group, the Silicates. Next most common mineral group is the Carbonates, of which
calcite is the most prominent member. Other common rock-forming minerals include gypsum and halite.
2
1.2.1. The Silicates

Silicate minerals contain the elements Oxygen and Silicon. All the silicates have the same fundamental
building block, the Silicon-Oxygen Tetrahedron. This structure consist of four oxygen ions surrounding a
much smaller silicon ion. The silicon-oxygen tetrahedron is a complex ion with a charge of -4.
Figure 1: Silicon-Oxygen Tetrahedron
One of the simplest ways in which these tetrahedral join together to become neutral compounds is
through the addition of positively charged ion. In this way, a chemically stable structure is produced,
consisting of individual tetrahedral linked together by various positively charged ions. In addition,
tetrahedral may link with themselves in variety of configuration, the tetrahedral may be joined for form
single chains, double chains, or sheet structures. The joining of these configurations results from the
sharing of oxygen atom between silicon atoms in adjacent tetrahedral. In the isolated tetrahedron, there
are four oxygen ions for every silicon ion. In the single chain, the oxygen-to-silicon ratio is 3:1, and in
three-dimensional framework this ratio is 2:1. As more of the oxygen ions are shared the percentage of
silicon in the structure increases. Silicate minerals are therefore described as having high or low silicon
content based on their ratio of oxygen to silicon. Most silicate structures, including single chains, double
chains and sheets are not neutral chemical compounds. Thus, like the individual tetrahedral, they all are
neutralized by the inclusion of positively charged ions that bond them together into a variety of complex
crystalline configurations. These ions that most often link silicate structures are those of the elements ions
(Fe), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), aluminum (Al) and calcium (Ca). The common
silicate minerals are Olivine, Augite, Hornblende, Biotite, Muscovite, Orthoclase, Plagioclase and Quartz.
On the basis of chemical makeup, the silicate minerals are divided two major groups as given below in
the diagram:
3
Sp. gravity (3.2

Ferromagnesian to 3.6)
(contains Fe & Mg)
Dark Color Examples:
Silicates Olivine,
Pyroxene,
Silicates amphibole
Nonferromagnesia Sp. gravity 2.7
n (Contains Al, K, (Examples:
Na, Ca) Feldsper,
Light Color Muscovite,
Silicates Quartz)
1.2.2. Non-Silicates:
Non-silicate mineral groups are oxides, sulfides, sulfates, halides, native elements and carbonate.
Most common mineral group next to silicates is carbonate. The carbonate minerals are much
simpler structurally than the silicates. The two most common carbonate minerals are calcite and
dolomite.
1.3.Properties of Minerals:
Minerals occur in different colors, shapes and lusters. They vary in hardness and may even have
a distinctive taste. Following physical properties are used for the identification of minerals.
1.3.1. Crystal Form
It is the external expression of the orderly internal arrangement of atoms. Forms of crystal can be
cubic, tetragonal, hexagonal etc. examples are, phyrite, commonly known as fools gold often
forms cubic crystals while quartz exhibits well-developed hexagonal (six-sided) crystals with
pyramidal-shaped ends.
4
Figure 2: Figure showing different types of crystal forms
1.3.2. Luster
Appearance or quality of light reflected from surface of mineral. Luster can be metallic or non-
metallic.
Metallic Luster: Materials which have metallic appearance, regardless of their color, are said to
have a metallic luster.
Non-metallic Luster: This is a type of luster in which appearance of minerals does not resemble
with that of metals. The non-metallic luster further has been classified into five different types:
i. Vitreous (glassy)
ii. Earthy (dull)
iii. Silky
iv. Pearly
v. Resinous
Some minerals appears somewhat metallic in luster are said to be sub-metallic.
1.3.3. Color
Color of any mineral is visible light spectrum radiation reflected from it. Although color is an
obvious feature of a mineral, it is often unreliable as one mineral may possess more than one
color due to presence of impurities.
This property can be observed by simply looking at the mineral and noting its color like blue,
white, black etc.
5
1.3.4. Streak
It is the color of the mineral in its powdered form. Streak is obtained by rubbing the material
across a piece of unglazed porcelain termed as streak plate.
The color of the mineral may vary from sample to sample, the streak usually does not, and is
therefore the more reliable property. Streak can also be an aid in distinguishing minerals with
metallic lusters from those having non-metallic lusters. Metallic minerals generally have a dense,
dark streak, whereas minerals with non-metallic lusters do not.
1.3.5. Hardness
Measure of resistance of a mineral to abrasion or scratching. This property can be determined by

rubbing the mineral against another mineral of known hardness or against some common objects
of known hardness.
Geologist use a standard hardness scale, called the Mohs scale. It consists of 10 minerals
arranged in order from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest) as is shown in Table 1. Any mineral of
unknown hardness can be rubbed against these to determine its hardness. In the field, other
handy objects work too. For example, fingernail has a hardness of 2.5, a copper penny 3, and a
piece of glass 5.5.
6
Table 1: Mohs scale of mineral hardness
Relative Scale Mineral Hardness of some

common objects
Hardest 10 Diamond
9 Corundium
8 Topaz
7 Quartz
6 Potassium Feldsper 5.5 Glass, Pocket Knife
5 Apatite
4 Fluorite 3.5 Copper Penny
3 Calcite 2.5 Finger nail
2 Gypsum
Softest 1 Talc
Hardness is one of the most important physical property of any mineral because it is determined
by a proper scale.
1.3.6. Cleavage
The property of minerals which cause them to break along planes of weakness in the crystal
structure is called as Cleavage.
When minerals break evenly in more than one direction, cleavage is exhibited by number of
planes exhibited and the angles at which they meet.
Cleavage and crystal forms are different things. When a mineral exhibits cleavage, it will break
into pieces that have the same geometry as each other. The simplest type of cleavage is exhibited
by Micas. Because the micas have weak bonds in one direction, they cleave to form thin flat
sheets.
1.3.7. Fracture
Minerals that do not exhibit cleavage when broken such as quartz are said to fracture. Minerals
that dont have any weak plane generally fracture. It means that if a mineral fractures it is
considered to be stronger than that which forms cleavage planes.
1.3.8. Specific Gravity
It is ratio of the mass of a mineral to the mass of an equal volume of water at standard
temperature of 4oC.
It gives us information that how much a mineral is heavier than equal volume of water. For
example, if specific gravity of any mineral is 3, it means that mineral is 3 times heavier than
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equal volume of water. Galena, which is an ore of lead, has a specific gravity of roughly 7.5,
whereas the specific gravity of 24-karat gold is approximately 20.
1.3.9. Other Properties of Minerals

A number of special physical and chemical properties are useful in identifying certain minerals. These
include taste, smell, elasticity, malleability, feel, magnetism, double refraction and chemical reaction with
HCl. Halite is ordinary salt, so it is quickly identified with its taste. Thin sheets of mica will bend and
elastically snap back. Gold is malleable and can be easily shaped. Talc and graphite both have distinctive
feels. Talc feels soapy and graphite feels greasy. A few minerals, such as magnetite have a high iron
content and can be picked up with a magnet. Some minerals exhibit special optical properties, for
example, when a transparent piece of calcite is placed over a printed material, the letters appears twice.
This optical property is known as double refraction. In addition, the streak of many sulfur bearing
minerals smells like rotten eggs. One very simple chemical test involves placing a drop of dilute
hydrochloric acid from a dropper bottle on a freshly broken mineral surface. Certain minerals called
carbonates will effervesce (fizz) with HCl. This test is useful in identifying the mineral calcite, which is a
common carbonate mineral.
1.4.Identification of Minerals in the laboratory

15 samples of the minerals are provided for visual identification.
SAMPLE # 1:
Name of mineral Dolomite

Chemical composition CaMg(CO)3
Color White & Grey
Crystal Form Hexagonal
Streak White
Luster Dull
Hardness 3.5 - 4
Cleavage None
Specific gravity 2.8 - 3
Mineral Group Carbonates
8
SAMPLE # 2
Name of mineral Muscovite Mica

Chemical KAl2(Si3Al)O10(OH,F)2
composition
Color Colorless
Crystal Form Monoclinic
Streak White
Luster Vitreous
Hardness 2.5 3
Cleavage 1, Perfect
Specific gravity 2.8 2.9
Mineral Group Silicate
SAMPLE # 3
Name of mineral Orthoclase

Chemical composition KAlSi3O8
Color White, Grey, Pink,
Reddish,
Crystal system Monoclinic

Streak White
Luster Dull
Hardness 6 6.5
Cleavage Perfect
Mineral Group Silicates
9
SAMPLE # 4
Name of mineral Talc

Chemical Mg3Si4O10(OH)2
composition
Color Yellowish grey
Streak Grey
Luster Earthy (dull)
Hardness 1
Cleavage 1
Specific gravity 2.75 (average density
of mineral)
SAMPLE # 5:
Name of mineral Topaz

Chemical composition Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
Color Grey
Crystal system Orthorhombic
Streak Colorless
Luster Vitreous
Hardness 8
Cleavage 1,3
10
SAMPLE # 6:
Name of mineral Gypsum

Chemical CaSO4.2H2O
composition
Color White
Streak White
Luster Glassy
Hardness 2
Cleavage 3
Mineral Group Sulfate
SAMPLE # 7
Name of mineral Corundum

Chemical composition Al2O3
Color Dark Grey.
Crystal system Hexagonal
Streak White
Luster Vitreous
Hardness 9
Cleavage None
Mineral Group Oxides
11
SAMPLE # 8
Name of mineral Fluoride

Chemical composition CaF2
Color Colorless
Crystal system Isometric
Streak White
Luster Vitreous
Hardness 4
Cleavage 1
Specific gravity 3 3.3
Mineral Group Fluoride
SAMPLE# 9
Name of mineral Rose Quartz

Chemical composition SiO2
Color Pink
Crystal system Triclinic
Streak White
Luster Glassy
Hardness 7
Cleavage None
12
Name of mineral Hornblende

Chemical (Ca,Na) 2(Mg,Fe,Al) 5
composition (Al,Si) 8O 22 (OH) 2.
Color Black
Streak Colorless
Luster Submetallic
Hardness 5-6
Cleavage Imperfect
SAMPLE# 10
SAMPLE # 11
Name of mineral Quartz

Chemical composition SiO2
Color Milky (White)
Streak White
Luster Earthy (Dull)
Hardness 7
Cleavage None
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SAMPLE # 12
Name of mineral Calcite

Chemical composition CaCO3
Color Colorless
Streak White
Luster Vitreous
Hardness 3
Cleavage Rhombohedral (perfect)
Specific gravity 2.7
Mineral Group Carbonate
SAMPLE # 13
Name of mineral Apatite

Chemical Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)
composition
Color Dark Grey
Crystal system Hexogonal

Streak White
Luster Earthy (Dull)
Hardness 5
Cleavage Indiscernible
Specific gravity 3.1
Mineral Group Chloride or Fluoride
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SAMPLE # 14
Name of mineral Biotite Mica

Chemical KMg3AlSi3O10)(F,OH)2
composition
Color Black

Streak White
Luster Pearly
Hardness 2.5 to 3
Cleavage 1, Perfect
Specific gravity 2.8 to 3.4
SAMPLE # 15:
Name of mineral Gypsum

Chemical CaSO4.2H2O
composition
Color White with dark
spots
Streak White
Luster Glassy
Hardness 2
Cleavage 3
Mineral Group Sulfate
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2. Rocks
2.1.Definition
Rocks are the aggregates of one or more minerals that are strongly bonded together and that occurs
naturally.
A few rocks are composed almost of entirely of one mineral. A common example is the sedimentary rock
limestone, which consists of impure masses of mineral calcite. While most rocks like the common rock
granite occurs as aggregates of several kinds of minerals. Granite consists of minerals quartz, hornblende
and feldspar.
Depending upon the conditions of formation, the rocks have been classified into three major categories.
These are as follows:
i. Igneous Rocks
ii. Sedimentary Rocks
iii. Metamorphic Rocks
2.2.Rock Cycle
The rock cycle shows that all the three types of rocks are linked to each other by processes.
Figure 3: The Rock Cycle
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2.3.Types of Rocks
2.3.1. Igneous Rocks
The igneous rocks are formed by cooling and solidification of magma. The process of cooling
and solidification of magma is called crystallization. Crystallization can either occur beneath the
surface or following a volcanic eruption, at the surface. In either situation the resulting rocks are
called igneous rocks.
Intrusive or Plutonic:-
Magma that loses its mobility before reaching the surface eventually crystallizes at depth. Such
igneous rocks are called Intrusive or Plutonic.
Extrusive or volcanic:
Igneous rocks that form when molten rock solidifies at the surface are classified as extrusive or
volcanic.
Texture Important Property of Igneous Rocks
Texture is an important property of the igneous rocks. Texture is defined as the overall
appearance of the rock based on the size, shape and arrangement of its interlocking crystals.
Texture is an important characteristic because it reveals a great deal about the environment in
which the rock formed. Three factors contribute to the texture of igneous rocks:
i) The rate at which magma cools ( most significant)

ii) The amount of Silica present
iii) The amount of dissolved gases in the magma
Types of Igneous Textures:
i) Aphanitic (fine grained) Texture:
Igneous rocks that form at the surface or as small masses within the upper crust where
cooling is relatively rapid possess a very fined grained texture termed as Aphanitic. Fine
grained rocks are characterized as being light, intermediate or dark in color. Using this
system of grouping, light colored aphanitic rocks are those containing primarily light-colored
non-ferromagnesian silicate minerals.
ii) Phaneritic (coarse-grained) Texture:
When large masses of magma slowly solidifies far below the surface, they form igneous rocks
that exhibit a coarse grained texture described as phaneritic.
iii) Porphyritic Texture:
17
A large mass of magma located at depth may require tens to hundreds of thousands of years
to solidify. Because different minerals crystallize at different temperatures. It is possible for
some crystals to become quite large before others even begin to form. The resulting rock,
which has the large crystals embedded in a matrix of smaller crystals, is said to have a
porphyritic texture. The large crystals in such rocks are referred to as phenocrysts, while
matrix of smaller crystals is called ground mass. A rock with such texture is termed as
porphyry.
iv) Glassy Texture:
During some volcanic eruptions, molten rock is ejected into the atmosphere where it is quenched
quickly. Rapid cooling of this type may generate rocks having a glassy texture.
v) Pyroclastic Texture:
Some igneous rocks are formed from the consolidation of individual rock fragments that are
ejected during a volcanic eruption. Igneous rocks composed of these rock fragments are said to
have a pyroclastic texture.
Bowens Reaction Series:
Bowns reaction series shows the sequence in which the minerals crystallize from a magma
Figure 4: Bowen's reaction series
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2.3.2. Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks which are formed by weathering, transportation, deposition and cementation of sediments from the
igneous rocks, are called sedimentary rocks.
Types of Sedimentary Rocks:
i) Detrital Sedimentary Rocks:
Deposition of sediments that originates and is transported as solid particles derived from both mechanical
and chemical weathering. Deposits of this types are termed as detrital and the sedimentary rocks that they
form are called detrital sedimentary rocks. The type of rocks include conglomerate or breccia, sandstone,
shale or mudstone.
Particle Size Classification for Detrital Rocks:
Figure 5: Particle size classification of detrital rocks
ii) Chemical Sedimentary Rocks:
By chemical weathering, soluble material is produced, when these dissolved substances are precipitated
by either inorganic or organic processes, the material is known as chemical sediment and the rock formed
from it called chemical sedimentary rock. Examples of these type of rocks are Limestone, Dolostone,
Chert, Rock Salt, Rock Gypsum etc.
Table 2: Chemical Sedimentary Rocks
Group Texture Composition Rock Name

Inorganic Clastic or nonclastic Calcite Limestone
Non-clastic Dolomite Dolostone
Non-clastic Microcrystalline quartz Chert
Non-clastic Halite Rock Salt
Non-clastic Gypsum Rock Gypsum
Biochemical Clastic or non-clastic Calcite Limestone
Non-clastic Microcrystalline quartz Chert
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2.3.3. Metamorphic Rocks

The rocks which are formed by changes induced at high temperature (upto 600 Degree Celcius) and/or
high pressures (around 500 MPa at 20km depth). These changes (metamorphism) take place in the solid
state. The type of metamorphic rock produced depends on the original rock material that was
metamorphosed and the temperature and pressure conditions which were imposed.
Metamorphic Changes in Rock
Recrystallization: which forms a strong mineral mosaic, notably in marble
New Minerals: grow at the expense of less stable minerals in the new conditions of high
temperature and pressure. Most important changes are clay minerals, micas, feldspar and mafics.
Micas are the most significant minerals in metamorphic rock and only change to feldspar at the
highest grade of metamorphism.
Directional Pressure: within the solid state creates mineral orientation within the regionally
metamorphosed rocks. New minerals grow in the line of least resistance perpendicular to the
maximum pressure to cause foliation or banding within these rocks.
Planar Weaknesses: in the foliated metamorphic rocks are created by the parallel micas, causing
rock cleavage and schistosity (both independent of bedding)
Non-foliated: metamorphic rocks have stronger isotropic structure. These include hornfels,
formed by thermal metamorphism of clay without high pressure; also marble, gneiss with little or
no mica.
Grade: of metamorphism is the overall extent of change, notably in the sequence (within regional
metamorphism) from slate to schist to gneiss.
Metamorphism of Different Rocks
Limestone to marble, Sandstone to quartzite, basalt to greenstone, clay and rock mixture to
hornfels, slate, schist or gneiss depending on the type and grade of metamorphism.
Types of Metamorphic Rocks
Based upon the texture, these rocks have also been classified into two broad categories:
Foliated Metamorphic Rocks

Non-foliated Metamorphic Rocks
20
2.4.Identification of Rocks in Laboratory

Sixty (60) rock samples are given. We are asked to arrange in proper order based on the following
properties:-
i) Color ii) Grain Size iii) Mineral Composition iv) Strength v)

Weathering Degree vi) Structure vii) Characteristics viii) Type of Rock ix)
Name of Rock; and x) Discontinuity
(Note:- The rock samples explained here are not according to the order as in the lab, as the order of
the sample in the lab is altered later.)
Sample # 1
1. Name of Rock Marble Gypsum

2. Type of Rock Metamorphic
3. Color White and Grey
4. Grain size Coarse
5. Mineral Composition Calcite, Dolomite, Gypsum

6. Strength Strong
7. Weathering degree Fresh
8. Structure Granoblastic
9. Characteristics/Texture Non-foliated
10. Discontinuity None
21
Sample # 2
1.Name of Rock Granite

2.Type of Rock Igneous
3.Color White, Grey and Dark Grey
4.Grain size Coarse
5.Mineral Composition Quartz, Feldsper & Hornblende
6.Strength Very Strong
7.Weathering degree Slightly Weathered
8.Structure Homogenous
9.Characteristics/Texture Phaneritic Texture
10.Discontinuity None
Sample # 3
1.Name of Rock Sandstone

2.Type of Rock Sedimentary
3.Color Yellowish
4.Grain size 1/16 to 2 mm
5.Mineral Composition Quartz and Feldsper
6.Strength Strong
7.Weathering degree Fresh
8.Structure Massive
9.Characteristics/Texture Clastic
Sample # 4
Gneiss From Granite

1.Name of Rock
2.Type of Rock Metamorphic
3.Color White & Grey
4.Grain size Coarse
5.Mineral Composition Quartz, Feldsper, amphibole
6.Strength Strong
7.Weathering degree Moderately Weathered
8.Structure Gneissose
9.Characteristics/Texture Foliations
22
Sample # 5

3.Color White, grey and dark grey
4.Grain size Coarse
5.Mineral Composition Quartz, Feldsper &Hornblende
6.Strength Strong
9.Characteristics/Texture Phaneritic
Sample # 6
1.Name of Rock Augen Gneiss

4.Grain size Coarse
5.Mineral Composition Quartz & Feldsper
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Gnessose
9.Characteristics/Texture Eye Shaped Foliations
Sample # 7
1.Name of Rock Slate

3.Color Dark Grey
4.Grain size Very Fine
5.Mineral Composition Clay Minerals
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Parallel Side Slabs
9.Characteristics/Texture Foliations Parallel side slabs
23
Sample # 8

3.Color White, Yellow & Dark
4.Grain size Coarse
6.Strength Strong
7.Weathering degree Fresh to Slightly Weathered
Sample # 9
1.Name of Rock Limestone

3.Color Dark Grey
4.Grain size Fine
5.Mineral Composition Calcite
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Massive
9.Characteristics/Texture Non-Clastic
Sample # 10
1.Name of Rock Shale

3.Color Grey
4.Grain size 1/256 to 1/16 mm
6.Strength Medium Strong
8.Structure Massive
24
25
Sample # 11

4.Grain size Coarse
6.Strength Strong
Sample # 12

4.Grain size Coarse
6.Strength Strong
Sample # 13
1.Name of Rock Siltstone

3.Color Brownish Yellow
5.Mineral Composition Quarz , Feldsper
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Massive
26
Sample # 14
1.Name of Rock Basalt

3.Color Dark Grey
4.Grain size Fine Grained
5.Mineral Composition Pyroxene, Plagioclase,
Quartz
7.Weathering degree Fresh to Slightly
Weathered
8.Structure Amygdaloidal
9.Characteristics/Texture Aphanitic
Sample # 15

3.Color Dark Grey
4.Grain size Fine
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Massive
Sample # 16
1.Name of Rock Sandstone

3.Color Reddish brown
4.Grain size 1/16 to 2 mm
5.Mineral Composition Quartz, Feldsper
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Massive
27
Sample # 17
1.Name of Rock Mica Schist

3.Color Reddish Brown & Grey
4.Grain size Fine grained
5.Mineral Composition Biotite,Muscovite, Amphibole
8.Structure Massive
9.Characteristics/Texture Foliations, Schistosity
Sample # 18

3.Color light Grey
4.Grain size Fine
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Massive
Sample # 19

4.Grain size Coarse
6.Strength Strong
28
29
Sample # 20
1.Name of Rock Phyllite

3.Color Dark Grey
4.Grain size Medium Grained
5.Mineral Composition Sericite, Chlorite, Muscovite
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Massive
Sample # 21
1.Name of Rock Diabase

3.Color White & Dark Grey
4.Grain size Coarse
5.Mineral Composition Pyroxene and feldsfer
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Amydales
Sample # 22
1.Name of Rock Schist

3.Color Reddish Brown & Grey
5.Mineral Composition Biotite,Muscovite, Amphibole
30
31
Sample # 23
1.Name of Rock Quartzite

3.Color Greyish
4.Grain size fine
5.Mineral Composition Quartz
8.Structure Massive
9.Characteristics/Texture Non-Foliated
Sample # 24
1.Name of Rock Syenite

4.Grain size Coarse
5.Mineral Composition Feldsper, Amphibole
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Massive
Sample # 25
1.Name of Rock Rhyolite

3.Color Reddish Grey
8.Structure Massive
32
Sample # 26
1.Name of Rock Andesite

3.Color Light Grey
5.Mineral Composition Intermediate Plagioclase,
amphibole
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Massive
9.Characteristics/Texture Apahnitic
Sample # 27
1.Name of Rock Basalt

3.Color Grey and Black
5.Mineral Composition Pyroxene, Calcium
Feldsfer
6.Strength Strong
Weathered
Sample # 28
1.Name of Rock Claystone

4.Grain size Very Fine Grained
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Massive
33
Sample # 29
1.Name of Rock Gabbro

3.Color Dark Black
4.Grain size Coarse Grained
5.Mineral Composition Pyroxene, Calcium
Plagioclase
6.Strength Strong
Weathered
Sample # 30
1.Name of Rock Vesicular Basalt

3.Color Reddish Brown
5.Mineral Composition Pyroxene, Calcium Rich
Plagioclase
6.Strength Strong
Sample # 31
34
1.Name of Rock Rhyolitic Tuff

3.Color Red, Brown, White, Grey
4.Grain size Coarse and Fine
5.Mineral Composition
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Massive
9.Characteristics/Texture Pyroclastic
Sample # 32
1.Name of Rock Pumice

3.Color Gray, Frothy Mass
5.Mineral Composition Silica Content
6.Strength Moderate
8.Structure Massive
Sample # 33
1.Name of Rock Diorite

3.Color Grey
5.Mineral Composition Na-Feldsper,
Amphibole, Biotite
6.Strength Strong
Sample # 34
35
1.Name of Rock Coral Reef

(Limestone)
2.Type of Rock Biochemical
Sedimentary
3.Color White
6.Strength Moderate
8.Structure Massive
Sample # 35

3.Color Dark Grey, Black
5.Mineral Composition Pyroxene, Plagioclase
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Amygdale
Sample # 36

3.Color Grey
5.Mineral Composition Na-Feldsper,
Amphibole, Biotite
6.Strength Strong
36
Sample # 37
1.Name of Rock Slate

3.Color Dark Grey
4.Grain size Very Fine
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Parallel Side Slabs
9.Characteristics/Texture Foliations Parallel side slabs
Sample # 38
1.Name of Rock Scoria

3.Color Grey
5.Mineral Composition Pyroxene, Calcium Rich
Plagioclase
6.Strength Moderate
9.Characteristics/Texture APhanitic
Sample # 39
1.Name of Rock Shale or Mudstone

2.Type of Rock Sedimentary (Detrital)
3.Color Grey, Reddish
4.Grain size <1/256
5.Mineral Composition Clay Minerals, Feldsper
8.Structure Massive
37
Sample # 40
Siltstone
1.Name of Rock
5.Mineral Composition Clay Minerals, Feldsper
8.Structure Massive
Sample # 41

4.Grain size Coarse
6.Strength Strong
Sample # 42

3.Color Grey
5.Mineral Composition Na-Feldsper, Amphibole,
Biotite
6.Strength Strong
38
Sample # 43
1.Name of Rock Conglomerate

3.Color Yellowish
4.Grain size >2 mm
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Massive
Sample # 44

4.Grain size Coarse
6.Strength Strong
Sample # 45
39

4.Grain size Coarse
6.Strength Strong
Sample # 46
1.Name of Rock Quartz

2.Type of Rock Silicate Mineral
3.Color Colorless
4.Grain size -
6.Strength -
7.Weathering degree -
8.Structure Hexogonal
9.Characteristics/Texture -
Sample # 47

2.Type of Rock Chemical Sedimentary
3.Color White and grey
6.Strength Moderate
8.Structure Massive
Sample # 48
40
1.Name of Rock Marble Gypsum

3.Color White and Grey
4.Grain size Coarse
5.Mineral Composition Calcite, Dolomite, Gypsum
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Granoblastic
9.Characteristics/Texture Non-foliated
Sample # 49
1.Name of Rock Rhyolite

8.Structure Massive
Sample # 50
Chert
1.Name of Rock
3.Color White, Grey and yellow
4.Grain size Very fine
6.Strength Low
8.Structure Massive
9.Characteristics/Texture Non-Clastic Texture
Sample # 51
41

3.Color light Grey
4.Grain size Fine
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Massive
Sample # 52
1.Name of Rock Schist

3.Color Brown & Grey
5.Mineral Composition Biotite , Amphibole
8.Structure Massive
Sample # 53
1.Name of Rock Phyllite

3.Color Dark Grey
4.Grain size Medium Grained
5.Mineral Composition Sericite, Chlorite, Muscovite
6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Massive
Sample # 54
42
1.Name of Rock Claystone

6.Strength Strong
8.Structure Massive
Sample # 55

3.Color White and Grey
5.Mineral Composition Quartz, Feldsper, Hornblende
6.Strength Srong
Sample # 56

5.Mineral Composition Quartz, Feldsper,
Hornblende
6.Strength Srong
Sample # 57
43

4.Grain size Coarse
5.Mineral Composition Quartz, Feldsper &
Hornblende
6.Strength Strong
Sample # 58

3.Color Dark Grey
5.Mineral Composition Pyroxene, Plagioclase
6.Strength Strong
Sample # 59

4.Grain size Coarse
Hornblende
6.Strength Strong
Sample # 60
44

4.Grain size Coarse
Hornblende
6.Strength Strong
3. References
Lutgens F.K and Tarbuck E.J. (2000), Essentials of Geology, 7th Ed,. Prentice Hall
Lecture Notes by Dr. P.H. Giao
45

Identification of Minerals &amp; Rocks

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Identification of Minerals &amp; Rocks

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Identification of Minerals and Rocks

1. Minerals The Building Blocks of Rocks

1.2.1. The Silicates

Figure 1: Silicon-Oxygen Tetrahedron

Sp. gravity (3.2

1.3.1. Crystal Form

Figure 2: Figure showing different types of crystal forms

Some minerals appears somewhat metallic in luster are said to be sub-metallic.

Measure of resistance of a mineral to abrasion or scratching. This property can be determined by

Table 1: Mohs scale of mineral hardness

Relative Scale Mineral Hardness of some

1.3.8. Specific Gravity

1.3.9. Other Properties of Minerals

1.4.Identification of Minerals in the laboratory

Name of mineral Dolomite

Name of mineral Muscovite Mica

Name of mineral Orthoclase

Crystal system Monoclinic

Name of mineral Talc

Name of mineral Topaz

Name of mineral Gypsum

Name of mineral Corundum

Name of mineral Fluoride

Name of mineral Rose Quartz

Name of mineral Hornblende

Name of mineral Quartz

Name of mineral Calcite

Name of mineral Apatite

Crystal system Hexogonal

Name of mineral Biotite Mica

Crystal system Monoclinic

Name of mineral Gypsum

Figure 3: The Rock Cycle

2.3.1. Igneous Rocks

Texture Important Property of Igneous Rocks

i) The rate at which magma cools ( most significant)

Types of Igneous Textures:

i) Aphanitic (fine grained) Texture:

ii) Phaneritic (coarse-grained) Texture:

iii) Porphyritic Texture:

iv) Glassy Texture:

Bowens Reaction Series:

Figure 4: Bowen's reaction series

2.3.2. Sedimentary Rocks

Types of Sedimentary Rocks:

i) Detrital Sedimentary Rocks:

Particle Size Classification for Detrital Rocks:

Figure 5: Particle size classification of detrital rocks

ii) Chemical Sedimentary Rocks:

Table 2: Chemical Sedimentary Rocks

Group Texture Composition Rock Name

2.3.3. Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic Changes in Rock

Recrystallization: which forms a strong mineral mosaic, notably in marble

Metamorphism of Different Rocks

Types of Metamorphic Rocks

Foliated Metamorphic Rocks

2.4.Identification of Rocks in Laboratory

i) Color ii) Grain Size iii) Mineral Composition iv) Strength v)

1. Name of Rock Marble Gypsum

5. Mineral Composition Calcite, Dolomite, Gypsum

1.Name of Rock Granite

1.Name of Rock Sandstone

Gneiss From Granite

Identification of Minerals & Rocks

Identification of Minerals & Rocks