Mastering the Super 8 Minerals

There are several common minerals that tend to be frequently referenced or described in Earth Science texbooks, labs and even test banks for summative assessments.   

I call these the Super 8. The are Sulfur | Magnetite | Mica | Halite | Pyrite | Calcite | Quartz | Diamond

This lab activity takes about 20-30 minutes to complete with an additional 20-30 minutes time to prepare Mineral samples in advance of your laboratory time.

Laboratory Materials Needed

• Several trays of with mineral  samples of  Sulfur | Magnetite | Mica | Halite | Pyrite | Calcite | Quartz | Diamond (substitute mineral that you wish to emphasize)
• Include scratch plates or streak plates if desired (optional)
• a small compass to identify the Magnetite (optional)
• 2% Hydrolcloric Acid for Calcite/Halite identification (optional) 

Worksheets and Paper References Required