Part A
Building Blocks
Early in the semester, way back in Lab 4, you learned about the relevent elements that combine to create rock-forming minerals. Let's do a quick survey of some of those elements and minerals before we go to the rocks.
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Figure 16-2. Mineralogy involves the study of minerals, under a microscope and in hand sample. Under the cross-polarized light of the a petrographic microscope, large olivine phenocrysts ((MgFe)2SiO4) are surrounded by much smaller feldspar crystals (left). A choice sample of halite (NaCl) acquired from a brine pool at Searles Lake, CA (right). |
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Elemental Symbolism
Quiz Me! questions A01 through A06 are combined into two Pairs activity (worth 3 points each) to test your memory of some of the geologically important elements and their symbols. Refer to the Periodic Table of the Elements, if necessary (see PDF HERE).
Mineral Wealth
A few dozen rock-forming minerals compose most of the rocks you will encounter in your life. Let's look at these important lithologic building blocks. Refer to the Lab 4 mineral charts, if necessary. Be sure to make use of the hints in each question. Each of the next two Identity activities is worth multiple points.