Question
Point Value: 8 points
Suggested Time: Two to three 45-minute class periods
Task Overview:
Using their background knowledge from the passage, students will research the importance of mineral hardness in a real-life scenario. For example, a student could consider why some minerals are better to use in kitchen counter tops than others. Students will compile their research into a short presentation. Finally, students will incorporate a multimedia or visual display to add clarity or interest to their presentation.
Student Directions:
In “Mineral Hardness Test Experiment: Using the Mohs Scale to Determine the Hardness of Minerals,” you learned how scientists identify unknown minerals by measuring their hardness. You will be researching the importance of mineral hardness in a real-life scenario. For example, you may choose to research why some minerals are better to use in kitchen counter tops than others. You will compile your research into a short presentation that includes a multimedia or visual display.
Part 1:
Research how minerals are used in everyday life. For example, quartz is used analog watches, gold is used in dental work, and diamonds are used in some drill bits. Make a list of reasons why minerals of different degrees of hardness are ideal for some purposes. For each bullet give examples of situations in which a particular mineral is used. Then, choose one mineral and research reasons why that mineral is used for a particular purpose—how does the mineral’s hardness contribute to its usability?
Part 2:
Compile the research about your chosen mineral into an interesting presentation. Using the information from the Mohs Hardness Scale in the passage as well as your research, create a multimedia or visual display to enhance your presentation. For example, you could incorporate a video simulation showing how some materials are more durable than others.
Part 3:
Share your presentation with the class. Be sure to consider your audience when choosing the language you use in your speech. Also remember the importance of speaking slowly, and clearly so that your message is heard.
Scoring:
Your work will be scored based on:
The accuracy and detail of your research
The accuracy of your presentation
The appropriateness and effectiveness of your incorporated visual or multimedia display
The clarity of your speech
Mineral Hardness Test Experiment: Using the Mohs Scale to Determine the Hardness of Minerals
Mineral Hardness Test Experiment: Using the Mohs Scale to Determine the Hardness of Minerals
Mineral Hardness Test Experiment: Using the Mohs Scale to Determine the Hardness of Minerals
Introduction
A mineral is a naturally occurring, homogeneous1 inorganic2 solid substance with a definite chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure, color, and hardness. Minerals are made of particles that bond together. The particles may be hard or soft. This property determines whether the mineral is hard like granite or soft like the graphite in a pencil. In 1812, an Austrian mineralogist named Friedrich Mohs developed a scale for measuring the hardness of minerals. Mohs gathered ten commonly available minerals and scratched them against each other. This allowed him to arrange them on a scale of relative hardness from 1 - 10. The softest minerals were those that were most easily scratched, and they were given a score of 1. The hardest minerals were given a higher score -- closer to 10. Talc was the softest mineral on the scale because every other mineral Mohs tested would leave a mark on it. He gave it a rating of one. Mohs gave a mineral called feldspar a rating of six. That means it was harder and able to scratch all the minerals with lower ratings, but it was softer and could not leave marks on the minerals with higher ratings. A diamond was the hardest of the minerals Mohs tested. It could scratch all the other minerals in the scale, but no other mineral could leave a mark on the diamond.
Today, the Mohs hardness test involves scratching a mineral with an object of known hardness to see if it leaves a mark. A person can use objects of known hardness, such as a fingernail which has a score of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, a penny with a score of 3.5, glass with a score of 5.5, or a steel file at 5.1. In this experiment, the student will use these objects of known hardness to scratch unknown minerals. Then students will draw conclusions about each mineral's identity based on the results.
Purpose
The purpose of this experiment is to determine the identity of unknown minerals by using the Mohs hardness scale. The experiment will involve testing 4 unknown specimens by scratching them with objects of known hardness and using the Mohs scale to determine which minerals the specimens are.
Materials
penny
wire nail
steel file
safety gloves
magnifying glass
flat sheet of glass with smooth edges
4 different unknown mineral specimens (numbered 1 through 4)
Procedure
Use the magnifying glass to observe each unknown mineral and record a description of their physical characteristics in Column 2 of the Data Table.
Try to scratch mineral #1 with a fingernail. If a fingernail did not scratch mineral #1, put on the safety gloves and try to scratch mineral #1 with each of the following objects in this order: penny, wire nail, steel file, and glass.
Record which object(s) scratched mineral #1 or which objects mineral #1 was able to scratch, in Column 3 of the Data Table. (Use the magnifying glass to view scratch if needed.)
Using the data collected in Columns 2 and 3, determine the approximate hardness of mineral #1 in Column 4 of the Data Table.
Compare the appearance of mineral #1 to that shown in the Mohs Hardness Scale Table and record the identity in Column 5 of the Data Table.
Repeat steps 2 through 5 for each of the three remaining unknown minerals.
Results
Analysis
Unknown mineral specimens could be identified by comparing physical descriptions and completing scratch tests to assign hardness scores. Mineral #1 the softest, while Mineral #2 was the hardest.
1homogeneous: of the same or similar nature or kind
2inorganic: not involving living organisms
"Mineral Hardness Test Experiment: Using the Mohs Scale to Determine the Hardness of Minerals" property of Pearson.
Suggested Time: Two to three 45-minute class periods
Task Overview:
Using their background knowledge from the passage, students will research the importance of mineral hardness in a real-life scenario. For example, a student could consider why some minerals are better to use in kitchen counter tops than others. Students will compile their research into a short presentation. Finally, students will incorporate a multimedia or visual display to add clarity or interest to their presentation.
Student Directions:
In “Mineral Hardness Test Experiment: Using the Mohs Scale to Determine the Hardness of Minerals,” you learned how scientists identify unknown minerals by measuring their hardness. You will be researching the importance of mineral hardness in a real-life scenario. For example, you may choose to research why some minerals are better to use in kitchen counter tops than others. You will compile your research into a short presentation that includes a multimedia or visual display.
Part 1:
Research how minerals are used in everyday life. For example, quartz is used analog watches, gold is used in dental work, and diamonds are used in some drill bits. Make a list of reasons why minerals of different degrees of hardness are ideal for some purposes. For each bullet give examples of situations in which a particular mineral is used. Then, choose one mineral and research reasons why that mineral is used for a particular purpose—how does the mineral’s hardness contribute to its usability?
Part 2:
Compile the research about your chosen mineral into an interesting presentation. Using the information from the Mohs Hardness Scale in the passage as well as your research, create a multimedia or visual display to enhance your presentation. For example, you could incorporate a video simulation showing how some materials are more durable than others.
Part 3:
Share your presentation with the class. Be sure to consider your audience when choosing the language you use in your speech. Also remember the importance of speaking slowly, and clearly so that your message is heard.
Scoring:
Your work will be scored based on:
The accuracy and detail of your research
The accuracy of your presentation
The appropriateness and effectiveness of your incorporated visual or multimedia display
The clarity of your speech
Mineral Hardness Test Experiment: Using the Mohs Scale to Determine the Hardness of Minerals
Mineral Hardness Test Experiment: Using the Mohs Scale to Determine the Hardness of Minerals
Mineral Hardness Test Experiment: Using the Mohs Scale to Determine the Hardness of Minerals
Introduction
A mineral is a naturally occurring, homogeneous1 inorganic2 solid substance with a definite chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure, color, and hardness. Minerals are made of particles that bond together. The particles may be hard or soft. This property determines whether the mineral is hard like granite or soft like the graphite in a pencil. In 1812, an Austrian mineralogist named Friedrich Mohs developed a scale for measuring the hardness of minerals. Mohs gathered ten commonly available minerals and scratched them against each other. This allowed him to arrange them on a scale of relative hardness from 1 - 10. The softest minerals were those that were most easily scratched, and they were given a score of 1. The hardest minerals were given a higher score -- closer to 10. Talc was the softest mineral on the scale because every other mineral Mohs tested would leave a mark on it. He gave it a rating of one. Mohs gave a mineral called feldspar a rating of six. That means it was harder and able to scratch all the minerals with lower ratings, but it was softer and could not leave marks on the minerals with higher ratings. A diamond was the hardest of the minerals Mohs tested. It could scratch all the other minerals in the scale, but no other mineral could leave a mark on the diamond.
Today, the Mohs hardness test involves scratching a mineral with an object of known hardness to see if it leaves a mark. A person can use objects of known hardness, such as a fingernail which has a score of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, a penny with a score of 3.5, glass with a score of 5.5, or a steel file at 5.1. In this experiment, the student will use these objects of known hardness to scratch unknown minerals. Then students will draw conclusions about each mineral's identity based on the results.
Purpose
The purpose of this experiment is to determine the identity of unknown minerals by using the Mohs hardness scale. The experiment will involve testing 4 unknown specimens by scratching them with objects of known hardness and using the Mohs scale to determine which minerals the specimens are.
Materials
penny
wire nail
steel file
safety gloves
magnifying glass
flat sheet of glass with smooth edges
4 different unknown mineral specimens (numbered 1 through 4)
Procedure
Use the magnifying glass to observe each unknown mineral and record a description of their physical characteristics in Column 2 of the Data Table.
Try to scratch mineral #1 with a fingernail. If a fingernail did not scratch mineral #1, put on the safety gloves and try to scratch mineral #1 with each of the following objects in this order: penny, wire nail, steel file, and glass.
Record which object(s) scratched mineral #1 or which objects mineral #1 was able to scratch, in Column 3 of the Data Table. (Use the magnifying glass to view scratch if needed.)
Using the data collected in Columns 2 and 3, determine the approximate hardness of mineral #1 in Column 4 of the Data Table.
Compare the appearance of mineral #1 to that shown in the Mohs Hardness Scale Table and record the identity in Column 5 of the Data Table.
Repeat steps 2 through 5 for each of the three remaining unknown minerals.
Results
Analysis
Unknown mineral specimens could be identified by comparing physical descriptions and completing scratch tests to assign hardness scores. Mineral #1 the softest, while Mineral #2 was the hardest.
1homogeneous: of the same or similar nature or kind
2inorganic: not involving living organisms
"Mineral Hardness Test Experiment: Using the Mohs Scale to Determine the Hardness of Minerals" property of Pearson.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
### Student Presentation Project: The Importance of Mineral Hardness
#### Part 1: Research
**1. List of Minerals and Their Uses Based on Hardness:**
- **Talc (Mohs 1)**:
- **Uses**: Talcum powder, cosmetics.
- **Reasons**: Soft, absorbs moisture well, and provides a silky feel.
- **Gypsum (Mohs 2)**:
- **Uses**: Sheetrock in construction, drywall.
- **Reasons**: Soft enough to be easily cut and shaped, but also provides structural support.
- **Calcite (Mohs 3)**:
- **Uses**: Antacids, cement.
- **Reasons**: Relatively soft and can be ground easily for various applications.
- **Fluorite (Mohs 4)**:
- **Uses**: Industrial flux, toothpaste (fluoride).
- **Reasons**: Moderate hardness allows for effective grinding and blending in various products.
- **Apatite (Mohs 5)**:
- **Uses**: Fertilizers, phosphor supply.
- **Reasons**: Its moderate hardness makes it suitable for use in agricultural products.
- **Orthoclase Feldspar (Mohs 6)**:
- **Uses**: Ceramics, glass production.
- **Reasons**: Durable enough for firing in high-temperature applications.
- **Quartz (Mohs 7)**:
- **Uses**: Jewelry, watches, countertops.
- **Reasons**: Hard and scratch-resistant; great aesthetic appeal in jewelry and durability in countertops.
- **Topaz (Mohs 8)**:
- **Uses**: Gemstones, abrasives.
- **Reasons**: Its hardness makes it suitable as a decorative item and in cutting tools.
- **Corundum (Mohs 9)**:
- **Uses**: Gemstones (sapphires, rubies), abrasive materials.
- **Reasons**: Extremely durable and scratch-resistant.
- **Diamond (Mohs 10)**:
- **Uses**: Jewelry, cutting tools, industrial applications (drilling).
- **Reasons**: Hardest known mineral, making it ideal for cutting and grinding other materials.
**2. Chosen Mineral for In-Depth Research: Quartz (Mohs 7)**
- **Importance in Kitchen Countertops**:
- **Durability**: Its hardness prevents scratches from knives, heat, and daily wear and tear.
- **Aesthetics**: Available in various colors and patterns, quartz can mimic other stones like granite.
- **Non-porous Surface**: Unlike natural stone, quartz countertops are non-porous, making them resistant to bacteria and staining.
- **Low Maintenance**: Easier to clean and maintain compared to softer stones that can be easily scratched or damaged.
#### Part 2: Presentation Structure
- **Title Slide**: The Importance of Mineral Hardness: Focus on Quartz
- **Slide 1**: Introduction to Mineral Hardness and Mohs Scale
- Brief explanation of the Mohs scale and its significance in identifying minerals.
- **Slide 2**: List of Common Minerals and Uses
- Overview of various minerals from the hardness scale and applications.
- **Slide 3**: Focus on Quartz
- Properties of quartz, including its hardness and common uses in everyday life.
- **Slide 4**: Why Quartz is Ideal for Countertops
- **Durability**: Scratch resistance.
- **Aesthetics**: Variety of colors and patterns.
- **Hygiene**: Non-porous and easy to clean.
- **Slide 5**: Visual Display
- Include images of quartz countertops, the Mohs hardness scale, and comparison with softer materials.
- **Slide 6**: Conclusion
- Recap the key points about the importance of mineral hardness and quartz’s role in daily life.
- **Multimedia Component**: Create a short video showing different materials being scratched to emphasize quartz’s durability compared to softer materials.
#### Part 3: Presentation Tips
- **Language**: Use simple, clear language. Avoid jargon unless defined.
- **Pacing**: Speak slowly and enunciate clearly to ensure the audience understands the material.
- **Engagement**: Ask questions during the presentation to engage the audience (e.g., “Have you ever noticed scratches on your countertops?”).
### Scoring Criteria:
1. **Accuracy and Detail of Research**: Ensure information about mineral uses and hardness is complete and accurate.
2. **Presentation Accuracy**: Confirm that the presentation clearly reflects the researched material.
3. **Visual or Multimedia Display**: Evaluate the effectiveness and clarity of the incorporated visual material.
4. **Clarity of Speech**: Focus on how easily the audience can understand the spoken presentation.
With this structure, students will be well-equipped to conduct their research, create an engaging presentation, and effectively convey their findings to the class.
#### Part 1: Research
**1. List of Minerals and Their Uses Based on Hardness:**
- **Talc (Mohs 1)**:
- **Uses**: Talcum powder, cosmetics.
- **Reasons**: Soft, absorbs moisture well, and provides a silky feel.
- **Gypsum (Mohs 2)**:
- **Uses**: Sheetrock in construction, drywall.
- **Reasons**: Soft enough to be easily cut and shaped, but also provides structural support.
- **Calcite (Mohs 3)**:
- **Uses**: Antacids, cement.
- **Reasons**: Relatively soft and can be ground easily for various applications.
- **Fluorite (Mohs 4)**:
- **Uses**: Industrial flux, toothpaste (fluoride).
- **Reasons**: Moderate hardness allows for effective grinding and blending in various products.
- **Apatite (Mohs 5)**:
- **Uses**: Fertilizers, phosphor supply.
- **Reasons**: Its moderate hardness makes it suitable for use in agricultural products.
- **Orthoclase Feldspar (Mohs 6)**:
- **Uses**: Ceramics, glass production.
- **Reasons**: Durable enough for firing in high-temperature applications.
- **Quartz (Mohs 7)**:
- **Uses**: Jewelry, watches, countertops.
- **Reasons**: Hard and scratch-resistant; great aesthetic appeal in jewelry and durability in countertops.
- **Topaz (Mohs 8)**:
- **Uses**: Gemstones, abrasives.
- **Reasons**: Its hardness makes it suitable as a decorative item and in cutting tools.
- **Corundum (Mohs 9)**:
- **Uses**: Gemstones (sapphires, rubies), abrasive materials.
- **Reasons**: Extremely durable and scratch-resistant.
- **Diamond (Mohs 10)**:
- **Uses**: Jewelry, cutting tools, industrial applications (drilling).
- **Reasons**: Hardest known mineral, making it ideal for cutting and grinding other materials.
**2. Chosen Mineral for In-Depth Research: Quartz (Mohs 7)**
- **Importance in Kitchen Countertops**:
- **Durability**: Its hardness prevents scratches from knives, heat, and daily wear and tear.
- **Aesthetics**: Available in various colors and patterns, quartz can mimic other stones like granite.
- **Non-porous Surface**: Unlike natural stone, quartz countertops are non-porous, making them resistant to bacteria and staining.
- **Low Maintenance**: Easier to clean and maintain compared to softer stones that can be easily scratched or damaged.
#### Part 2: Presentation Structure
- **Title Slide**: The Importance of Mineral Hardness: Focus on Quartz
- **Slide 1**: Introduction to Mineral Hardness and Mohs Scale
- Brief explanation of the Mohs scale and its significance in identifying minerals.
- **Slide 2**: List of Common Minerals and Uses
- Overview of various minerals from the hardness scale and applications.
- **Slide 3**: Focus on Quartz
- Properties of quartz, including its hardness and common uses in everyday life.
- **Slide 4**: Why Quartz is Ideal for Countertops
- **Durability**: Scratch resistance.
- **Aesthetics**: Variety of colors and patterns.
- **Hygiene**: Non-porous and easy to clean.
- **Slide 5**: Visual Display
- Include images of quartz countertops, the Mohs hardness scale, and comparison with softer materials.
- **Slide 6**: Conclusion
- Recap the key points about the importance of mineral hardness and quartz’s role in daily life.
- **Multimedia Component**: Create a short video showing different materials being scratched to emphasize quartz’s durability compared to softer materials.
#### Part 3: Presentation Tips
- **Language**: Use simple, clear language. Avoid jargon unless defined.
- **Pacing**: Speak slowly and enunciate clearly to ensure the audience understands the material.
- **Engagement**: Ask questions during the presentation to engage the audience (e.g., “Have you ever noticed scratches on your countertops?”).
### Scoring Criteria:
1. **Accuracy and Detail of Research**: Ensure information about mineral uses and hardness is complete and accurate.
2. **Presentation Accuracy**: Confirm that the presentation clearly reflects the researched material.
3. **Visual or Multimedia Display**: Evaluate the effectiveness and clarity of the incorporated visual material.
4. **Clarity of Speech**: Focus on how easily the audience can understand the spoken presentation.
With this structure, students will be well-equipped to conduct their research, create an engaging presentation, and effectively convey their findings to the class.