Rock Identification Lab

Rock and Mineral Identification Lab

Earth Science

​Purpose

​- Standard indicator: H.E.3A.5

​Analyze and interpret data to describe the physical and chemical properties of minerals and rocks and classify each based on the properties and environment in which they were formed.

​

​-The purpose of this lab is to allow students to use techniques learned in class about classifying rocks to identify five unknown rocks.

​

​-TSWBAT: use techniques such as scratch test, cleavage test, crystalline structure identification, and measuring density, and compare their results to a known result table, to identify a rock type.

​Introduction

A rock is a naturally occurring, solid mass of minerals or mineral-like matter. Geologists classify rocks into three major groups based on how the rocks form.

Igneous Rocks

Sedimentary Rocks

Metamorphic Rocks​

​

In this investigation, you will observe rock texture, which is the shape, size, and arrangement of a rock’s components. You will measure and calculate a rock's density. You will use rock texture and other properties to classify rocks using a key. You will identify 5 rocks with your group.

​

​Igneous Rocks

​Formation of Igneous Rocks

​1. Intrusive igneous rocks

​-Formed from magma cooling (inside Earth's crust)

​2. Extrusive igneous rocks

​-Formed from lava cooling (outside Earth's crust)

​

​

Classification of Igneous Rocks

​1. Texture

​-Coarse-grained

​-Fine-grained

​-Glassy texture

​-Porphyritic texture

2. Composition

​-Granitic composition

​-Basaltic composition

​-Andesitic composition

​-Ultramafic

​Sedimentary Rocks

​Formation of Sedimentary Rocks

​-Weathering

​-Erosion

​-Deposition

​-Compaction

​-Cementation

​

​Classification of Sedimentary Rocks

​1. Clasitc

​-formed from weathered bits of rocks and minerals

​2. Chemical sedimentary rocks

​-fromed when dissolved substances precipitate from water

​Metamorphic Rocks

​Formation of Metamorphic Rocks

​-Heat: provides the energy needed to drive chemical reactions

​

​-Pressure: Causes a more compact rock with greater density

​Classification of Metamorphic Rocks

​1. Foliated Metamorphic rock

​-banded appearance or layered appearance

​2. Nonfoliated Metamorphic rock

​-Does not have a banded appearance or texture

​

​

​Procedures

1. We will have two class rotations.

   1. Rotation A will be groups 4-6 - You will start at your desks

   2. ​Rotation B will be groups 1-3 - You will start at the lab stations

      1. ​We will be rotating groups half way through so it is important to work as a group to get the procedures done as quickly as possible

2. ​Go to the slide titled 'Desk procedure' when you are in the desk rotation

3. ​Go to the slide titled 'Lab procedure' when you are in the lab rotation

​Desk Procedure

1. ​Join the class on Gizmos!

   1. ​Use the 'Gizmos class login' in google classroom for help!

2. Pull up the assignment '9/27 - (Desk) Gizmos Rock Lab' from the google classroom

   1. ​link: https://gizmos.explorelearning.com/

3. ​Complete the Gizmos lab. You may work with your group.

4. ​You can complete the handout paper version -or- the Virtual version in the google classroom.

5. ​You may use notes from Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 to help guide your research.

​Lab Procedure

1. ​When told to go to the lab tables, follow this structure based on group

   1. Group 1 -or- Group 4 --> go to table 4

   2. Group 2 -or- Group 5 --> go to table 3

   3. ​Group 3 -or- Group 6 --> go to table 5

2. Follow the procedure on the printed out lab sheet. Each group member should write their name on the paper.

3. All the equipment and rock samples should be at the lab tables already. If something is missing please ask for assistance.

4. ​You may use notes from Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 to help guide your research.

​