Mineral Physical Property

Coming soon…. Mineral physical property videos.  Having taught Geology for so many years, I know how difficult it is for students to be able to accurately identify mineral properties.  Luster and mineral cleavage are particularly difficult to accurately identify when you are new to Geology.  If the physical properties of minerals are incorrectly described. It is not possible for students to accurately identify the name of the mineral.  Having short video clips that you can show students can help explain these complex topics.  In addition, it is important to make these videos interesting science ancillary materials.  These videos are short, clear, interesting. And can be put into a PowerPoint presentation for direct instruction. Or placed on a platform like Schoology or Moodle for students to view independently.

 

Physical Characteristics of Minerals

Minerals that cleave in one direction are relatively easy to identify—they are flat, or look like a book. The video that demonstrates this Mineral physical property shows multiple samples to make it interesting science, as well as clear examples.  Minerals that cleave in two directions are very difficult to identify. The videos included in this package (coming soon) show multiple samples that cleave in two directions. As well as hints on being able to identify these minerals. Those minerals that cleave in three directions are cubes. In these videos, minerals that cleave in three directions at right angles. As well as those that are rhombic, are displayed in a clear and interesting fashion. Fluorite, which cleaves in four directions, is also explained in these videos.

 

Identifying Minerals Educational Video

Luster is the way in which a mineral reflects light.  This particular Mineral physical property is extremely difficult for students to identify. Included in this package will be an explanation, and demonstration of, the different types of lusters: metallic, submetallic, vitreous, earthy (dull) and silky/pearly. Having these videos available to my students in recent years has significantly increased student understanding and helped to make this subject interesting to those students who are visual learners. There will be more information to come, so check back soon!

This article was originally published at midnightstarsciencelessons.com.