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3
The Geosphere
13.
A crystal is hit and breaks into small cubes. What
property does this describe?
In this case, we are talking about cleavage, because it keep
the crystal shape. To be precise, we call it cubic cleavage.
14.
Listen and say which mineral properties are being
described.
Audio script and answers:
a) This is how easily a mineral breaks. (tenacity)
b) This is the relation between mass and volume.(density)
c) This is the way a mineral breaks.(cleavage)
d) This is how a mineral reacts to light.(transparency)
Analyse
15.
Find out about the use of metals extracted from these
mineral ores: bauxite and cinnabar. Write a short report
in your notebook.
Metals extracted from these minerals are, in the following
order: aluminium, mercury and zinc. Aluminium and zinc are
very useful to produce metal tools and utensils. Mercury is
used to make thermometers because of its high capacity of
dilation.
16.
Find out about the hardness of the gems in the photos
above. Do you think their economic value is related to
their hardness? Explain your answer.
Diamond
Ruby
Sapphire
Emerald
The hardness of these gems or precious stones are equal or
superior to 8. Their economic value is related to their colour,
brightness, natural beauty and also their hardness and
durability over time.
