Prof. Gail Bennington
Fall 2000
Questions and Grading Rubric - Lab Report #1

Question #1

Explain at least 4 characteristics a substance must have to be considered a mineral.

Four characteristics clearly and completely explained. No spelling or grammatical errors.

Question completely answered. 8pts.
Spelling & grammar errors. 6pts.
Brief answer. 4pts.

Question #4

What is the basic building block of silicate minerals? What are the major structural groups of silicate minerals? List the important rock-forming silicate minerals in two adjacent columns: felsic and mafic minerals. Alongside each mineral indicate to which structural group it belongs.

Basic building block is identified. 5 major structural groups are listed. 2 columns are created which identify at least 3 minerals and the structural group that they belong to.

Question completely answered. 12 pts.
Spelling & grammar errors. 10 pts.
Answer incomplete. 8 pts.

Question #10

Describe three tests you can use to distinguish halite from colorless calcite.
(More than 3 tests can be performed. Can you identify more than 3?)

Question clearly answered. 6 pts.
Spelling & grammar errors. 4 pts.
Less than 3 tests given. <4 pts.

Question#11

Besides cleavage, hardness, and luster, discuss five additional physical properties that can be useful for identifying minerals.

Five properties explained. 10 pts.
Five properties listed but not explained. 5 pts.
Incomplete answer. <5 pts.