Gypsum
Gypsum (number 2 on the Moh's Hardness Scale)
Rocks that mostly contain minerals like mica, gypsum, and talc can be scratched by a fingernail.
Fluorite is the number 4 mineral on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, above calcite and below apatite.
Mica is a shiny mineral that occurs in sheets. It is composed of thin, flat sheets that can easily be peeled apart. Mica is commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
For simple identification purposes you should ask: what is the hardness of the mineral compared to other minerals; what is the color (streak) of the mineral when scratched on an unglazed porcelain ceramic surface; and does the mineral react with dilute hydrochloric acid or vinegar, indicating whether or not it's a carbonate mineral. Other identifiers would be the mineral's specific gravity, lustre, and crystal classification.
Gypsum (number 2 on the Moh's Hardness Scale)
The unknown mineral would be topaz. Topaz lies between apatite and corundum on the Mohs scale, making it capable of scratching apatite and being scratched by corundum.
Rocks that mostly contain minerals like mica, gypsum, and talc can be scratched by a fingernail.
Fluorite is the number 4 mineral on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, above calcite and below apatite.
Mica is a shiny mineral that occurs in sheets. It is composed of thin, flat sheets that can easily be peeled apart. Mica is commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
This mineral was found in San Francisco,California
Helium is found as a mono atomic element. It is not found as a mineral.
For simple identification purposes you should ask: what is the hardness of the mineral compared to other minerals; what is the color (streak) of the mineral when scratched on an unglazed porcelain ceramic surface; and does the mineral react with dilute hydrochloric acid or vinegar, indicating whether or not it's a carbonate mineral. Other identifiers would be the mineral's specific gravity, lustre, and crystal classification.
where is the California s state mineral found
Platinum is found in its metallic form because it is unreactive and does not easily combine with other elements to form compounds. This results in it being found naturally as pure metal in deposits, rather than as an ore mineral that needs to be extracted and refined.
where is mineral diamonds found
Rocks have different hardness because of variations in their mineral composition and the way those minerals are bonded together. Hardness is typically measured using the Mohs scale, which ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest) based on their ability to scratch or be scratched by another mineral. Rocks with higher mineral densities or stronger atomic bonds tend to be harder.