Introduction
1. Overview of Physical Geology
2. Rock Identification Methods
Geologic Principles
3.

Maps & Navigation
Geologic Maps
4. Igneous Rocks
Magmatic Deposits
5. Plutonic-Related Deposits
Air Photos
6. Volcanic Rocks
Volcanic-Related Deposits
7. Sedimentary Rocks
Low Temp. Deposits
GPS Navigation
8. Hydrothermal Veins&
Alteration
9. Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic Deposits
10.

Structural Geology
Structural Controls on
Mineralization
** Mid Term
11. Mechanical Erosion
Placer Deposits
12. Geochemical Sampling Methods
13. Adit/Trench Mapping
Geochemical Methods
14. Geophysical Methods
15. Project Planning
Claim Staking
16. Exploration Drilling
Methods
** Final Exam

 

Class 1 Lab: Ore Mineral Identification Exercise

INSTRUCTIONS

Download and read:
EGOLs02- Class1 – Lab Notes Mineral and Ores

Access the web site "Mineral Gallery"

Obtain a collection of several common ore minerals and a few gangue mineral. Include any or all of the following:

Common ore minerals

Native copper, chalcocite, galena, sphalertie, chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrotite, aresenopyrite, molydenite, stibnite, magnetite, chromite, malachite, scheelite, fluorite

Common gangue minerals.

Calcite, dolomite, quartz, chlorite, hornblende, pyroxene

Download a copy of the ANSWER SHEET #1:

  1. Give each specimen a number if it needs one.
  2. Put the mineral numbers on the left side of the table.
  3. Systematically test/examine the properties of each mineral
  4. Write down the properties on answer sheet AS1.
  5. Use the table of mineral properties for common rock-forming and ore minerals in the text on pages 14-15, information from the "Mineral Gallery" website, and the ore mineral properties data sheet to identify the ore mineral based on observed properties.
  6. Write the mineral name in the last column.
  7. Input your findings into the Excel worksheet, and email the worksheet file to me, at: david.adams@acsalaska.net


DO NOT simply look up the mineral name from the key which came with the collection and fill in the properties. This defeats the purpose, which is to train you to recognize properties of unknown minerals in the field. After you learn to recognize the properties, for practice try to obtain or borrow some unknown ore minerals and try the same process.