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Specimen dimensions: 2⅞ x 2½ x ¼ inches (75x65x12mm)
Specimen weight: 40 ounces (1135 grams)
Collection: Northridge Campus
For reference: the U.S. penny is 0.75 inches [19.05 mm] in diameter.
Distinguishing Properties (click this to reveal) - make your list of observations before peeking
Distinguishing Properties (click this to reveal) - make your list of observations before peeking
Distinguishing Physical Properties:
The first thing that you might observe is that this top surface of this specimen looks damaged or scratched. That suggests that this mineral is soft and it is - the Hardness of this mineral ranges from 2 to 2.5 which could possibly be scratched with your fingernail.
The next thing that you might observe is the Color - this mineral has a distinct green to greenish-blue color, and the name of this mineral is derived from the Greek word for "green".
From the top view of this mineral one will notice as distinct "flash" of light indicating a strong single Cleavage, something that it has in common with the other minerals that you need to be able to identify that are in a family of minerals called phylosilicates, or Micas.
Note the layering and the small flakes that seemed to be stacked vertically. This mineral is very important to geologists because it's presence in a metamorphic rock is an index for a very low metamorphic grade.
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