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Specimen dimensions: 1 9/16 x 1 9/16 x1⅛ inches (40x40x30mm)
Specimen weight: 4 ounces (113 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:
It's obvious that this mineral looks like a box. The planes of its cleavage faces are at right angle sides, meaning one side intersects with the other at about 90 degrees. This is called "Cubic Cleavage". The opposite sides are parallel, and a box has 3 different planes of cleavage.
The surface has scratches across it - it does not scratch glass, and it is easily scratched by a steel nail.
Putting a drop of 10% HCl (mild acid) on the surface does not elicit any response. But if one takes the nail and scratches a rough surface vigorously to create a powder, that reacts mildly with the same drop of 10% HCl.
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