Geology Rock and Mineral recourses:
Each question is worth 15 points. I expect each answer to be well thought out and thoroughly explained.
Each answer should be in your own words, not copied from slides, the internet, other students, or the book. You are required to submit this through TurnItIn on Canvas. This is to check for plagiarism, and it checks against all forms. If you use a source to answer the question, cite it in text and put the full citation below your answer (also provide internet links within the citation).
If you add a diagram to an answer, either scan it and place it within the document, or turn the diagram in to me on Thursday (still submit your document through canvas).
1. Explain the relationship between the Potassium Feldspar polymorphs, the continuous Plagioclase Feldspar series, and Perthite. Be sure to explain how the exsolution lamellae form in perthite.
2. With reference to the phase diagram for Olivine, explain why olivine does not really have a fixed chemical composition. What determines the composition?
3. Explain the relationship between silicate structure and cleavage.
4. Explain the relationship between crystal system and habit. Provide an example for both the Isometric system and the Hexagonal system.
5. Why do only a few minerals have a hardness greater than 8.0? Explain the important controls for mineral hardness.