Measuring the specific gravity of quartz

In this activity, students measure the specific gravity of a sample of the mineral quartz – another physical property of minerals that can be used in mineral identification.

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

• explain the meaning of the term specific gravity

• calculate the specific gravity of a mineral sample from selected data

• recognise how specific gravity can vary from one mineral sample to another

• relate physical properties such as specific gravity as an aid in the identification of minerals.

The specific gravity of quartz

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Use a small sample of quartz, a bowl of water and a spring balance to determine the quartz's mass.

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato

Download the Word file (see link below) for:

• introduction/background notes

• instructions on what you need and what to do

• discussion questions

• ideas for extending your students

• student worksheet.