Final answer:
The question involves identifying minerals and rocks using their physical properties, recording the data, and comparing findings to a provided guide. Mineral identification uses properties like hardness and luster, whereas rock identification looks at texture, mineral content, and parent rock.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is Geology, which is often included in Earth Science or Physical Science courses in high school. The student is asked to identify mineral and rock samples using physical properties such as color, texture, grain size, and mineral content. These observations should then be recorded in a mineral properties data table. Tools like mineral reference tables, flow charts, and various identification apps can assist in this process. For the rock samples, the student needs to determine characteristics like texture, probable mineral content, parent rock, and the degree of metamorphism if applicable. They should then compare their personal observations to a Rock and Mineral Guide.
For example, to identify a mineral, you may look at its hardness, luster, streak, and cleavage. These properties are key in distinguishing different minerals. If the mineral sample is glossy and leaves a white streak, you might conclude it is calcite, especially if it effectively fizzes in acid, matching it with the known data from Table 2.1 or your app reference.
When identifying rocks, consider if a rock is mafic (dark colored and rich in magnesium and iron) or felsic (light colored and rich in silicon and oxygen). For instance, a rock with a crystalline texture and composed mostly of quartz and feldspar is likely a granite, which is a felsic, intrusive igneous rock.