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Nonmetallic, blue; crystals, massive (no obvious layers or color variations), spherical; earthy aggregates; blue streak, fizzes in HCl. STG.

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3 votes

Final answer:

The student is likely trying to identify a mineral with a nonmetallic blue color, massive crystal structure, blue streak, and a reaction to hydrochloric acid. Azurite is one possibility that matches these descriptions. Other information snippets relate to different mineral or rock properties used for identification.

Step-by-step explanation:

The description provided suggests that the student is trying to identify a mineral. The key properties mentioned in the question include a nonmetallic, blue coloration, the mineral forming massive crystals without obvious layers or color variations, and an earthy, spherical aggregate.

A very distinguishing feature is the blue streak and the fact that it fizzes in HCl acid. Minerals that react this way often contain carbonates. The sections of information provided appear to come from a guide used to identify minerals based on their physical properties such as color, hardness, streak, luster, and reaction to acids.

A mineral that could match this description is azurite, which is known for its deep blue color and tendency to fizz or effervesce in the presence of hydrochloric acid due to its carbonate content. Moreover, azurite has an earthy luster when found in aggregate form. As a tutor, one could suggest to the student to further investigate the mineral's other properties like hardness, specific gravity, and crystal shape to confirm its identity.

Regarding the other pieces of information, they are descriptions of different minerals or rocks based on their physical properties, such as texture, smell, taste, or reaction to acid. For instance, quartz, feldspar, and rock fragments together might suggest a clastic sedimentary rock, while a volatile, waxy white solid that is dangerously reactive in air points to a different class of chemicals, potentially used in a chemistry context.

User Olvin Roght
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