Knowledge and Geological techniques Comments understanding and skills d. Silicates are the Simple analysis of silicate Candidates should know the commonest rock- mineral structures from chemical structure of forming minerals and models and diagrams. silicates as it relates to the are built from silicon- physical properties of oxygen tetrahedral minerals (e.g. crystal shape, (single, chain, sheet hardness and cleavage) and framework rather than details of the silicates). chemical variations between minerals. As exemplified by olivine (single tetrahedra), augite/pyroxene (single chain),hornblende/amphibole (double chain), micas (sheet) and quartz/feldspar (framework). e. Minerals are naturally P1: Investigation of diagnostic Candidates should be able properties of minerals: colour, to investigate the occurring inorganic crystal shape, cleavage, physical/chemical properties chemical compounds fracture, hardness, relative of minerals (including or elements with density, streak, lustre, reaction unfamiliar minerals) in the compositions that with cold dilute (0.5 mol dm−3) laboratory and field. may be expressed as hydrochloric acid. chemical formulae. P2: Measurement of the Minerals have Candidates should be density of minerals. able to measure the distinct chemical density of minerals using compositions, atomic an appropriate technique structures and and evaluate the accuracy physical properties of such calculations. by which they may be identified. Recognition, using appropriate Candidates will be required tests, of the following rock- to use a mineral data sheet forming minerals (as specified of diagnostic mineral on the mineral data sheet properties in their available for use in the identification of the stated examination) from their minerals. diagnostic properties: quartz, calcite, feldspars (orthoclase, plagioclase), augite, hornblende, olivine, micas (biotite, muscovite), haematite, galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite, fluorite, barite, halite, gypsum, garnet, chiastolite/andalusite.
Knowledge and understanding Geological techniques and skills Comments d. Silicates are the commonest rock- forming minerals and are built from silicon- oxygen tetrahedral (single, chain, sheet and framework silicates). Simple analysis of silicate mineral structures from models and diagrams. Candidates should know the chemical structure of silicates as it relates to the physical properties of minerals (e.g. crystal shape, hardness and cleavage) rather than details of the chemical variations between minerals. As exemplified by olivine (single tetrahedra), augite/pyroxene (single chain),hornblende/amphibole (double chain), micas (sheet) and quartz/feldspar (framework). e. Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic chemical compounds or elements with compositions that may be expressed as chemical formulae. Minerals have distinct chemical compositions, atomic structures and physical properties by which they may be identified. P1: Investigation of diagnostic properties of minerals: colour, crystal shape, cleavage, fracture, hardness, relative density, streak, lustre, reaction with cold dilute (0.5 mol dm−3) hydrochloric acid. P2: Measurement of the density of minerals. Recognition, using appropriate tests, of the following rock- forming minerals (as specified on the mineral data sheet available for use in the examination) from their diagnostic properties: quartz, calcite, feldspars (orthoclase, plagioclase), augite, hornblende, olivine, micas (biotite, muscovite), haematite, galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite, fluorite, barite, halite, gypsum, garnet, chiastolite/andalusite. Candidates should be able to investigate the physical/chemical properties of minerals (including unfamiliar minerals) in the laboratory and field. Candidates should be able to measure the density of minerals using an appropriate technique and evaluate the accuracy of such calculations. Candidates will be required to use a mineral data sheet of diagnostic mineral properties in their identification of the stated minerals.
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