|| Minerals Webquest

Process: Create a PowerPoint presentation about the mineral your group is investigating. Use the internet sites on this web quest to complete the information Step 1: You will be given a mineral to investigate

Step 2: Now that you know the name of your mineral you need to gather information about it to do your final report. It is important that you save information as you do your research. For example: you might cut and paste information or pictures in Microsoft Word.

Step 3: Find some distinguishing properties of your mineral. Identify the color, class, streak, hardness, cleavage /fracture, specific density and any other special properties

Click here for physical characteristics

Step 4:What are the elements in your mineral?

Click here for the chemical composition.

Step 5: Where in the world is your mineral be found? Is it also found in North America?
Instructions to search for answers. Go to the google.com link below. Type in the name of your mineral + found. Example quartz + found
Google.com.

Step 6: How is your mineral mined and processed?
This will require another search using google.com.
This time you are on your own!
Hint: try searching your mineral + mine + process.
Google.com.

Step 7: What is the current value of your mineral: $/g or $/oz. or $/ton or $/kg?
http://www.mineralprices.com/

Step 8: What can your mineral be used for?Remember your mineral may be made of more than one element, for example, galena is made of lead and sulfur. The elements may determine the use of the mineral. Here are some web sites that might help you find the uses of your mineral.
Rocks and Mineral Uses.
Common Minerals and Their Uses
Mineral Photographs

Step 9: Minerals often have special properties, one of which is their crystal shape. Find a photograph of your mineral in its crystal form to place in your final presentation. Use any of the previous web sites or search on your own.

Step 10: What is a gemstone? Why aren't all minerals gems?
What is your birthstone?

Step 11: You now have collected enough information to report on your mineral.

You need the following information in your powerpoint:


  1. Title (mineral name)
  2. Where the mineral is found and its current value.
  3. How the mineral is mined and/or processed.
  4. The principle uses.
  5. Pictures of your mineral in its crystal form and your birthstones.