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How can you identify whether mineral sample might be lodestone?
A mineral sample that shows both attraction and repulsion to a magnetic is magnetic. If the sample passes both of these tests it might be lodestone. Some forms of Cobalt and Nickel are also natural magnets. Further test such as the streak test and density would be required to be sure the sample is lodestone.
Does a lodestone have a north and south pole?
The area near the north geographic pole is called the NORTH MAGNETIC POLE and the other the SOUTH MAGNETIC POLE. Most NATURAL magnets have many north and south poles. The nails, sticking to the lodestone in figure 33, indicate the presence of three poles.
What is a lodestone and where can it be found?
It can be found in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Normal magnetite is attracted to a magnet but lodestone acts as a magnet, attracting iron particles. Lodestone is one of only two minerals that are naturally magnetized; the other, pyrrhotite, is only weakly magnetic.
How does a lodestone work?
Lodestone is a block that lets you alter the place compasses point to, and it can be used in all three dimensions, making it suddenly worth taking a compass with you again. Once you’ve got a lodestone block, plop it down on the group, whip out your compass, and mash the “use” button.
How is a streak test used to identify a mineral?
A streak test is accomplished by rubbing the mineral on a porcelain plate, also known as a streak plate. The color of the streak left by the mineral is sometimes different from the color of the mineral itself. A streak test comes in handy when identifying minerals such as hematite.
How can you tell the hardness of a mineral?
A streak test comes in handy when identifying minerals such as hematite. Hematite can be found in various colors from black to red, but it always leaves a red streak. Hardness is a measure of a mineral’s resistance to abrasion.
Which is the best way to identify a mineral?
These properties can include: color, streak, hardness, cleavage, specific gravity, crystal form, and others. Some minerals can be recognized by their color: azurite is always a deep blue and malachite is green. Generally, color alone is not the best tool in identification because color can be highly variable.
How to calculate the density of a mineral?
To determine the actual density of a mineral, you divide the mass or weight of a sample by its volume. Written out, the formula for calculating density is: = M/V Where D = density (g/mL), M= mass (g), and V=volume (mL)