Measuring the specific gravity of quartz

In this activity, students measure the specific gravity of a sample of the mineral quartz – another physical property of minerals that can be used in mineral identification.

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

• explain the meaning of the term specific gravity
• calculate the specific gravity of a mineral sample from selected data
• recognise how specific gravity can vary from one mineral sample to another
• relate physical properties such as specific gravity as an aid in the identification of minerals.

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato

The specific gravity of quartz

Use a small sample of quartz, a bowl of water and a spring balance to determine the quartz's mass.

Download the Word file (see link below) for:

• introduction/background notes
• instructions on what you need and what to do
• discussion questions
• ideas for extending your students
• student worksheet.