Rocks and Minerals B/C

[Allinea]

Does anyone have a quick way of telling Phyllite and Slate apart, especially in images? I had a test recently where I answered Slate and it turned out to be Phyllite.

[Kokonilly]

Does anyone have a quick way of telling Phyllite and Slate apart, especially in images? I had a test recently where I answered Slate and it turned out to be Phyllite.

I know the test to which you refer (I took it too ). Ask IdahoSciGuy; he wrote it.

[quizbowl]

Does anyone have a quick way of telling Phyllite and Slate apart, especially in images? I had a test recently where I answered Slate and it turned out to be Phyllite.

This is a really subjective method, but when I look at Phyllite, it has a slight sheen/shimmer to it - Slate is quite dull.

[tuftedtitmouse12]

I thought that slate was more smoother than phyllite...You know, the layer is complete from edge to edge, while phyllite has layers but most of them end before the edge, so it gives a "rounder" appearance...Or it may just be that my specimen I'm looking off of has defects...

[kdesai]

Hi,

New here....so many questions:

(a) are we allowed to take white-tile, glass, magnet along for the actual test?
(b) any idea, how many questions are asked in total and per-table?

I am doing this event for the first time, so please help,

thanks,
komal

[Allinea]

Does anyone have a quick way of telling Phyllite and Slate apart, especially in images? I had a test recently where I answered Slate and it turned out to be Phyllite.

This is a really subjective method, but when I look at Phyllite, it has a slight sheen/shimmer to it - Slate is quite dull.

I was thinking that as well, but I'm talking about identifying from a picture where it may not be as obvious.

[rfscoach]

Hi,

New here....so many questions:

(a) are we allowed to take white-tile, glass, magnet along for the actual test?
(b) any idea, how many questions are asked in total and per-table?

I am doing this event for the first time, so please help,

thanks,
komal

(a) No. You can bring a magnifying glass. The Event Supervisor will provide any testing tools that they want you to use. Be aware that many supervisors don't want 60 kids scratching their mineral samples so they may just provide the results of tests where needed.

(b) some tests just 25-35, other tests upwards of a hundred or more... depends on the supervisor

[Allinea]

Okay, anyone know a a place where I can find good images for the rocks (I'm not looking for minerals, I've got those) without having to search for every single one. Any ideas?

[aznluvsricemhm]

Sorry if someone already asked this question (Click to Show Hidden Text)

Does anyone have a list of all rocks and minerals that fizz in HCl or vinegar or other acids? I need to make a fizz list for the competition. :P

[aznluvsricemhm]

Also....what's the crystal system for Bauxite and Opal?