family of minerals

SULFUR is a native mineral because it is made of just one element, sulfur (S). Sulfur is yellow in color, and gives off a characteristic "rotten egg" smell when burnt. Sulfur is used in the chemical industry to make sulfuric acid, fertilizers, insecticides, explosives, coal tar, rubber and paper.
1. Does sulfur feel light or heavy?

Describe the color of sulfur.

Is sulfur a native mineral? Explain.

Scratch sulfur and smell it. Describe the odor.

HORNBLENDE (Ca₂Na(Mg, Fe)₄(Al, Fe, Ti)(Al,Si)₈0₂₂(O.OH)₂) is a very common mineral in rock, but it is rarely found in isolated crystals. Hornblende is a very dark mineral, because it contains large amounts of the elements iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg). It is a "boring" mineral, but if you learn to recognize hornblende it will help you name igneous rocks.
1. Describe the color?

Is hornblende softer or harder than quartz? How can you test this?

Is hornblende softer or harder than feldspar? How can you test this?

Do you notice any cleavage on your sample of hornblende? Describe.

OLIVINE (Mg, Fe)2(SiO4) is another common mineral found in rocks. Olivine is not commonly seen on the Earth’s surface, but it is the most common mineral in the Earth’s mantle. Very clear olivine crystals can be used for the gem "peridot."
1. Where do you think the name "Olivine" came from?

Is olivine harder or softer than quartz? How did you test this?

Describe the "look" of olivine.