Goal: Identify carbonate minerals by observing their reaction with acid.
Time: 5–10 minutes
Materials:
Vinegar (or dilute hydrochloric acid)
Samples of calcite, marble, or limestone
Dropper
Safety goggles
Instructions: Place the mineral sample on a plate.
Add a drop of vinegar onto the surface.
Watch for fizzing or bubbling.
Explanation:
If the mineral contains carbonate (like calcium carbonate), the acid reacts and releases carbon dioxide gas. This bubbling is a fast and easy way to identify carbonate minerals in the field or lab.
Goal: Observe a redox reaction by extracting visible copper from a mineral.
Time: 24–48 hours
Materials:
Small chunk of malachite (green copper carbonate)
White vinegar (acetic acid)
Steel or iron nail
Glass or plastic beaker
Safety goggles
Instructions:
Place the malachite in the beaker.
Pour vinegar into the beaker to submerge the mineral.
Drop a clean iron nail into the solution.
Let it sit undisturbed for a day or two.
Remove the nail and observe any copper-colored coating.
Explanation:
Malachite contains copper ions. The vinegar dissolves some of them, and the iron nail donates electrons (gets oxidized), reducing copper ions back into solid copper, which deposits on the nail. This simulates ancient copper smelting techniques using low-tech chemistry.
Goal: Observe how heat alters the physical and magnetic properties of a mineral.
Time: 20–30 minutes
Materials:
Small piece of hematite (Fe₂O₃)
Blowtorch or alcohol burner
Heatproof tile or metal surface
Tongs
Magnet
Safety goggles + heat gloves
Instructions:
Place the hematite on a heatproof surface.
Using tongs, gently heat it with the flame for several minutes.
Let it cool completely before handling.
Bring a magnet near the sample and test for magnetic attraction.
Explanation:
Heating hematite can partially convert it to magnetite (Fe₃O₄), which is magnetic. This reaction demonstrates how mineral structures and oxidation states can shift with temperature—mimicking what happens in the Earth’s mantle.