Minerals & Gemstones at the Royal Ontario Museum

by | Mar 13, 2019 | Analysis

Instructions

  1. The questions in this assignment are based on information presented in the Teck Suite of Galleries of Minerals and Gemstones, at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM – http://www.rom.on.ca/en), located at Avenue Rd. and Bloor (accessible by TTC- Museum stop on University line) in downtown Toronto. You can visit the ROM on your own time, or with the class, and complete the following assignment.
  2. The ROM is FREE to University students on Tuesdays. You will need to show your York U student card to take advantage of this offer. Regular student admission is $14.50, and $9.00 after 4:00 on Fridays. See http://www.rom.on.ca/en/visit-us/tickets-hours for full pricing details, hours and directions.
  3. Although you may visit the ROM with other classmates, and the assignment should hopefully spark conversations, the assignment is meant to be done on your own. Make sure you understand the difference between a discussion with a colleague’ andwriting up your assignment with a colleague’ i.e. copying, which is a punishable offence. You will also be doing supplementary research for this assignment. All references are to be given with material quoted appropriately. Also, do not copy text from the exhibits word for word. This constitutes plagiarism.
  4. Make sure you download, print, read and bring this assignment with you to the ROM.
  5. Make sure you hand in a photo of you at the ROM with your assignment.
  6. When you hand in the assignment, make sure your name & student number are clearly marked on all sections, and attach a copy of the ‘Verification of Academic Integrity’ form.
  7. The Teck Gallery is located on the second floor. After you go in the main entrance through the atrium, go left, and go up the stairs near the huge totem poles to the second floor. There is (usually) a large amethyst geode just outside the Teck Gallery.
  8. A diagram of the Teck gallery, with relevant locations marked (for you to answer specific questions), is attached at the end of the assignment.  
    PART 1: Gallery component:

Go to Section Back to Basics (middle aisle, left side on entering gallery)
1 What is the difference between crystals, minerals and rocks?

Properties 1 (middle aisle, right side, towards back)
2 a) Diamond and graphite are said to be polymorphs. Define polymorph.
b) Describe (or sketch) the crystal structures of diamond and graphite.
c) How do their different structures impact their perceived colour?
 

  1. (Malachite and azurite samples can be found in numerous Gallery Sections)
    a) Malachite and azurite are pseudomorphs. Define pseudomorph.
    b) State their colours, and the metal common to both, and the chemical formula for each.
    c) If malachite and azurite are so closely related chemically, why do their colours differ so much?

Fluorescent Minerals (back right of gallery)

  1. a) Complete the following table, stating the fluoresced colour for each mineral:

Mineral Fluoresced colour
Hyalite (No. 1)-
Calcite (No. 4)-
Calcite (No. 12)-
Meiomite (No. 14)- 

 b) How does the process of fluorescence occur? Why to the fluoresced colours of the above     minerals differ? (will need extra research/ class notes)

Systematics – 3-5 (far right aisles)
5 Silicates contain variations on the basic tetrahedral structure of SiO4. Depending, on the arrangement, different families of silicates are obtained.

Sketch the basic tetrahedral structure of SiO4.

Fill in the following table, describing the structure of various types of silicates (can sketch and scan, or describe the structure in words):
type of silicate Structural arrangement of SiO4 mineral example
Neosilicates

Sorosilicates

Cyclosilicates

Inosilicates

Amphiboles

Phyllosilicates

Tectosilicates

 
Colour in Minerals and Gems (back left)
6 a) What is the difference between an idiochromatic and an allochromatic mineral?
b) Smithsonite is allocromatic. What colour variations do you see? What is its chemical formula?
c) Describe the appearance of cinnabar. What chemical element is it derived from? Which pigment is made from it?
d) How do inclusions give rise to colour in some minerals? Give an example of a mineral which is coloured via inclusions

  1. Gemstone gallery (back)
    Describe the colours(s) and appearance of your 3 favourite gemstones.

1.

2.

3.

PART 2: Essay component
Inspired by your ROM visit, choose a specific mineral or gemstone that you find appealing.

Find an example in the ROM’s exhibits, and sketch or photograph the sample to include in your essay.

Write a 4-5 page (12-point, double spaced, plus figures and references) essay on your gemstone/mineral. Include the following information:

• introduction and general overview (0.5 page)
• the colour producing mechanism (1-2p)
• if there are variations in colour – physically how those variations are produced (0.5-1p)
• a diagram of the crystal structure and/or molecular composition
• specific uses for that mineral/gem (1p)
• conclusion (0.5p)
• References and in text citations in proper format (eg APA or MLA)

Suggested minerals/ gemstones: (can choose others)
• sapphire
• ruby
• topaz
• tourmaline
• opal
• emerald
• malachite and azurite
• beryl
• coloured diamonds (can do specific colour – e.g. blue diamonds)
• amethyst

ANY COPIED OR PLAGIARIZED WILL BE DEALT WITH ACCORDING TO YORK U POLICY ON ACADEMIC HONESTY.
See links and suggestions in assignment 2 for guidelines on writing an essay on a scientific topic.

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