Igneous Rocks and Minerals - Results Tables

The investigation into the formation of igneous rocks includes an experiment to determine if temperature affects crystal size during the cooling process. Three different cooling rates are tested: slow, using cotton wool as an insulator; medium, allowing the material to cool in air; and fast, by placing it in ice. These conditions simulate the various environments in which igneous rocks can form, and the resulting crystal sizes are observed and recorded. Additionally, the classification of igneous rocks based on crystal size and whether they are intrusive (formed within the Earth) or extrusive (formed on the surface) is explored.

Another aspect of the study involves examining the hardness of minerals, utilising the Moh's scale of mineral hardness as a reference. The hardness of various minerals is tested against common materials such as glass and iron to determine whether the mineral is harder (Y for yes) or not (N for no). These results help to understand the composition and durability of different minerals. Furthermore, the streak test is conducted, where minerals are rubbed against a streak plate to observe the colour of the streak left behind, providing another characteristic for mineral identification. This comprehensive approach to studying igneous rocks and minerals integrates practical experiments with theoretical knowledge to understand the natural processes and properties of Earth's geological components.