STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Identify minerals using physical and some optical properties. (I, II, III, IV)

 II.     Recognize the basic gemstones and know their modes of occurrence including local collecting areas for Colorado gemstones. (V, VI)

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Definition of mineral

 II.     Definition of crystal

 III.    Formation of minerals

         A.      Igneous

         B.      Metamorphic

         C.      Sedimentary

         D.      Hydrothermal

         E.      Organic (gemstones only)

         F.      Growth habit and form

 IV.     Classification of minerals

         A.      History of Mineralogy-historic classification schemes

         B.      Modern classification

         C.      Chemical

         D.      Physical

 V.      Definition of gemstone

 VI.     Physical properties of minerals

         A.      Crystal form

         B.      Fracture and cleavage

         C.      Hardness

         D.      Color, luster, streak

         E.      Fluorescence

         F.      Density

         G.      Magnetism

         H.      Other, including radioactivity, taste, etc.

 VII.    Growth and description of crystals

         A.      Crystal forms

         B.      Growth habits

 VIII.   Gems

         A.      Definition/identification

 IX.     Individual descriptions: diamond, beryl family, ruby/sapphire, quartz family, etc.

         A.      Occurrence

         B.      Gem collecting and working as a hobby or business

         C.      Colorado gem localities