Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology,

Thiruvananthapuram

Department of Earth and Space Sciences

Lab Report

Submitted by
Akash H B
SC24M174
M. Tech I Year
Earth System Sciences
Physical Properties of Minerals
Introduction
Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solid substances with a
defined chemical composition and crystalline structure. Their physical
properties provide critical clues for identification and classification. This
report explores the key physical properties of minerals and presents detailed
data for selected examples.

Physical Properties of Minerals

1. Color- The observable color of a mineral can vary due to impurities,
making it an inconsistent identifier.

2. Streak- The streak, or the color of a mineral's powdered form, is

determined by rubbing it on an unglazed porcelain plate.

3. Luster- Luster describes how a mineral reflects light. It can be metallic,

non-metallic, or sub-metallic.

4. Hardness- This property measures resistance to scratching, commonly

assessed using the Mohs scale (1–10).

5. Cleavage and Fracture

- Cleavage: The tendency to break along flat planes.
- Fracture: Breakage along irregular or uneven surfaces.

6. Specific Gravity- Indicates a mineral's density relative to water.

7. Transparency and Opacity- Minerals can be transparent, translucent, or

opaque, providing insight into their identification.

8. Crystal Form- The external shape of a mineral’s crystals is influenced by

its internal atomic arrangement.

9. Magnetism- Certain minerals exhibit magnetic properties, such as

magnetite.
Mineral Properties Table
Mineral Color Streak Luster Cleavage Hardness Specific Crystal System
Gravity
Quartz White Colorless Vitreous None, 7 Moderate Hexagonal
conchoidal
fracture
Graphite Steel gray Black Greasy Perfect in one 1–2 Low Hexagonal
direction
Malachite Bright Light green Silky Perfect 4 Moderate Monoclinic
green
Galena Bluish- Gray-black Metallic Cubic 2 High Cubic
gray
Pyrite Brass- Greenish- Metallic Poor 6–6.5 High Isometric
yellow black
Azurite Blue None Vitreous Perfect 3 Moderate Monoclinic
Calcite White White Vitreous Rhombohedral 3 Low Cubic
Corundum Ruby red Colorless Vitreous None 9 High Prismatic
Barite White White Vitreous Perfect 3–3.5 High Orthorhombic
Magnetite Black Black Metallic None 4–5 High Isometric
Hematite Gray/red Brown Dull None 6.5 High Trigonal
 Stratigraphy
1. Draw lithostratigraphic correlation lines between the rock units A, B, and C.

2. Find the order of superposition and name the unconformity present?

Order of Superposition:
According to the principle of superposition in geology, the youngest layers are at
the top and the oldest at the bottom (if undisturbed). Based on the diagram, the order
(from youngest to oldest) seems to be:
A, D, P, K, J, L
Unconformity Present:
The red line (marked as B) represents an unconformity, which is a surface separating two
rock masses of di erent ages, indicating a period of erosion or non-deposition. Based on
the layers, it appears to be a disconformity—a gap in the sedimentary record where layers
are parallel, but there is a missing time interval.
3. Determine the order of geological events.

The Pennsylvanian conglomerate was the first to form, followed by the

deposition of the Permian shale. A break in the depositional process, represented by a
disconformity (marked by the red line), occurred next. Above this disconformity,
Jurassic shale and Cretaceous sandstone were subsequently deposited. Later, an
igneous intrusion (denoted by D) occurred, cutting through the existing layers. Finally,
the formation of a fault (F) displaced the structure, disturbing the original alignment of
the layers.

The sequence of formation begins with bed D, followed by the deposition of C, E,

and G. A transform fault (F) occurred next, displacing the horizontal layers.
Subsequently, layers K and A were formed. The formation of layer J, along with the
intrusion of the sill, likely occurred either after the formation of K or after both K and A.
Finally, the river was formed as the most recent feature.
 The formation began with layer B, followed by layer C. The beds were subjected
to compressive stress from both ends, resulting in the development of a wave-like
pattern. Next, layer D was deposited, after which a break in deposition, marked by A as
a disconformity, occurred. Following this, layers J and K were formed. The fault (F)
caused the elevation of one region, upon which layers G and H were deposited. Finally,
magma intruded, leading to the formation of a volcano.

The sequence of formation begins with layer C, followed by layers B and A, as per the
principle of superposition. The intrusion denoted by D cuts across the horizontal beds,
reaching the surface, indicating that the surface layer formed before the occurrence of
the fault. The transform fault (E) created an inclination in the previously horizontal layers.
The layers P, E, F, and D, composed of shaly sandstone, mudstone, sandstone,
mudstone, and shale, were deposited according to the principle of superposition. By
the principle of original horizontality, these layers initially formed as horizontal beds
but later underwent compression, creating a wave-like pattern. An igneous intrusion
(I) occurred, cutting through these layers, along with the development of a transform
fault.
An angular unconformity (L) marks a break in deposition. After this, deposition resumed,
forming the O, M, and J layers of limestone. Subsequently, fault H displaced these
layers. Following another disconformity (A), the K and G layers were deposited.
Later, another igneous intrusion (N) occurred, reaching this region. The final
sedimentary layer, B, was deposited. Afterward, a subsequent igneous intrusion (C)
reached the surface, leading to the formation of a volcano.
Topographical features

Based on the toposheet grid (C44A16 with coordinates 11°10'N to 11°15'N and
78°45'E to 78°50'E), here’s a brief analysis of the topographical features (fig. 1)

fig. 1

Topographical Features:

1. Forests and Reserved Areas:- The Kurumbalai Reserved Forest and

Chatramana Reserved Forest occupy significant portions of the area, indicating
dense vegetation and restricted access zones.

2. Elevation and Contour Features:- The region shows multiple elevated areas
marked by contours, especially in the forested zones. Contour lines suggest hilly
terrain, with elevations around 363 m and 497 m prominently marked.

3. Settlements:- Several villages and settlements are scattered throughout the

region, including Palliyur, Kanavaipatti, and Karumanur. The settlements are
connected via roads and cart tracks, indicating an accessible but rural setting.

4. Hydrological Features:- A network of water bodies, tanks, and streams is evident.

Significant tanks near settlements such as Pudukottai and Tampirampatti
provide water sources for the area.

5. Transportation Network:- Roads and tracks connect the settlements, with one
major road linking Palayam to the surrounding villages. Pathways within the
forests suggest potential trekking or minor access routes.

6. Agricultural Land:- Yellow areas with sparse vegetation indicate agricultural

fields, which dominate the region outside the forest areas. The distribution of
fields shows reliance on tanks for irrigation.

7. Land Use Patterns:- The southern portion is predominantly forested, while the
northern part features cultivated lands and human settlements.
 Topographical features of the toposheet grid (C44G13 with coordinates 11°35'N to
11°45'N and 78°45'E to 78°50'E):

Topographical Features:

1. Vegetation and Reserved Areas:- A prominent reserved forest area, Panjapatti

Reserved Forest, occupies a significant portion of the region, shown in green.
This indicates dense vegetation and possibly hilly or forested terrain.

2. Elevation and Contours:- Contour lines are present, suggesting undulating

terrain with elevated areas primarily near or within the reserved forest.

3. Settlements and Villages:- Villages like Tadampatti, Mettur, and Panchapatti

are seen, with settlement clusters located near water sources and along main
roads. These settlements are moderately spread out, indicating rural habitation
patterns.

4. Water Bodies and Streams:- Several tanks and small lakes are visible in and
around the settlements, suggesting their importance for irrigation and daily usage.
Streams and drainage channels run from the elevated forested areas toward the
lower agricultural lands.

5. Transportation and Connectivity:- A well-connected network of roads and

pathways links the settlements to nearby regions. A major road cuts across the
sheet, providing access through the region.

6. Agricultural Activity:- Large areas of yellow on the toposheet indicate cultivated

lands surrounding the settlements. These fields are concentrated near water
sources and away from the forest zones.

7. Geological and Land Use Features:- The region includes areas of rocky terrain
and forested lands, especially in and near the reserved forest zone. Some areas
show patches of barren or uncultivated land.