Rocks and Minerals by UTH Rocks and Minerals by UTH    

Lesson 12: Physical Properties: Diaphaneity (Transparency)

Directions

Study the lesson for one week.

Over the week:

• Read the lesson.
• Review the synopsis.
• Recite aloud the vocabulary words and their definitions.
• Study the rock and mineral of the week.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

Rocks and minerals may be identified by one or more of their physical properties. Another identifying physical property of rocks and minerals is diaphaneity . Diaphaneity, more commonly known as transparency, is defined as is the ability of light to pass through a rock or mineral almost undisturbed, such that one can see through it clearly. Minerals range from transparent (almost all light passes through) to translucent (some light passes through) to opaque (little to no light passes through).

Vocabulary

Physical Property: Characteristics of matter not involving a change in chemical composition.
Diaphaneity: The quality of being see-through or clear such that light passes through it almost undisturbed.
Transparent: See-through or clear such that light passes through it almost undisturbed
Translucent: Allowing light to pass through, but diffusing it.
Opaque: Allowing no to little light to pass through.
Adamantine: Like the diamond in hardness or luster.
Occluded: Not clear, containing defects.
Birthstone: Any of twelve gemstones traditionally associated with the month of one's birth.

Rock or Mineral of the Week

• Diamonds are highly diaphanous, and the shining star of all of the gemstones.
• Diamonds range from clear to colored.
• The color, cut, clarity, and size determine the monetary value of a diamond.
• Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance.
• Diamonds are so hard they are used as cutting tools.
• Diamonds also have the highest melting temperature of any substance (7362 degrees F).
• Diamonds are made out of the element carbon (C).

Physical Characteristics

• Color: Most are brown or yellow and occluded, but highly valuable variants are clear, pink, or other exotic hues
• Hardness: 10
• Luster: Adamantine
• Cleavage: Perfect octahedral cleavage in four directions
• Streak: None - diamonds are harder than the streak plate
• Tenacity: Brittle

Locations

• Countries in southern Africa in particular, but an additional 35 countries as well

Interesting Facts

• Both graphite (pencil 'lead') and diamonds are made of carbon. However, the carbon atoms are arranged differently.

• Diamonds are often used in engagement and wedding rings as a symbol of everlasting love.

• Diamonds come in a variety of colors, including pink.

• Natural diamonds are typically over a billion years old.

• The diamond is the birthstone for those born in April.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Narrate the Lesson

• After reading or listening to the lesson, narrate the lesson aloud using your own words.

Activity 2: Can You Find It?

Find the following elements on the periodic table:

• Carbon (C)
• In which group and period is carbon (C)?

Activity 3: Map the Lesson

• Many diamonds are found in the southern countries of Africa.
• Study the map of Africa and recite aloud five countries in the southernmost part of Africa.

Activity 4: Take a Nature Walk

• Embark on a nature walk.
• Collect one rock or mineral specimen.
• Use the gathered specimen to create the field book entry.

Activity 5: Complete a Field Book Entry   

After your nature walk, complete page 6 in 'Fifth Grade Science Rocks and Minerals Notebook Pages.'

Review

Question 1

Is diaphaneity a physical property or a chemical property?

1 / 5

Answer 1

Diaphaneity is a physical property, for it does not involve a change in chemical composition.

1 / 5

Question 2

Describe something about diamonds.

2 / 5

Answer 2

Diamonds are highly diaphanous and made from carbon (C), have a hardness of 10, and are used in engagement rings.

2 / 5

Question 3

Is a diamond made out of a compound?

3 / 5

Answer 3

No, diamonds are made from carbon, a single type of element.

3 / 5

Question 4

How many different elements do diamonds (C) contain?

4 / 5

Answer 4

Diamonds (C) only contain one type of element.

4 / 5

Question 5

How are diamonds and graphite (pencils) so different given they are both made from carbon (C).?

5 / 5

Answer 5

The arrangement of carbon atoms (how they are bonded) is different in diamonds and graphite, leading to their vastly different properties.

5 / 5

❮ ❯

1. Is diaphaneity a physical property or a chemical property? Diaphaneity is a physical property, for it does not involve a change in chemical composition.
2. Describe something about diamonds. Diamonds are highly diaphanous and made from carbon (C), have a hardness of 10, and are used in engagement rings.
3. Is a diamond made out of a compound? No, diamonds are made from carbon, a single type of element.
4. How many different elements do diamonds (C) contain? Diamonds (C) only contain one type of element.
5. How are diamonds and graphite (pencils) so different given they are both made from carbon (C).? The arrangement of carbon atoms (how they are bonded) is different in diamonds and graphite, leading to their vastly different properties.

References

'Transparency and translucency.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transparency_and_translucency. n.p.

'Diamond.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond. n.p.

Cited Physical Properties. Geology.com. geology.com/rocks. n.p.