Rocks and Minerals by UTH Rocks and Minerals by UTH    

Lesson 36: Martian Rocks and Minerals

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

Many Martian rocks and minerals are similar to those found on Earth. Common Martian minerals include plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, and olivine. Mars mainly has igneous rocks, but it also has sedimentary rocks. Rocks on Mars include mudstone, sandstone, shale, conglomerate, and basalt.

Vocabulary

Martian: Of, pertaining to, or resembling the planet Mars.
Gemstone: A precious stone, usually of substantial monetary value or prized for its beauty or shine, usually made of minerals.
Mantle: The layer between the Earth's core and crust.

Rock or Mineral of the Week

Overview

• Olivine, a group of olive green, magnesium-iron, silicate minerals, are commonly found in Martian soil.
• One type of olivine is called peridot.
• Peridot is a beautiful green gemstone.
• As with other gemstones such as diamonds and rubies, the color, cut, clarity, and size determine the monetary value of a peridot.

Physical Characteristics

• Color: Typically shades of green, but sometimes yellow or brownish
• Hardness: 6.5–7
• Luster: Vitreous
• Cleavage: Poor
• Streak: None
• Tenacity: Brittle

Location

• Major sources include China, Pakistan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Tanzania, and the United States

Interesting Facts

• Unlike most gemstones, peridot is created in the upper part of the Earth's mantle (rather than the crust).

• The peridot is the birthstone for those born in August.

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:

• Magnesium (Mg)
• Iron (Fe)
• Silicon (Si)
• Oxygen (O)
• In which group and period is magnesium (Mg)?

Activity 3: Map the Lesson

• Major peridot producers include China, Pakistan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Tanzania, and the United States.
• Zoom in to find these countries on the map of the world.

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

Are many Martian and lunar rocks similar in composition to those found on Earth?

1 / 5

Answer 1

Yes, many Martian and lunar rocks are similar in composition to those found on Earth.

1 / 5

Question 2

Humans have never been to Mars, so how do scientists obtain samples of Martian rocks to study?

2 / 5

Answer 2

Over 200 Martian meteorites have landed on Earth. Rocks and minerals on Mars have also been studied by NASA's Mars Rovers, which have landed on Mars.

2 / 5

Question 3

Describe something about peridot.

3 / 5

Answer 3

Peridot is a (typically) green and vitreous gemstone form of the mineral olivine. Peridot is often used in jewelry.

3 / 5

Question 4

How many different elements does peridot ((Mg, Fe)2Si)O4) contain?

4 / 5

Answer 4

Peridot ((Mg, Fe)2Si)O4) contains four elements.

4 / 5

Question 5

Is peridot ((Mg, Fe)2Si)O4) a compound?

5 / 5

Answer 5

Yes, peridot ((Mg, Fe)2Si)O4) is a compound because it consists of more than one element.

5 / 5

❮ ❯

1. Are many Martian and lunar rocks similar in composition to those found on Earth? Yes, many Martian and lunar rocks are similar in composition to those found on Earth.
2. Humans have never been to Mars, so how do scientists obtain samples of Martian rocks to study? Over 200 Martian meteorites have landed on Earth. Rocks and minerals on Mars have also been studied by NASA's Mars Rovers, which have landed on Mars.
3. Describe something about peridot. Peridot is a (typically) green and vitreous gemstone form of the mineral olivine. Peridot is often used in jewelry.
4. How many different elements does peridot ((Mg, Fe)2Si)O4) contain? Peridot ((Mg, Fe)2Si)O4) contains four elements.
5. Is peridot ((Mg, Fe)2Si)O4) a compound? Yes, peridot ((Mg, Fe)2Si)O4) is a compound because it consists of more than one element.

References

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

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

'Martian meteorite.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martian_meteorite. n.p.

'Mars Exploration Rover.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Exploration_Rover. n.p.

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