How to Identify Gems and Minerals (Ages 8-12)

In this 30-minute class, we will learn about gemstones and minerals. We will discuss the different kinds of gemstones, their matching minerals, how to identify those minerals, how minerals and gems are formed, and where they are found. We will focus on mineral identification using mineral properties such as: hardness, color, luster, and fracture, with examples given for each property. We will also look at minerals that are important both for a rock forming and for our use. Learners will be given a few minerals/gems to identify as a group at the end of class based on what they have learned. No prior knowledge or experience is required for this course.