Lesson plan
Moganite
Moganite is a tectosilicate mineral with the chemical formula SiO 2 (silicon dioxide) that was discovered in 1976. The mineral was initially described as a new form of silica, on the basis of specimens found in the Barranco de Medio Almud ravine. This ravine is in the municipality of Mogán, on the island of Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands region of Spain. In later work, the mineral derived its name from this locality. In 1994, the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) disapproved moganite as a valid mineral, since it was considered to be indistinguishable from quartz. Subsequent studies allowed the IMA to correct this in 1999, accepting moganite as a mineral species. It has the same chemical composition as quartz, but a different crystal structure. Moganite has been mainly found in dry locales such as Gran Canaria and Lake Magadi. It has been reported from a variety of locations in Europe, India and the United States. Physically, it has a Mohs hardness of about 6, a dull luster, and a semitransparent gray color.
Article summary
Moganite is a tectosilicate mineral with the chemical formula SiO 2 (silicon dioxide) that was discovered in 1976. The mineral was initially described as a new form of silica, on the basis of specimens found in the Barranco de Medio Almud ravine. This ravine is in the municipality of Mogán, on the island of Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands region of Spain. In later work, the mineral derived its name from this locality. In 1994, the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) disapproved moganite as a valid mineral, since it was considered to be indistinguishable from quartz. Subsequent studies allowed the IMA to correct this in 1999, accepting moganite as a mineral species. It has the same chemical composition as quartz, but a different crystal structure. Moganite has been mainly found in dry locales such as Gran Canaria and Lake Magadi. It has been reported from a variety of locations in Europe, India and the United States. Physically, it has a Mohs hardness of about 6, a dull luster, and a semitransparent gray color.
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
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