Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe

Section 2: Identifying Minerals

Identifying Minerals

1
What is caused by the presence of trace elements in a mineral?
A)luster
B)streak
C)color
D)harness
2
What happens to calcium carbonate when it is exposed to hydrochloric acid?
A)It turns color.
B)It fizzes.
C)It breaks.
D)It looses luster.
3
A mineral is __________ if it can be mined for profit.
A)an igneous rock
B)an ore
C)a crystal
D)a rock
4
__________ is the measure of how easily a mineral can be scratched.
A)Specific gravity
B)Streak
C)Hardness
D)Luster
5
What is the hardness of quartz?
A)2
B)7
C)9
D)4
6
What describes the way a mineral feels?
A)streak
B)texture
C)luster
D)hardness
7
What makes a mineral a gem?
A)its deep color
B)its rarity and beauty
C)its association with native elements
D)its pearly luster
8
What is the numerical value for the hardest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale?
A)100
B)20
C)11
D)10
9
A mineral's __________ is the color when it is powdered.
A)hardness
B)streak
C)density
D)luster
10
If a mineral breaks along distinct planes, it is said to have __________.
A)fracture
B)a high specific gravity
C)cleavage
D)a dull luster
11
According to the table, which mineral is capable of scratching garnet?
Mineral
Color
Hardness
GoldMetallic gold2.5- 3
ApatiteBlue, green5
PyriteMetallic pale brass, gold6-6.5
GarnetRed, deep red, brown7.5- 8
Corundumm Red, deep red9

A)corundum
B)gold
C)pyrite
D)apatite
12
Which of the minerals listed in the table has the greatest density?
Mineral
Specific Gravity
Chemical Formula
Breakage Pattern
Gold19.3AuHackly
Apatite5Ca5(PO4)3(F,OH,CL)Uneven fracture
Pyrite5.2FeS2Uneven fracture
Garnet3.5- 4.3(Mg,Fe,Ca)3(Al2Si3O12)Conchodial fracture
Beryl2.75Be3Al2Si6O8Uneven fracture
Corundumm 4Al2O3 Fracture

A)beryl
B)corundum
C)pyrite
D)garnet
13
__________ is the way a mineral reflects light.
A)Color
B)Cleavage
C)Streak
D)Luster
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