Mineral Basics
A naturally occuring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure
What is the definition of a mineral?
What property describes the color of a mineral in powdered form?
Streak
Which mineral is the primary source of table salt?
Halite
Which property of minerals is used to determine their hardness?
The Mohs hardness scale.
The ability of a mineral to break along smooth, flat surfaces is known as what?
Cleavage
What mineral is often used in the production of pencils?
Graphite
What is the most common element found in Earth's crust?
Oxygen
What term refers to a mineral’s resistance to scratching?
Hardness
Which mineral is the hardest on the Mohs scale?
Diamond
What is the difference between a mineral and a rock?
A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic substance with a defined chemical structure, while a rock is a solid mass composed of one or more minerals or organic materials.
Which mineral has a distinctive salty taste and is commonly used in cooking?
Halite (salt)
What is the mineral that forms when saltwater evaporates and leaves behind crystalline deposits?
Halite
Which of these is a mineral: wood, coal, diamond, or oil?
Diamond
What is the name of the property that describes how a mineral reflects light, such as a shiny or dull surface?
Luster
What mineral is commonly used to make drywall and is soft enough to be scratched by a fingernail?
Gypsum