Minerals Review

Definitions

100

What is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid substance that has a specific chemical composition and an orderly internal structure

A mineral

200

What can not be broken down into simpler substances and are primary constituents of matter. They are distinguished by their atomic number.

An element

300

What is the smooth breaking of minerals along internal planes due to their atomic structure - breaks into one or more flat surfaces

Cleavage

400

A mineral either cleaves or ______________. 

Fractures

500

This is a general term that describes how the surface of a mineral reflects light, indicating its shininess or dullness 

Luster

Physical Properties 1

100

What mineral has a hardness of 1 on Mohs scale?

Talc

200

The outward geometric expression of the internal atomic structure of a mineral is it's ___________ structure

crystal

300

Does specific gravity and density describe the same thing or different things?

The same thing. They both measure mass per unit area

400

A mineral must have a hardness greater than what to be able to scratch glass

5.5

500

The most common type of luster is called what?

vitreous

Physical Properties 2

100

What is the difference between a mineral and a rock?

Minerals contain atoms that are arranged in a regular pattern and a rock is a combination of minerals.

200

A mineral that cannot be scratched by your fingernail and will NOT scratch glass has a hardness between ____ and ____

2.5 and 5.5

300

The color of a pulverized (powdered) mineral describes it's ______________

streak

400

Which property of a mineral is the LEAST reliable clue to its identity?

color

(will also accept density)

500

Name one shape associated with crystal structure

Any of the following: cubic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, triclinic, monoclinic, or hexagonal

Mineral Groups

100

Which of the following mineral groups is composed of silicon oxygen tetrahedra

hydroxides, silicates, carbonates, sulfides

silicates

200

Which of the following is a native ELEMENT

halite, quartz, calcite, diamond

diamond (made purely of carbon)

300

The most common group of minerals is the

oxides, carbonates, silicates, sulfides

silicates

400

The mineral chalcopyrite had the chemical formula CuFeS₂ Therefore it is part of which mineral group?

halide, silicate, sulfate, sulfide

sulfide

500

The mineral beryl has the chemical formula Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₆ It is part of which mineral group? carbonate, silicate, phosphate, oxide

silicate

Gemstones

100

Are all minerals considered gemstones, or are all gemstones considered minerals?

All gemstones are considered minerals

200

Which of the following gems are the same mineral?

citrine and topaz
amethyst and emerald
aquamarine and diamond
ruby and sapphire

ruby and sapphire

300

True or false

precious gems are the most valuable gemstones

true

400

Is peridot a precious gem?

no

500

Peridot is what mineral
olivine, beryl, quartz, or tourmaline

olivine