Geology Lab Review: Minerals and Properties Quiz

Calcite is known to exhibit effervescence or fizzing when exposed to acids such as hydrochloric acid due to its calcium carbonate composition. This characteristic helps in distinguishing it from other minerals. Additionally, its common colors are white, yellow, or colorless, and it is categorized as a non-silicate mineral.

Gypsum is the correct answer because it is a mineral that matches all the given properties: it can be scratched with a fingernail, is white or transparent in color, and is a non-silicate mineral. While Quartz is a common mineral, it is not easily scratched by a fingernail. Feldspar is a silicate mineral, and Calcite is not transparent and is relatively soft compared to Gypsum.

Magnetite fits the description of being strongly magnetic, black, and non-silicate. Hematite is also black but is not strongly magnetic. Quartz is non-magnetic and typically colorless or white. Feldspar is a silicate mineral and not black or magnetic.

Dolomite is a non-silicate mineral that fizzes when powdered, and is characterized by its pink and tan colors.

Sphalerite is distinguished by its unique properties such as the odor of its powdered streak, color range, and classification as a non-silicate mineral.

The correct answer is Biotite. Biotite is characterized by black sheets, brown to black color, and it is classified as a silicate mineral. The other options do not match the description of the mineral shown in the picture.

The correct answer is Muscovite because it fits the description of having clear sheets, colorless/light yellow color, and being a silicate mineral. The other options are different minerals with distinct characteristics such as hexagonal crystals (Quartz), metallic luster and dark gray to black color (Hematite), and metallic luster and brass-yellow color (Pyrite).

Talc is the correct answer because it matches the description provided, including the soapy feel, green to white color, and being classified as a silicate. Quartz, calcite, and feldspar do not match all these characteristics and are therefore incorrect choices.

Garnet is known for its unique characteristics including 12-sided crystals, a white streak but a red-brown color, and it belongs to the silicate mineral group.

Pyroxene is a group of single-chain inosilicate minerals found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It commonly appears black with white specks, has cleavage angles of approximately 70 degrees between two planes, and is classified as a silicate mineral.

The image shows arkose sandstone due to its specific characteristics such as angular feldspar grains, grainy look, larger fragments, and grey to pink or light red color. Additionally, the rock is classified as sedimentary.

Dolostone is a type of sedimentary rock that is formed primarily of the mineral dolomite. It is typically dark tan/brown in color due to the presence of iron and may contain fossils. Other options provided are different types of rocks with distinct characteristics.

Bituminous coal is a type of coal that is dark black, soft, and brittle. It leaves hands dirty due to the presence of oily components. It is classified as a sedimentary rock.

The correct mineral shown in the picture is Fluorite, which can be identified by its various colors such as green, white, yellow, or purple. It is a non-silicate mineral known for its vibrant hues.

The correct answer is Galena which is known for its specific gravity of 7.6 and unique characteristics such as cubic shape, lead grey streak, shiny black color, and being a non-silicate mineral.

The correct answer is olivine, as it is described as very green and made of silicate. The incorrect answers do not match the characteristics depicted in the picture of the mineral.

The correct answer describes the mineral Staurolite, which is known for its twin crystals with an x-shaped appearance and red-brown or brownish-black color. It belongs to the silicate mineral group. The incorrect answers provide descriptions of other minerals with distinct characteristics.

The correct answer can be identified as plagioclase due to its cleavage striations, grey to blue-grey color, and classification as a silicate mineral.

Orthoclase is a common mineral that is known for its pink flesh color and is classified as a silicate. It is often used in the production of ceramics and as a gemstone.

Hornblende is a mineral that typically exhibits a dark black color and has cleavage angles of 50 degrees/124 degrees. It falls under the silicate mineral group.

Kaolinite is a clay mineral with a chalky appearance, white color, and is categorized as a silicate mineral. Quartz, Gypsum, and Feldspar are not known for having a chalky look and white color, making them incorrect answers.

The mineral depicted in the picture is halite, which is known for its salty taste, cubic crystal structure, colorless/white appearance, and classification as a non-silicate mineral. The incorrect options describe quartz (silicate mineral with hexagonal crystals), pyrite (sulfide mineral with a metallic luster and brassy yellow color), and calcite (carbonate mineral that reacts with acid and has rhombohedral cleavage).

Graphite is commonly used in pencils for writing and drawing. It leaves marks easily on paper, hence smudging fingers. It is often mistaken for 'pencil lead' even though it doesn't contain actual lead. Graphite is black in color and is classified as a non-silicate mineral.

Hematite is a common mineral known for its red color and belongs to the non-silicate mineral group. Quartz is known for its white color and belongs to the silicate group. Malachite is green in color and classified as a silicate mineral. Pyrite is gold in color and classified as a sulfide mineral.

Limonite is commonly recognized by its red streak and yellow to brown or black color. It is a non-silicate mineral belonging to the oxide group, whereas Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica are silicate minerals commonly found in the Earth's crust.

Chalcopyrite fits the description provided in the question, as it is a mineral that matches the given characteristics.

The correct answer is kyanite as it matches the description of bladed crystals with blue, white, gray, green colors being a silicate mineral.

The correct answer is quartz as it matches the description of being conchoidal shaped, grey to grey black, and a silicate mineral.

The correct answer describes the key characteristics of rock gypsum, including its appearance, scratchability, color, and type of rock formation.