Rock And Mineral Trivia Quiz!

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Rdteague
R
Rdteague
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 35 | Total Attempts: 12,565
| Attempts: 375 | Questions: 55
Please wait...
Question 1 / 55
0 %
0/100
Score 0/100
1. What type of luster does this mineral have metallic or nonmetallic?

Explanation

The mineral has a metallic luster because it reflects light in a way that is similar to metals. This means that it has a shiny, reflective surface, similar to the appearance of metals like gold or silver.

Submit
Please wait...
About This Quiz
Rock And Mineral Trivia Quiz! - Quiz

Rock And Mineral Trivia Quiz! Test your knowledge on mineral properties like hardness, cleavage, and more. Discover key characteristics of minerals such as diamond, gold, and calcite. Ideal... see morefor learners interested in geology and earth sciences. see less

2. What type of luster does this mineral have metallic or nonmetallic?

Explanation

The mineral in question has a metallic luster. This means that it reflects light in a way that is similar to metals, giving it a shiny and reflective appearance. Nonmetallic luster, on the other hand, refers to minerals that do not have a shiny or reflective appearance.

Submit
3. Does this mineral come in only one color?(yes or no)

Explanation

The mineral does not come in only one color.

Submit
4. Is this mineral's hardness greater or less than 5?

Explanation

The mineral's hardness is less than 5, indicating that it is relatively soft compared to other minerals. This means that it can be easily scratched or damaged.

Submit
5. Does this mineral cleave or fracture?

Explanation

Fracture refers to the way a mineral breaks when it is not along a cleavage plane. Instead of breaking along smooth, flat surfaces, it breaks irregularly and often with jagged edges. This can occur due to the absence of cleavage planes or the presence of multiple directions of weakness in the mineral's structure.

Submit
6. Does this mineral cleave or fracture?

Explanation

Fracture refers to the way a mineral breaks when it is not along a cleavage plane. Instead of breaking along smooth, flat surfaces, a mineral that fractures will have irregular and rough surfaces. This can occur due to the absence of cleavage planes or the presence of structural weaknesses in the mineral's crystal lattice. Therefore, the given mineral does not have any specific cleavage and instead breaks with rough surfaces, indicating fracture.

Submit
7. Is this mineral's hardness greater or less than 5?

Explanation

The answer "greater than 5" suggests that the mineral in question has a hardness level that is higher than 5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The Mohs scale measures the relative hardness of minerals based on their ability to scratch one another. A hardness level greater than 5 indicates that the mineral is relatively hard and can scratch minerals with a lower hardness level, such as gypsum or calcite.

Submit
8. . Does this mineral cleave or fracture?
Submit
9. What color streak does this mineral have? (white, black, yellow or colorless)  (white, black, yellow or colorless)(white, black, yellow or colorless)(white, black, yellow or colorless)  ( (white(       (white, black, yellow or colorless) (white, black, yellow or colorless

Explanation

The mineral has a white streak.

Submit
10. What color streak does this mineral have? (white, black, yellow or colorless)

Explanation

The mineral has a black streak.

Submit
11. Does this mineral cleave or fracture?
Submit
12. Where are most minerals found?

Explanation

Most minerals are found in Earth's crust. The Earth's crust is the outermost layer of the planet and is composed of various minerals. It is the part of the Earth that we live on and interact with. The crust contains a wide range of minerals, including metals, gemstones, and rocks. These minerals are formed through geological processes such as volcanic activity, erosion, and deposition. The crust is the most accessible and abundant source of minerals, making it the primary location for mining and extraction activities.

Submit
13. Minerals have different properties that help scientists identify them. Which is not a property used to identify minerals?

Explanation

Size is not a property used to identify minerals. Minerals are identified based on their physical and chemical properties, such as hardness, luster, and color. Size refers to the dimensions or measurements of a mineral specimen, which can vary and are not unique to a specific mineral. Therefore, size alone cannot be used as a reliable property for mineral identification.

Submit
14. What mineral is the hardest known substance in nature?

Explanation

Diamond is the hardest known substance in nature because of its unique atomic structure. Each carbon atom in a diamond is bonded to four other carbon atoms in a rigid, three-dimensional lattice structure. This arrangement creates extremely strong bonds, making diamond exceptionally hard. It is able to withstand scratching and has a high resistance to wear, making it the hardest mineral known. Muscovite, native gold, and silicate are not as hard as diamond and do not possess the same level of durability and resistance to scratching.

Submit
15. Name this mineral.  There are paperclips attached to it do to its magnetic properties

Explanation

Magnetite is a mineral that exhibits strong magnetic properties. This is due to its composition, which contains iron oxide. When paperclips are attached to it, it indicates that the mineral is able to attract and hold metallic objects due to its magnetism. Therefore, the correct answer is magnetite.

Submit
16. What type of luster does this mineral have metallic or nonmetallic?

Explanation

The mineral has a nonmetallic luster, which means it does not have the shine or reflectivity of a metal. Nonmetallic luster can range from dull to glassy or pearly, depending on the specific mineral.

Submit
17. . What type of luster does this mineral have metallic or nonmetallic?

Explanation

The given mineral is described as having a nonmetallic luster. Luster refers to the appearance of a mineral's surface in reflected light. Nonmetallic luster is characterized by a dull or earthy appearance, lacking the shine or reflectivity of metals. This suggests that the mineral does not contain any metallic elements and is likely composed of nonmetallic elements or compounds.

Submit
18. What type of luster does this mineral have metallic or nonmetallic?

Explanation

The mineral in question has a nonmetallic luster. This means that it does not have the reflective, shiny appearance typically associated with metals. Instead, it has a dull or glassy appearance.

Submit
19. . Name this mineral that has a property of double refraction.

Explanation

Calcite is a mineral that exhibits the property of double refraction. Double refraction occurs when light passing through the mineral is split into two rays, each traveling at a different speed and direction. This phenomenon is a result of the crystal structure of calcite, which has different refractive indices along different crystallographic axes. As a result of double refraction, objects viewed through calcite appear doubled or distorted.

Submit
20. You can identify a mineral by only using one property. 

Explanation

This statement is false because minerals cannot be identified by only using one property. Minerals have multiple properties such as color, hardness, luster, cleavage, and specific gravity, among others. To accurately identify a mineral, it is necessary to consider and analyze multiple properties in combination.

Submit
21. Name this mineral.  It has a very distinct smell.

Explanation

Sulfur is a mineral that has a very distinct smell. It is known for its strong, pungent odor, often described as resembling rotten eggs. This smell is a characteristic feature of sulfur and can be easily recognized.

Submit
22. Is this mineral's hardness greater or less than 5?

Explanation

The mineral's hardness is less than 5. This means that it is not a very hard mineral and can be easily scratched or damaged.

Submit
23. Diamond is

Explanation

Diamond is the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale because it has a perfect crystal structure with strong covalent bonds between its carbon atoms. This gives diamond its exceptional hardness, making it able to scratch all other minerals. The Mohs scale is a scale of mineral hardness, with diamond being assigned the highest value of 10. Therefore, diamond is known for its exceptional hardness and is considered the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale.

Submit
24. Hardness is a property that helps identify minerals. Scientists use a scale of 1-10 to show the hardness of a mineral. What number would be given to the hardest?

Explanation

The question asks for the number that would be given to the hardest mineral on the hardness scale. The scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest level of hardness. Therefore, the correct answer is 10.

Submit
25. Name this mineral.  It is second hardest to a diamond.

Explanation

Corundum is a mineral that is known for its hardness, being second only to diamond. It is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide and is commonly used as an abrasive due to its hardness. Corundum can be found in various colors, including blue, red, and pink, and is also the mineral that forms sapphires and rubies.

Submit
26. Name this mineral.  It is extremely dense.

Explanation

Galena is a mineral that is known for its extreme density. It is a lead sulfide mineral that has a high specific gravity, making it one of the densest common minerals. Galena is often found in metallic ore deposits and is a major source of lead. Its density and metallic luster make it easily distinguishable from other minerals.

Submit
27. Name this mineral.  It is often found in a powder form for its everyday use.

Explanation

Talc is a mineral that is commonly found in a powder form for everyday use. It is known for its softness and is often used in cosmetic products such as talcum powder and baby powder. Talc is also used in the production of ceramics, paint, and paper. It has a greasy or soapy feel and is easily crumbled into a fine powder. Talc is composed mainly of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen, and is classified as a phyllosilicate mineral.

Submit
28. What color streak would this mineral have? (white, black, yellow or colorless)

Explanation

The mineral would have a yellow streak.

Submit
29. Does this mineral cleave or fracture?

Explanation

Fracture refers to the way a mineral breaks when it does not exhibit a preferred cleavage. Instead of breaking along flat, smooth surfaces, minerals that fracture will break irregularly, producing rough and uneven surfaces. This can be due to the absence of a cleavage plane or the presence of impurities or structural irregularities within the mineral.

Submit
30. Is this mineral's hardness greater or less than 5?

Explanation

The mineral's hardness is greater than 5, indicating that it is a relatively hard mineral. Minerals are classified on the Mohs scale of hardness, which ranges from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). A hardness greater than 5 suggests that the mineral is harder than common materials like glass and steel, but it does not provide specific information about the mineral's identity.

Submit
31. What type of luster does this mineral have metallic or nonmetallic? 

Explanation

The mineral has a nonmetallic luster because it does not have the reflective shine typically associated with metals. Nonmetallic minerals have a variety of luster types, such as vitreous (glassy), pearly, silky, or dull.

Submit
32. Does this mineral cleave or fracture?

Explanation

This mineral fractures, which means it breaks irregularly and does not have a specific pattern of cleavage. When a mineral fractures, it forms rough and uneven surfaces.

Submit
33. How many directions does this mineral cleave? (1, 2 or 3)

Explanation

This mineral cleaves in only one direction. Cleavage in minerals refers to the tendency of a mineral to break along specific planes or directions, producing smooth, flat surfaces. In this case, the mineral can only cleave in one direction, indicating that it has a single plane of weakness along which it easily breaks.

Submit
34. Is this mineral's hardness greater or less than 5?

Explanation

The mineral's hardness is greater than 5. This means that it is harder than materials with a hardness of 5 or less.

Submit
35. Which one of the following describes a mineral's response to surface breakage?

Explanation

Cleavage describes a mineral's response to surface breakage. It refers to the way in which a mineral breaks along flat, even surfaces. Cleavage is determined by the internal arrangement of atoms in the mineral's crystal structure. When a mineral exhibits cleavage, it breaks into smooth, flat surfaces that are parallel to each other. The number and angle of these surfaces can vary depending on the mineral. Cleavage is an important property used in mineral identification.

Submit
36. What type of luster does this mineral have metallic or nonmetallic?

Explanation

The mineral has a nonmetallic luster, which means it does not have the appearance of a metal. This could be because the mineral does not reflect light in the same way that metals do, giving it a dull or earthy appearance. Nonmetallic minerals can have a variety of luster types, including vitreous (glass-like), pearly, silky, or dull.

Submit
37. What color streak does this mineral have? (white, black, yellow or colorless)

Explanation

This mineral has a colorless streak, meaning that when it is scratched on a streak plate, it does not leave behind any visible color.

Submit
38. Name this mineral.  It is the official mineral of Illinois.

Explanation

Fluorite is the correct answer because it is the official mineral of Illinois. This means that it has been designated by the state as a representative mineral. Fluorite is a colorful mineral that is commonly found in Illinois, particularly in the southern part of the state. It is known for its vibrant hues and is often used in jewelry and decorative items.

Submit
39. Name this mineral.  It's color is very distinctive.

Explanation

Pyrite is a mineral that can be easily identified by its distinctive color. It has a brassy yellow color that is often described as "fool's gold" due to its resemblance to gold. Its color is one of its most defining characteristics, making it easily recognizable.

Submit
40. Does this mineral cleave or fracture?.
Submit
41. Is this mineral's hardness greater or less than 5? 

Explanation

The mineral's hardness is less than 5. This means that it is not very hard and can be easily scratched or damaged.

Submit
42. Is this mineral's hardness greater or less than 5?

Explanation

The mineral's hardness is greater than 5, indicating that it is harder than substances with a hardness of 5 or less.

Submit
43. The Mohs scale measures

Explanation

The Mohs scale is a scale used to measure the hardness of minerals. It ranks minerals from 1 to 10 based on their ability to scratch or be scratched by other minerals. Therefore, the correct answer is "a mineral's hardness".

Submit
44. If a mineral breaks along flat or even surfaces, it has

Explanation

If a mineral breaks along flat or even surfaces, it has cleavage. Cleavage is a property of minerals that describes the way they break along specific planes of weakness. These planes of weakness are determined by the arrangement of atoms within the mineral's crystal structure. When a mineral has cleavage, it means that it breaks cleanly along these planes, resulting in flat or even surfaces. This is different from fracture, which refers to the way a mineral breaks irregularly or unevenly.

Submit
45. A mineral CANNOT be

Explanation

Minerals must meet five characteristics to be considered a mineral: solid, inorganic, naturally occurring, have a crystal structure and definite chemical composition.

Submit
46. Name this mineral.  It cleaves paper thin.

Explanation

Muscovite mica is the correct answer because it is a mineral that can easily cleave into paper-thin sheets. Muscovite mica is a type of mica that has excellent cleavage properties, allowing it to be easily split into thin layers. This characteristic makes it useful in various applications, including as an insulator in electrical equipment and as a component in cosmetics.

Submit
47. Name this mineral.  It has a distince color and cleavage.

Explanation

Feldspar is a mineral that can be easily identified by its distinct color and cleavage. It comes in a variety of colors, including white, pink, gray, and green. Its cleavage is also characteristic, as it tends to break along flat planes. Feldspar is a common mineral found in many types of rocks, making it a widely recognized mineral in the field of geology.

Submit
48. What color streak does this mineral have? (white, black, yellow or colorless)

Explanation

The mineral in question has a black streak. This means that when the mineral is scratched against a porcelain plate, it leaves behind a black mark. The color of the streak can sometimes be different from the actual color of the mineral, so even if the mineral itself may appear to be a different color, the streak is what determines its true color.

Submit
49. What is a distinguishing property of this mineral when it is felt?

Explanation

The distinguishing property of this mineral when it is felt is that it feels greasy.

Submit
50. All silicate minerals contain which two elements?

Explanation

Silicate minerals are minerals that contain silicon and oxygen as their main components. Silicon and oxygen are the two elements that are present in all silicate minerals. Silicate minerals make up the majority of the Earth's crust and are essential components of rocks and minerals.

Submit
51. What is the common name for this mineral?

Explanation

Fool's gold is the common name for the mineral pyrite. It earned this name because it has a similar appearance to gold, with a bright metallic luster and a yellowish color. However, fool's gold is actually composed of iron sulfide, while gold is a precious metal. The name "fool's gold" implies that it can deceive people into thinking they have found gold when in reality it is a different mineral.

Submit
52. Gold, silver and copper are examples of:

Explanation

Gold, silver, and copper are examples of native elements because they occur naturally in their pure form, without being combined with other elements. They are not carbonate minerals, which are compounds containing carbon and oxygen. They are also not fluorescent minerals, which exhibit a visible glow under ultraviolet light. Additionally, there is no mention of minerals with a distinct smell, so it is not relevant to this question.

Submit
53.  A silicate tetrahedron is surrounded by ________.

Explanation

A silicate tetrahedron is a structure consisting of a central silicon atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. Therefore, it is surrounded by 4 oxygen atoms.

Submit
54. Which of the following is an example of a mineral resource?

Explanation

All of the given options (sand, petroleum, and gold) are examples of mineral resources. Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles. Petroleum, also known as crude oil, is a naturally occurring liquid found beneath the Earth's surface and is composed of various hydrocarbons. Gold is a precious metal that is often found in its natural form as nuggets or grains within rocks and rivers. Therefore, all of these options can be classified as mineral resources.

Submit
55. What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?

Explanation

The correct answer is choices A and B. A mineral is more valuable because it has a specific chemical composition and crystal structure, which makes it useful for various purposes. On the other hand, a rock can be made of minerals, as rocks are composed of different minerals or mineraloids. Therefore, the difference between a rock and a mineral lies in their composition and value.

Submit
View My Results

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Sep 27, 2024 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Sep 27, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Sep 20, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Rdteague
Cancel
  • All
    All (55)
  • Unanswered
    Unanswered ()
  • Answered
    Answered ()
What type of luster does this mineral have metallic or...
What type of luster does this mineral have metallic or nonmetallic?
Does this mineral come in only one color?(yes or no)
Is this mineral's hardness greater or less than 5?
Does this mineral cleave or fracture?
Does this mineral cleave or fracture?
Is this mineral's hardness greater or less than 5?
. Does this mineral cleave or fracture?
What color streak does this mineral have? (white, black, yellow...
What color streak does this mineral have? (white, black, yellow or...
Does this mineral cleave or fracture?
Where are most minerals found?
Minerals have different properties that help scientists identify them....
What mineral is the hardest known substance in nature?
Name this mineral.  There are paperclips attached to it do to its...
What type of luster does this mineral have metallic or...
. What type of luster does this mineral have metallic or nonmetallic?
What type of luster does this mineral have metallic or nonmetallic?
. Name this mineral that has a property of double refraction.
You can identify a mineral by only using one property. 
Name this mineral.  It has a very distinct smell.
Is this mineral's hardness greater or less than 5?
Diamond is
Hardness is a property that helps identify minerals. Scientists use a...
Name this mineral.  It is second hardest to a diamond.
Name this mineral.  It is extremely dense.
Name this mineral.  It is often found in a powder form for its...
What color streak would this mineral have? (white, black, yellow or...
Does this mineral cleave or fracture?
Is this mineral's hardness greater or less than 5?
What type of luster does this mineral have metallic or...
Does this mineral cleave or fracture?
How many directions does this mineral cleave? (1, 2 or 3)
Is this mineral's hardness greater or less than 5?
Which one of the following describes a mineral's response to...
What type of luster does this mineral have metallic or nonmetallic?
What color streak does this mineral have? (white, black,...
Name this mineral.  It is the official mineral of Illinois.
Name this mineral.  It's color is very distinctive.
Does this mineral cleave or fracture?.
Is this mineral's hardness greater or less than 5? 
Is this mineral's hardness greater or less than 5?
The Mohs scale measures
If a mineral breaks along flat or even surfaces, it has
A mineral CANNOT be
Name this mineral.  It cleaves paper thin.
Name this mineral.  It has a distince color and cleavage.
What color streak does this mineral have? (white, black, yellow or...
What is a distinguishing property of this mineral when it is felt?
All silicate minerals contain which two elements?
What is the common name for this mineral?
Gold, silver and copper are examples of:
 A silicate tetrahedron is surrounded by ________.
Which of the following is an example of a mineral resource?
What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?
Alert!

Advertisement