Minerals Quiz

17 Questions | By Renaan | Updated: Mar 22, 2022 | Attempts: 5578

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Minerals are naturally occurring substances, with a definite chemical composition and ordered internal structure that is found beneath the earth’s surface. Below is an 8th-grade honors quiz over mineral characteristics and identification in the format of multiple choice and extended response. Give it a try and see what you understand about the minerals around us. Share how high your score is in the comment section!

Questions and Answers

1.

On Moh's hardness scale, whichof the following minerals is harder than quartz?
- A.
  
  Talc
- B.
  
  Apatite
- C.
  
  Gypsum
- D.
  
  Diamond
2.

Which of the following terms is NOT used to describe a mineral's luster?
- A.
  
  Shiny
- B.
  
  Glassy
- C.
  
  Dull
- D.
  
  Hexagonal
3.

Which of the following is considered a special property that applies to only a few minerals?
- A.
  
  Color
- B.
  
  Luster
- C.
  
  Streak
- D.
  
  Magnetism
4.

Why isn't color a reliable way to determine a mineral's identity?
5.

Which of the following physical properties can be expressed in numbers?
- A.
  
  Luster
- B.
  
  Hardness
- C.
  
  Color
- D.
  
  Reaction to acid
6.

The color of the powder that a mineral leaves on a piece of white, unglazed pocelain is calledthe mineral's
- A.
  
  Hardness
- B.
  
  Luster
- C.
  
  Streak
- D.
  
  Scratch
7.

Why isn't the streak of a mineral not always a way to determine the identity of the mineral?
8.

The most common classification of minerals is based on
- A.
  
  Color
- B.
  
  Chemical composition
- C.
  
  Size
- D.
  
  Shape
9.

The special property used to identify halite is
- A.
  
  Radioactivity
- B.
  
  Magnetism
- C.
  
  Fluorescence
- D.
  
  Taste
10.

A mineral fizzes when a weak acid is dropped on it, the mineral is probably
- A.
  
  Halite
- B.
  
  Magnetite
- C.
  
  Calcite
- D.
  
  Quartz
11.

A mineral is believed to be magnetite, how can you test the hypothesis?
12.

Besides, special properties and streak to identify minerals, what is another property that is unique to each mineral?
13.

In order to be considered a mineral, an element(s) must have four characteristics. State the four characteristics.
14.

How would you determine the hardness of an unidentified mineral sample?
15.

Suppose you have three rings each with a different gem. One has a diamond, one has an amethyst (purple quartz) and one has a topaz. You mail the rings in a small box to your friend who lives five states away. When the box arrives at its destination, two of the gems are damaged. One gem, however is damaged much worse than the other. What scientific reason can you give for the difference in damage?
16.

You are given two mineral samples. Sample A has a mass of 50 g and displaces 25 ml of water. Sample B has a mass of 114 g and displaces 54 ml of water. Which sample has the greater density? Show your work.
17.

Can a mineral be a liquid? Why or why not?