Mr W's Online Mineral Quiz

1. The color of a minerals powder is called ____________ by geologists.

Luster

Fracture

Cleavage

Streak

Density

The color of a mineral's powder is called "streak" by geologists. Streak refers to the color of the powdered form of a mineral when it is scraped across a streak plate. This characteristic helps geologists identify minerals, as the streak color can sometimes be different from the color of the mineral itself.

Explanation

The color of a mineral's powder is called "streak" by geologists. Streak refers to the color of the powdered form of a mineral when it is scraped across a streak plate. This characteristic helps geologists identify minerals, as the streak color can sometimes be different from the color of the mineral itself.

2. Each mineral has a characteristic ____________, which is defined as its mass in grams compared to (or divided by) its volume in milliliters.

Heft

Density

Permeability

None of the above

Density is the correct answer because it is defined as the mass of a mineral divided by its volume. It is a characteristic property of minerals that helps to identify and distinguish them from each other. Heft refers to the weight or perceived weight of an object, while permeability refers to the ability of a substance to allow fluids or gases to pass through it. None of the above options accurately describe the characteristic of minerals being discussed.

Explanation

Density is the correct answer because it is defined as the mass of a mineral divided by its volume. It is a characteristic property of minerals that helps to identify and distinguish them from each other. Heft refers to the weight or perceived weight of an object, while permeability refers to the ability of a substance to allow fluids or gases to pass through it. None of the above options accurately describe the characteristic of minerals being discussed.

3. What term is used by geologists to describe how light reflects off of a mineral? (ex. Galena-metallic) Also see: Glassy (vitreous-70%) Pearly Dull Adamantine

Cleavage

Viscosity

Luster

Streak

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Explanation

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4. When a mineral breaks apart leaving flat surfaces geologist say the mineral exhibits __________.

Fracture

Deformation

Cleavage

Heft

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Explanation

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5. When a mineral breaks apart and leaves rough irregular edges, geologists describe it as ________.

ex. Obsidian - chonchoidal

Heft

Cleavage

Streak

Fracture

None of the above

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Explanation

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6.

What defines something as a mineral?
(ex. Smokey Quartz)

Naturally occurring (not man-made)

Inorganic (never from plant/animal material)

Has a definite crystalline structure

Solid (not liquid or gas)

All of the above

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Explanation

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7. The term(s) used by geologists to describe how a mineral breaks apart under pressure is called?

Fracture

Cleavage

Both A & B

Neither A nor B

Both fracture and cleavage are terms used by geologists to describe how a mineral breaks apart under pressure. Fracture refers to the way a mineral breaks irregularly, resulting in rough and uneven surfaces. Cleavage, on the other hand, describes the tendency of a mineral to break along flat, smooth planes. So, both fracture and cleavage are important concepts in understanding the behavior of minerals under pressure.

Explanation

Both fracture and cleavage are terms used by geologists to describe how a mineral breaks apart under pressure. Fracture refers to the way a mineral breaks irregularly, resulting in rough and uneven surfaces. Cleavage, on the other hand, describes the tendency of a mineral to break along flat, smooth planes. So, both fracture and cleavage are important concepts in understanding the behavior of minerals under pressure.