Rocks And Minerals Quiz: MCQ! Trivia
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The words waxy, pearly, and dull describe a mineral's...
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Luster
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Hardness
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Fracture
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Cleavage
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About This Quiz
Explore the fascinating world of geology with the Rocks and Minerals Quiz: MCQ! Trivia. This quiz tests your knowledge on mineral properties such as luster, fracture, and density, and clarifies common misconceptions about mineral composition. Perfect for learners interested in earth sciences.
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- 2.
The words uneven and splintery describe a mineral's:
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Luster
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Hardness
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Fracture
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Cleavage
Correct Answer
A. FractureExplanation
The words "uneven" and "splintery" suggest that the mineral does not break along smooth, flat surfaces, indicating a fracture. Fracture refers to the way a mineral breaks when it is not along a cleavage plane. Cleavage, on the other hand, refers to the tendency of a mineral to break along specific planes of weakness. Hence, fracture is the appropriate term to describe the mineral based on the given description.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The ratio of a mineral's mass to its volume is the mineral's:
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Atomic weight
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Density
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Mass
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Weight
Correct Answer
A. DensityExplanation
The ratio of a mineral's mass to its volume is known as its density. Density is a fundamental property of a substance and is defined as the amount of mass per unit volume. It is a measure of how tightly packed the particles are within a given volume. Density is commonly used in identifying minerals as different minerals have different densities. By comparing the density of a mineral to known values, it is possible to determine the type of mineral present. Therefore, density is the correct answer in this context.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Non-Silicates are the most abundant group of minerals in the Earth's crust.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The statement that non-silicates are the most abundant group of minerals in the Earth's crust is false. Silicates, which are minerals composed of silicon and oxygen, are actually the most abundant group of minerals in the Earth's crust. They make up about 90% of the Earth's crust. Non-silicates, on the other hand, include minerals such as carbonates, sulfates, and oxides, and they are less abundant compared to silicates.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Minerals that have the "closest packing" structure have high densities.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Minerals with a "closest packing" structure have high densities because this arrangement allows for the maximum number of atoms to be packed closely together in a given space. In closest packing, the atoms are arranged in a way that minimizes the empty spaces between them, resulting in a higher density. The close proximity of atoms in this structure leads to stronger atomic bonding, which further contributes to the higher density of these minerals.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The tetrahedral arrangement of atoms is found only in silicate minerals.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The tetrahedral arrangement of atoms refers to the arrangement of four oxygen atoms around a central silicon atom in a tetrahedron shape. This arrangement is a characteristic feature of silicate minerals, which are compounds made up of silicon and oxygen. Other minerals may have different atomic arrangements, so the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The splitting of slate into flat layers illustrates its:
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Foliation
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Sediment
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Formation
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Contact metamorphism
Correct Answer
A. FoliationExplanation
The splitting of slate into flat layers illustrates its foliation. Foliation is the process in which rocks undergo deformation and develop a planar structure, such as parallel layers or bands. In the case of slate, the original sedimentary layers have been subjected to pressure and heat, causing the minerals to realign and form distinct foliation planes. This characteristic is commonly observed in metamorphic rocks, where the original texture and structure of the rock are altered due to intense geological processes.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Partial melting is when the different minerals in rock have different melting points.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Partial melting occurs when different minerals within a rock have varying melting points. This means that when the rock is subjected to high temperatures, some minerals will melt while others remain solid. This process is important in the formation of igneous rocks, as it allows for the separation and extraction of different minerals from the molten rock. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Fractional crystallization is when the minerals in a rock crystallize at different temperatures.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Fractional crystallization is a process in which minerals in a rock crystallize at different temperatures. This occurs because different minerals have different melting points or solidification temperatures. As the rock cools, minerals with higher melting points will crystallize first, while those with lower melting points will crystallize later. This process can lead to the formation of layered rocks with different mineral compositions. Therefore, the statement that fractional crystallization is when the minerals in a rock crystallize at different temperatures is true.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What belongs in space A?
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Metamorphic Rock
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Sedimentary Rock
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Igneous Rock
Correct Answer
A. Igneous RockExplanation
Igneous rock belongs in space A because it is formed through the cooling and solidification of molten magma or lava. This process occurs either beneath the Earth's surface or on the surface through volcanic activity. Igneous rocks have a crystalline structure and can be further classified into intrusive (formed beneath the surface) and extrusive (formed on the surface) types. Metamorphic rock is formed from the transformation of existing rock types due to high heat and pressure, while sedimentary rock is formed from the accumulation and lithification of sediments. Therefore, the correct answer is Igneous Rock.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What belongs in space B?
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Sedimentary Rock
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Metamorphic Rock
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Igneous Rock
Correct Answer
A. Metamorphic RockExplanation
Metamorphic rock belongs in space B because it is one of the three main types of rock, along with sedimentary and igneous rock. Metamorphic rock is formed when existing rock is subjected to high pressure, heat, or chemical reactions, causing it to change its form and structure. This process usually occurs deep within the Earth's crust. In contrast, sedimentary rock is formed from the accumulation and consolidation of sediments, while igneous rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of molten material. Therefore, based on the given options, metamorphic rock is the appropriate choice for space B.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What belongs in space C?
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Sedimentary Rock
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Metamorphic Rock
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Igneous Rock
Correct Answer
A. Sedimentary RockExplanation
In this question, the options provided are different types of rocks. Sedimentary rock is formed through the accumulation and compression of sediment over time. It is commonly found in layers and contains fossils. Metamorphic rock is formed when existing rock is subjected to extreme heat and pressure, causing it to change its form. Igneous rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of molten material. Based on this information, the correct answer is Sedimentary Rock, as it is the only type of rock mentioned that is formed through the accumulation of sediment.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The gram formula weight (weight of one mole) of the mineral quartz is 44 g, and the gram formula weight of magnetite is 136 g. If you had 4 moles of magnetite, how many moles of quartz would be equal to the weight of the magnetite? (Round to the nearest whole number)
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10 moles
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15 moles
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12 moles
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3 moles
Correct Answer
A. 12 molesExplanation
If the gram formula weight of quartz is 44 g and the gram formula weight of magnetite is 136 g, then the weight of 4 moles of magnetite would be 4 * 136 g = 544 g. To find the number of moles of quartz that would be equal to this weight, we divide the weight (544 g) by the gram formula weight of quartz (44 g). 544 g / 44 g = 12.3636. Rounded to the nearest whole number, this is equal to 12 moles of quartz. Therefore, 12 moles of quartz would be equal to the weight of 4 moles of magnetite.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Rocks are classified into three categories: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Rocks are indeed classified into three categories: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compression of sediments, metamorphic rocks are formed from the transformation of existing rocks under high pressure and temperature, and igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of molten magma or lava. Therefore, the statement "Rocks are classified into three categories: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous" is true.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The gram formula weight (weight of one mole) of the mineral hematite, is 285 g, and the gram formula weight of magnetite is 345 g. Which of the following would weigh more: half a mole of hematite or one-third of a mole of magnetite?
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Hematite
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Magnetite
Correct Answer
A. HematiteExplanation
Half a mole of hematite would weigh more than one-third of a mole of magnetite. This can be determined by calculating the weight of each substance. Half a mole of hematite would weigh 0.5 * 285 g = 142.5 g, while one-third of a mole of magnetite would weigh 0.33 * 345 g = 113.85 g. Therefore, half a mole of hematite would weigh more than one-third of a mole of magnetite.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which of the following measurements represent mass?
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Grams
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Centimeters cubed
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Density
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. GramsExplanation
Grams is a unit of measurement that represents mass. It is commonly used to measure the weight of objects or substances. Centimeters cubed is a unit of measurement that represents volume, not mass. Density is a measure of mass per unit volume, so it is not a direct measurement of mass. Therefore, the correct answer is grams.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic a substance must have to be classified as a mineral?
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Inorganic
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Crystalline solid
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Organic
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Occurs naturally
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Consistent chemical composition
Correct Answer
A. OrganicExplanation
A substance must have certain characteristics to be classified as a mineral, and one of these is being inorganic. Inorganic means that the substance is not derived from living organisms. Organic substances, on the other hand, are derived from living organisms. Therefore, organic is not a characteristic that a substance must have to be classified as a mineral.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Magma that solidifies underground forms rock masses that are known as...
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Lava plateaus
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Intrusions
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Extrusions
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Volcanic cones
Correct Answer
A. IntrusionsExplanation
Magma that solidifies underground forms rock masses known as intrusions. Intrusions occur when magma cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface, resulting in the formation of intrusive igneous rocks such as granite. These rocks are characterized by their coarse-grained texture due to the slow cooling process. Unlike extrusions, which refer to volcanic eruptions where magma reaches the Earth's surface as lava, intrusions remain below the surface and can be exposed through erosion or uplift over time. Lava plateaus and volcanic cones, on the other hand, are formed by volcanic activity at the surface.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Light-colored igneous rocks are generally part of the:
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Intermediate family
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Mafic family
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Felsic family
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Basalt family
Correct Answer
A. Felsic familyExplanation
Light-colored igneous rocks are generally part of the felsic family. Felsic rocks are rich in silica and have a high content of light-colored minerals such as quartz and feldspar. These rocks are typically associated with continental crust and are commonly found in areas of volcanic activity such as volcanic arcs and continental rift zones. Mafic rocks, on the other hand, are dark-colored and rich in magnesium and iron, while basalt is a specific type of mafic rock. Therefore, the correct answer is felsic family.Rate this question:
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- 20.
When two single chains of tetrahedra bond to each other, the result is called a?
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Double-chain silicate
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Sheet silicate
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Single-chain silicate
Correct Answer
A. Double-chain silicateExplanation
When two single chains of tetrahedra bond to each other, they form a double-chain silicate. This type of silicate structure consists of two parallel chains of tetrahedra that are linked together by shared oxygen atoms. The double-chain structure provides additional stability and strength to the mineral, making it suitable for various applications in industries such as construction and ceramics.Rate this question:
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- 21.
How many oxygen ions and silicon ions are in a silicon-oxygen tetrahedron?
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4 oxygen, 1 silicon
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1 silicon, 4 oxygen
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3 oxygen, 1 silicon
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1 oxygen, 3 silicon
Correct Answer
A. 4 oxygen, 1 siliconExplanation
In a silicon-oxygen tetrahedron, there are four oxygen ions and one silicon ion. This is because the structure of a tetrahedron consists of four oxygen atoms surrounding a central silicon atom. Each oxygen atom forms a covalent bond with the silicon atom, resulting in a total of four oxygen ions and one silicon ion in the tetrahedron.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 04, 2012Quiz Created by
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