Chapter 2 Test

Front

Which of the following is not a criterion for defining something as a mineral? A) naturally occurring, C) generally inorganic, D) orderly crystalline structure

Back

hard

Front

Which one of the following is not true for minerals? A) They have a specific, internal, crystalline structure. B) They can be a liquid, solid, or gas. C) Many have a specific, predictable chemical composition. D) They can be identified by characteristic physical properties.

Back

They can be a liquid, solid, or gas.

Front

The basic building blocks for halite are ________ and ________.

Back

Na; Cl

Front

The resistance of a mineral to abrasion is known as ________.

Back

hardness

Front

The strong tendency of certain minerals to break along smooth, parallel planes is known as ________.

Back

cleavage

Front

What does the tendency of micas to produce thin cleavage flakes suggest about its crystal structure?

Back

The atoms are arranged in orderly arrangements that form strongly bonded sheets separated by weak bonds between the sheets.

Front

What theory dramatically improved geologist's ability to predict where certain ore deposits were formed?

Back

plate tectonics

Front

What time span is required to produce most mineral deposits? A) 1-100 years, or about a human life span, B) tens of thousands to millions of years, C) billions of years, D) We have no way of knowing this, but most were formed at the same time as Earth.

Back

tens of thousands to millions of years

Front

A mineral is produced by its ability to transmit light. Opaque minerals always have a ________ luster because they ________ light.

Back

nonmetallic; do not transmit

Front

Wood floats in water and rocks sink; thus, the density of wood is ________.

Back

lower than that of water