NYS Mineral Review

Front

What mineral has a metallic luster, green-black streak, and is used as an ore of sulfur?

Back

Pyrite is a mineral that has a metallic luster and a green-black streak. It is commonly known as 'fool's gold' and is used as an ore of sulfur.

Front

What is the hardness range of the mineral pyroxene?

Back

The mineral pyroxene typically exhibits a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.

Front

What mineral is Peridot a form of?

Back

Peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine.

Front

What are the cleavage angles of pyroxene?

Back

Pyroxene typically cleaves at angles of 56° and 124°.

Front

What type of rocks are olivine and pyroxene commonly found in?

Back

Olivine and pyroxene are commonly found in mafic igneous rocks, which have a high density.

Front

Define 'mafic' in terms of rock composition.

Back

Mafic rocks are rich in magnesium and iron, typically dark in color, and have a higher density.

Front

What is the difference between felsic and mafic rocks?

Back

Felsic rocks are light-colored and rich in silica, while mafic rocks are dark-colored and rich in magnesium and iron.

Front

What is the significance of streak in mineral identification?

Back

The streak of a mineral is the color of its powder, which can help identify the mineral more accurately than its external color.

Front

What is the definition of 'luster' in minerals?

Back

Luster refers to the way light interacts with the surface of a mineral, indicating its shine or dullness.

Front

What is the Mohs scale?

Back

The Mohs scale is a scale used to measure the hardness of minerals, ranging from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).