Earth's Minerals and Rocks Review

Front

What are silicates?

Back

Silicates are minerals that contain silicon and oxygen, and they make up about 90% of the Earth's crust.

Front

What does the term 'inorganic' mean in relation to minerals?

Back

Inorganic refers to minerals that cannot form from materials that were once part of a living thing.

Front

Which of the following is NOT considered sediment?

Back

Magma is not considered sediment; it is molten rock beneath the Earth's surface.

Front

What is a rock?

Back

A rock is a solid material made up of one or more minerals.

Front

What does 'naturally occurring' mean?

Back

Naturally occurring refers to substances that are formed by processes that occur in the natural world.

Front

What are the two main categories of minerals?

Back

The two main categories of minerals are silicates and nonsilicates.

Front

What is the definition of a mineral?

Back

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure.

Front

What is the difference between rocks and minerals?

Back

Rocks are composed of one or more minerals, while minerals are pure substances with specific chemical compositions.

Front

What are native elements?

Back

Native elements are minerals that are composed of only one element, such as gold (Au) or copper (Cu).

Front

What is an oxide mineral?

Back

Oxide minerals are minerals that contain oxygen and one or more metals, such as hematite (Fe2O3).