Ch 13: mining and minerals

Open Ended

Why is it important to think about the sources of the minerals we use in our everyday technology?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of minerals?

• Occur in nature

• Chemically inorganic

• Have definite chemical compositions

• Are always liquids

Multiple Choice

Explain how the Mohs scale is used to determine mineral hardness and provide an example of a mineral at each end of the scale.

• Talc (1) is the softest mineral, and Diamond (10) is the hardest mineral.
• Quartz (7) is the softest mineral, and Ruby (9) is the hardest mineral.
• Fluorite (4) is the softest mineral, and Sapphire (9) is the hardest mineral.
• Gypsum (2) is the softest mineral, and Topaz (8) is the hardest mineral.

Multiple Select

Minerals can form through crystallization from magma or lava, precipitation, pressure and temperature, and production by organisms. Select all processes that involve a change in physical state.

• Crystallization from magma or lava

• Precipitation

• Pressure and temperature

• Production by organisms

Multiple Choice

Minerals are classified based on their elements or compounds. Fill in the blank: Quartz, feldspar, and mica are examples of ___ minerals.

• silicates
• Carbonates

• Oxides

• sulfates

Multiple Choice

Describe how the rock cycle changes rocks from one type to another and mention the role of tectonic plate action in this process.

• The rock cycle only forms igneous rocks through erosion.
• The rock cycle changes rocks from igneous to sedimentary to metamorphic and back, with tectonic plate action driving these transformations.
• Tectonic plate action has no impact on rock transformations.
• Rocks change types solely due to weathering and not tectonics.

Multiple Choice

Which statement best explains why granite has larger crystals than basalt?

• Granite forms from magma that cools quickly.

• Basalt forms from magma that cools slowly.

• Granite forms from magma that cools slowly.

• Basalt forms from magma that cools too slowly for large crystals to form.

Multiple Choice

Which type of rock forms when sediments cement together or when water evaporates and leaves behind minerals?

• Sedimentary

• Metamorphic

• Igneous

• Obsidian

Multiple Choice

Compare and contrast sedimentary and metamorphic rocks based on their formation and examples.

• Igneous rocks form from cooling magma (e.g., basalt, granite), while sedimentary rocks form from volcanic activity (e.g., pumice, obsidian).
• Sedimentary rocks are formed from volcanic eruptions (e.g., tuff, scoria), while metamorphic rocks are formed from crystallization in the ocean (e.g., slate, phyllite).
• Metamorphic rocks are formed from chemical reactions in water (e.g., gneiss, quartzite), while sedimentary rocks are formed from solidified lava (e.g., tuff, rhyolite).
• Sedimentary rocks form from particle accumulation (e.g., sandstone, limestone), while metamorphic rocks form from the alteration of existing rocks under heat and pressure (e.g., schist, marble).

Multiple Choice

Which of the following minerals is considered a fuel used to generate energy?

• Diamond

• Coal

• Salt

• Topaz

Multiple Select

Select all steps that are part of the process of mining and mineral use as shown in the diagram.

• Areas are explored

• Minerals are refined and processed

• Materials are used to make products

• Minerals are grown in labs

Multiple Choice

Explain the difference between surface mining and subsurface mining, including when each method is used.

• Surface mining is primarily for minerals, while subsurface mining is for coal only.
• Subsurface mining is always more efficient than surface mining regardless of depth.
• Surface mining is used for shallow deposits, while subsurface mining is used for deeper deposits.
• Surface mining is used for deep deposits, while subsurface mining is for shallow deposits.

Multiple Select

Which mining methods involve removing large amounts of surface material?

• Strip mining

• Subsurface mining

• Open pit mining

• Placer mining

Multiple Choice

Describe the process by which minerals are converted into products and eventually disposed of or recycled.

• Minerals are mined, processed, manufactured into products, and then either disposed of or recycled.
• Minerals are gathered, altered, developed into items, and then either eliminated or recycled.
• Minerals are extracted, refined, sold as products, and then discarded or reused.
• Minerals are sourced, treated, crafted into goods, and then thrown away or repurposed.

Multiple Choice

Which mining method is most likely to cause increased erosion and why?

• Strip mining, because it removes vegetation and dirt

• Subsurface mining, because it goes deep underground

• Open pit mining, because it leaves a large pit

• Placer mining, because it is done in river beds

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a social impact of mining?

• Property damage caused by mountaintop removal or mine collapse

• Increase in agricultural productivity

• Reduction in global warming

• Improvement in water quality

Multiple Select

Select all regulations that require restoration or management of land after mining activities.

• General Mining Law of 1872

• Mineral Leasing Act of 1920

• Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (1977)

• Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977

Multiple Choice

Explain how mining laws and regulations have evolved to address environmental and social concerns. Use examples from the General Mining Law of 1872 and later regulations.

• Recent mining laws focus solely on economic benefits without social considerations.
• The General Mining Law of 1872 introduced strict environmental regulations immediately.
• Mining laws have remained unchanged since 1872, ignoring environmental issues.
• Mining laws have evolved from the General Mining Law of 1872, which lacked environmental protections, to include regulations like NEPA and FLPMA that address environmental and social concerns.

Multiple Choice

Why is recycling minerals considered a responsible practice in mineral use?

• Recycling minerals is unnecessary and wastes energy.
• Recycling minerals is responsible because it conserves resources, reduces environmental impact, and promotes sustainability.
• Recycling minerals increases pollution and harms wildlife.
• Recycling minerals has no impact on resource availability.