G3 - Earth Materials & Rocks

Marcy thinks that all of the minerals in her collection are quartz. What properties can BEST help her identify the minerals as quartz?

• hardness, crystal shape, and streak 
• luster, crystal shape, and size 
• color, hardness, and texture 
• hardness, shape, and color 

Which statement BEST explains how scientists use the Mohs scale to help them determine a mineral’s hardness?

• No two minerals have the same hardness. 
• Minerals with the same hardness are usually the same color. 
• A mineral can scratch another mineral with a lower hardness. 
• Minerals will scratch other minerals only if they have the same hardness. 

The Mohs scale lists diamond as the hardest mineral. What does this mean?

• Diamonds can scratch any other mineral. 
• Diamonds can be scratched only by minerals and not by rocks. 
• Diamond is the only mineral that does not leave a streak on a tile plate. 
• Diamond is the only mineral that will not break when hit with a hammer. 

• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7

The table below will help you determine the differences between pyrite and gold.  Which test would determine if a mineral sample is pyrite or gold?

• rub each mineral across a streak plate
• scratch each of the samples with quartz 
• measure the mass of both mineral samples 
• compare the colors of both mineral samples 

One of the properties of a mineral that is useful for identification is its streak. What is the streak of a mineral?

• the ability to scratch a reference mineral 
• the color of a fine powder of the mineral 
• the way it forms faces when it is broken 
• the way that the mineral’s surface reflects light 

Luke studies a collection of rocks. He classifies them as sedimentary rocks. What properties of the rocks MOST LIKELY led Luke to his conclusion?

• The rocks have very large crystals and rough textures. 
• The rocks all have large grains and air bubbles in them. 
• The rocks are all very flat and shiny and break into flat pieces. 
• The rocks are made up of colored layers and have fossil remains. 

• cast fossil
• bone fossil
• mold fossil
• imprint fossil

Which of the following is the BEST topic sentence for Derrick's report about fossils?

• Fossils are found only of extinct animals. 
• All fossils are made up of the bones and teeth. 
• Fossils can tell us about plants and animals that lived long ago. 
• Only plant fossils can tell us about long ago. 

• It carried its tail. 
• It ate only plants.
• It cared for its young.
• It walked on two feet.