Minerals and Mineral Resources

Which of the following statements about how minerals are used is FALSE?

• Aluminum is frequently used in batteries, ammunition, glass, and ceramics.

• Desirable properties of metals are combined in ores.

• Nonmetals are used for many purposes around the world.

• Rubies are nonmetallic minerals prized for their beauty.

Ore minerals can form in all of the following places EXCEPT

• at the surface of an area that was once covered by water

• at the bottom of a water body

• in fractures within rocks

• in a bed of hot, flowing lava

Sand, gravel, and granite are examples of

• metallic minerals

• metallic elements

• nonmetallic minerals

• aluminum

Which of the following describes a metallic mineral?

• silver

• a mineral that conducts electricity, has a shiny surface, and is opaque

• copper

• all of the above

A company is likely to mine a site if the site

• is rich in minerals

• contains gold

• contains minerals that can be extracted economically

• does not contain gangue minerals

Which of the following minerals is NOT available commercially

• ore minerals

• gangue minerals

• metallic minerals

• nonmetallic minerals

___ are pure substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemical means.

• Minerals

• Compounds

• Crystals

• Elements

Which of the following statements about minerals is FALSE?

• Minerals have a crystalline structure.

• Humans can create minerals to suit specific needs.

• Minerals are inorganic materials.

• Minerals cannot be liquids or gases.

The following are steps a mining company is likely to follow. One step is premature (listed too soon). Which step is listed too soon?

• Step 1: Search for suitable mining sites.

• Step 2: Make a geological map of the potential site.

• Step 3: Take rock samples at the site.

• Step 4: Start mining.

Which of the following would be the most economical method for subsurface mining a deposit of salt?

• room-and-pillar mining

• longwall minng

• solution mining

• quarrying