Common Mineral Uses

In the gold rush of 1849, prospectors found a yellow mineral that appeared to be gold, but was harder and more brittle than gold. What is this mineral that came to be called "fool's gold"?

• Calcite

• Copper

• Sulfur

• Pyrite

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Which mineral is commonly used as table salt?

• Hematite

• Calcite

• Apatite

• Halite

The most abundant group of minerals found in the Earth's crust are the-

• silicates

• non-silicates

• organics

• inorganics

Gravel and sand are used for-

• optical applications

• building applications

• magnetic applications

• educational applications

Diamonds are used for wedding rings and-

• optical applications

• cutting and drilling parts

• educational applications

• toothpaste

Minerals found in Virginia include-

• diamonds and rubies

• schist and tar sands

• pyrite and mica

• quartzite and slate

Magnetite would most likely be used as-

• a substance in cork boards for posting fliers

• an additive to feed given to livestock

• an ore of steel used to make nails

• an ingredient in chocolate to prevent caking

Graphite is most likely used in-

• soda cans

• automobiles

• batteries

• pencils

What is aluminum used for?

• Transportation, packaging, building

• Computer chips, glass, refractory materials

• Steels, metallurgy, auto parts, medicines

• Building, electric cables and wires, switches, plumbing, roofing

What is silica used for?

• Transportation, packaging, building

• Computer chips, glass, refractory materials

• Steels, metallurgy, auto parts, medicines

• Building, electric cables and wires, switches, plumbing, roofing