Rocks and Minerals Study

Tasha found a mineral and wonders what it is. Fluorite can scratch the mineral, but apatite can not. Using Moh's Hardness Scale, what is the hardness of the mineral Tasha found?

• 4.0

• 4.5

• 5.0

• 5.5

Which question is a scientist most likely asking if she is classifying a rock based on its luster?

• How old is this rock?

• How hard is this rock?

• How large is this rock?

• How shiny is this rock?

The table above shows the hardness of six minerals.

Using the table, which minerals will scratch Ekanite?

• Alabaster, Moissanite, and Creedite

• Boracite and Moissanite

• Alabaster and Creedite

• Boracite, Spectrolite, and Moissanite

Beth was skipping stones on the water. The stones had many different colors and shapes. Which best describes the stones Beth was skipping?

• The stones were minerals.

• The stones were gems.

• The stones were rocks.

• The stones were diamonds.

Which physical property of a given mineral displays the greatest range in differences?

• luster

• color

• hardness

• fracture

Which of the following characteristics is a property that scientists use when identifying minerals?

• luster

• volume

• length

• size

The table above shows the physical properties of six different minerals. Using the table, which mineral can scratch Wurtzite and has a poor ability to reflect light?

• Geothite

• Manganite

• Sphalerite

• Boulangerite

Which of the following best explains a hardness scale?

• a scale that tests the hardness of a mineral by scratching other materials

• a scale that tests the hardness of a rock by scratching other materials

• a scale that tests the hardness of a mineral by being rubbed on other materials

• a scale that tests the hardness of a rock by being rubbed on other materials

Which of the following is NOT a test to help classify a mineral?

• luster test

• hardness test

• weight test

• color test

Pick the four characteristics of minerals that can be used to identify them.

• color

• size

• luster

• hardness

• texture