Mineral study guide

Part A: Joe found a piece of a mineral while on a hike. He wants to identify the mineral he found. Identify 2 physical properties of a mineral.

Part B: Describe how Joe can test the mineral he found for each of the physical properties that you identified in the previous question.

Which of these mineral properties can be used to identify a mineral? Choose ALL correct answers.

• Luster

• Hardness

• Size

• Streak

A naturally occuring, inorganic solid that has a crystal structure and definite chemical composition is called a:

• geode

• fossil

• rock

• mineral

Minerals that form with large crystals that take a long time to cool and grow over a longer period of time most likely come from:

• lava

• magma

• evaporation

• organic process

Minerals that are produced as shells on clams are formed from:

• lava

• magma

• evaporation

• organic process

Minerals from solutions that are created as water changes from a liquid to a gas come from:

• lava

• magma

• evaporation

• organic processes

Select ALL of the following choices that represent the qualities of a mineral (IS it a mineral or a rock?)

• solid

• luster

• inorganic

• definite chemical composition

• color

How a mineral breaks apart in an irregular (rough) way

• luster

• streak

• fracture

• cleavage

Formed from materials that were not a part of living things

• geode

• crystal

• luster

• inorganic