Minerals Chapter Quiz

What is the most abundant element in Earth's crust?

• Potassium

• Oxygen

• Silicon

• Iron

Which is not a characteristic of a mineral?

• Naturally occurring

• Organic Solid

• Specific chemical composition

• Definite crystal structure

What is the molten material under Earth's crust called?

• solution

• minerals

• basalt

• magma

Which is a mineral?

• salt

• amber

• coal

• sugar

What is caused by the presence of trace elements in a mineral?

• luster

• streak

• color

• hardness

A mineral is __________ if it can be mined for profit.

• an igneous rock

• an ore

• a crystal

• a rock

What is the hardness of quartz?

• 2

• 7

• 9

• 4

What makes a mineral a gem?

• its deep color

• its rarity and beauty

• its association with native elements

• its pearly luster

A mineral's __________ is the color when it is powdered.

• hardness

• streak

• density

• luster

What is the correct atomic composition of quartz?

• two silica atoms

• four atoms of silica and oxygen each

• two oxygen atoms and one silica atom

• two silica atoms and one iron atom