L1.6: Rock-Forming Minerals

What is the definition of minerals?

• Naturally occurring, organic solid substances

• Naturally occurring, inorganic solid substances with a specific chemical composition and a characteristic crystalline structure

• Man-made, inorganic materials

• Naturally occurring, liquid substances

Which of the following is NOT a general characteristic of minerals?

• Naturally occurring

• Inorganic

• Solid

• Liquid

Which property of minerals refers to the color of their powdered form?

• color

• luster

• hardness

• streak

What is the Mohs scale used to measure?

• Mineral density

• Mineral luster

• Mineral color

• Mineral hardness

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to:

• change color

• break along specific flat planes

• emit light when exposed to UV light

• produce a streak when rubbed against a surface

Which chemical is commonly used in the acid test for mineral identification?

• Sulfuric acid

• Nitric acid

• Acetic acid

• Hydrochloric acid

When hydrochloric acid is applied to calcite, what reaction occurs?

• It turns red.

• It explodes.

• It becomes magnetic.

• It effervesces or fizzes.

Which mineral is strongly attracted to a magnet due to its high iron content?

• quartz

• calcite

• feldspar

• magnetite

What is fluorescence in minerals related to?

• Their ability to float in water

• Their response to acids

• The emission of visible light when exposed to UV light

• Their tendency to cleave along specific planes

Which physical property helps in distinguishing minerals with similar appearances based on their density?

• luster

• cleavage

• specific density

• specific volume