Minerals, Rocks, and the Rock Cycle

What is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces called?

• erosion

• melting

• weathering

• compaction

What is the term for the process by which sediments are pressed and cemented together to form rocks?

• compaction

• erosion

• weathering

• lithification

What type of rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava?

• granite

• igneous rock

• metamorphic rock

• sedimentary rock

What type of rock is formed from the compaction and cementation of sediments?

• metamorphic rock

• sedimentary rock

• volcanic rock

• igneous rock

What is the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale?

• diamond

• calcite

• quartz

• gypsum

What is the softest mineral on the Mohs scale?

• talc

• diamond

• quartz

• feldspar

What is the term for the color of a mineral when it is powdered?

• shade

• streak

• hue

• tint

What is the term for the way a mineral reflects light?

• luster

• shine

• glow

• sparkle

What is the term for the way a mineral breaks along smooth, flat surfaces?

• splinter

• shatter

• fracture

• cleavage

What is the term for the way a mineral breaks with rough, jagged edges?

• shatter

• fracture

• cleavage

• smoothness