Minerals Quiz

What is a mineral?

• A pure substance with specific properties

• A type of rock

• A liquid substance

• A living organism

What characteristic can be used to identify a mineral by rubbing it against a non-enamelled ceramic plate?

• Colour of solid

• Streak colour

• Hardness

• Lustre

Which mineral is metallic, leaves a black streak, and can scratch glass?

• Quartz

• Talc

• Calcite

• Pyrite

What is the shape of crystals in sodium chloride (halite) mineral?

• Prisms

• Pyramids

• Cubes

• Dodecahedra

What characteristic can be used to determine if a mineral is magnetic?

• Lustre

• Streak colour

• Hardness

• Magnetism

Why can't we identify a mineral by colour alone?

• Because minerals are transparent

• Because colour changes over time

• Because impurities can affect the colour of minerals

• Because minerals are always black

What is the Mohs hardness scale used for?

• To identify the lustre of minerals

• To test the hardness of minerals

• To determine the colour of minerals

• To measure the weight of minerals

What is the term for a mineral's resistance to being scratched?

• Lustre

• Hardness

• Cleavage

• Streak