Mineral Identification Warm Up

Which of these minerals is softer than glass?

• Topaz 
• Corundum 
• Calcite 
• Orthoclase 

Can a penny scratch fluorite?

• Yes 
• No 

The least accurate way to identify a mineral.

• color

• hardness

• streak

• density

This mineral is used to preserve and season food. It is the mineral name for salt.

• magnetite

• graphite

• gypsum

• halite

This mineral is commonly used in pencil lead.

• halite

• talc

• graphite

• sulfur

Which mineral is easily identified by smell?

• graphite

• galena

• halite

• sulfur

What is the number of the most easily scratched mineral on the Mohs Hardness Scale?

• 1

• 4

• 7

• 10

Plastic is a clear substance that is a solid. Plastic has a fixed chemical formula and is a man - made product.

Is plastic a mineral or not?

Please select two answers.

• Yes, plastic is a mineral because it is formed from a man - made substance.

• No, plastic is not a mineral because it is not naturally occurring in the environment.

• Yes, plastic is a mineral because it is a solid substance that has a fixed chemical formula.

• No, plastic is not a mineral because it does not have a crystal structure.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

Guess the Mineral!

This mineral is found in your toothpaste. It plays a key role in keeping your teeth healthy and strong. What is it?

• Zinc.

• Copper.

• Fluorite.

• Salt.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Guess the Mineral!

This mineral is the hardest naturally occurring mineral. It is most often used in jewelry but can also be used on the tips of saw blades. What is the name of the mineral?

• Fluorite.

• Talc.

• Diamond.

• Sulfur.