Rocks and Minerals Quiz

What is the definition of a mineral?

• A substance made from layers of dead plants

• A solid substance with a defined chemical composition that occurs naturally on Earth

• A rock formed by volcanic activity

• A substance that glows when exposed to ultraviolet light

What is the difference between a mineral and a rock?

• Minerals are always formed with a crystal structure, while rocks are not

• Minerals are always inorganic, while rocks can be organic

• Minerals have a specific chemical structure, while rocks are composed of a variety of different minerals

• Minerals are made from a combination of elements, while rocks are made from a single element

What is the property of a mineral that describes the way in which light reflects from its surface?

• Cleavage

• Luster

• Streak

• Color

What is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces and/or a sharp line called?

• Cleavage

• Density

• Hardness

• Fracture

What property of minerals is determined by the arrangement of the atoms in a repeating pattern?

• Crystal Structure

• Hardness

• Density

• Magnetism

What is the process by which sedimentary rock forms?

• Compacting and Cementing

• Heat and Pressure

• Melting

• Weathering and Erosion

What type of rock is formed on the Earth's surface by volcanic activity?

• Magma

• Sedimentary

• Metamorphic

• Igneous

What is the hot melted rock found deep inside of the Earth called?

• Lava

• Sediment

• Magma

• Compacted rock

What type of igneous rock solidifies below the surface of the Earth?

• Granite and gabbro

• Extrusive igneous

• Intrusive igneous

• Obsidian

What type of rock forms as rock weathers and erodes into sediment, then compacts and compresses into solid rock?

• Magma

• Igneous

• Metamorphic

• Sedimentary