Earth Science

A naturally occurring inorganic solid element or compound with a crystalline structure is a _______.

• A. Mineral

• B. Crystal

• C. Rock

• D. Stone

Which element is the most abundant in Earth's crust?

• A. Oxygen

• B. Silicon

• C. Sodium

• D. Aluminum

Answer explanation

Oxygen is the most abundant element in Earth's crust. Silicon is the 2nd.

Nitrogen- most abundant in the atmosphere

Minerals are classified as

• A. Silicates

• B. Nonsilicates

• C. Silicates or nonsilicates

• D. Silicates and oxides

The most abundant class of non-silicates is the

• A. Oxides

• B. Sulfates

• C. Halides

• D. Carbonates

The color of a mineral when it is finely powdered is defined as the

• A. Streak

• B. Spot

• C. Luster

• D. Color

The hardness of a mineral is rated using the

• A. Hardness scale

• B. Richter scale

• C. Mohs scale

• D. Cleavage scale

An aggregation of one or more minerals that have been brought together into a cohesive solid is a

• A. Silicate

• B. Rock

• C. Clay mineral

• D. Magma

Rocks that are formed from molten minerals are

• A. Sedimentary

• B. Igneous

• C. Volcanic

• D. Metamorphic

Answer explanation

Sedimentary- came from sediments such as silt and sand

Metamorphic- rocks that came from previously existing rocks and changed by heat and pressure

Igneous rock that slowly cooled deep below Earth's crust is

• A. Intrusive

• B. Extrusive

• C. Magma

• D. Sedimentary

Rocks that are formed from particles of other rocks or from dissolved materials from previously existing rocks are classified as

• A. Sedimentary

• B. Igneous

• C. Silicates

• D. Metamorphic

Answer explanation

Igneous- melted/molten

Metamorphic- heat and pressure