Minerals and Earth Quiz

What are minerals considered to be in relation to the Earth?

• The building blocks of rocks and sediments

• Rare elements found only in specific locations

• Organic compounds

• Man-made substances

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of minerals?

• Naturally occurring

• Solid at normal temperatures on Earth

• Derived from living organisms

• Having a fixed chemical formula

What does the fixed chemical formula of a mineral imply?

• The mineral changes composition over time

• The mineral is composed of a random combination of elements

• The mineral has the same chemical composition throughout

• The mineral is composed of multiple chemical formulas

What must be the same throughout a specific mineral to be considered the same chemical composition?

• Chemical formula and color

• Chemical formula and size

• Chemical formula and crystal structure

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.

What is the main difference between a mineral and a rock?

• Minerals are organic, while rocks are inorganic.

• Rocks can be made up of one or more minerals, but minerals are made up of a single substance.

• Minerals are always solid, while rocks can be liquid.

• Rocks are found only on Earth's surface, while minerals are found deep underground.

Can a penny scratch fluorite?

• Yes 
• No 

Which of these minerals is softer than glass?

• Topaz 
• Corundum 
• Calcite 
• Orthoclase 

Dull, silky, waxy, pearly, and earthy are terms that best describe which property of minerals?

• luster
• color
• streak
• cleavage

What mineral is known as "fools gold"?

• graphite
• quartz
• galena
• pyrite