Mineralogy Quiz

What is an element?

• A pure substance composed of only one type of atom from the Periodic Table that can’t be chemically broken down further.

• A naturally occurring, inorganic chemical compound or element with a unique chemical composition.

• An aggregate of minerals, pre-existing rocks and fossils.

• A substance that can be classified according to where they are often found in the Earth.

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic property of minerals?

• Colour

• Lustre

• Crystal shape

• Volume

What is the hardness of quartz on the Mohs hardness scale?

• 3

• 6

• 7

• 2.5

Which mineral shows a greenish-black streak?

• Quartz

• Brassy yellow pyrite

• Calcite

• Mica

What is the reaction of calcite to cold, dilute hydrochloric acid?

• It turns green.

• It effervesces.

• It becomes harder.

• It changes shape.

Which of the following elements is classified as a lithophile?

• Iridium

• Copper

• Nitrogen

• Aluminium

What is the relative density of galena?

• 2.5

• 3.0

• 7.5

• 5.0

Which of the following is an example of a silicate mineral?

• Gypsum

• Calcite

• Olivine

• Pyrite