Mineral Properties and Uses 2.3

Which of the following physical properties is used to describe the way a mineral reflects light?

• Cleavage

• Luster

• Fracture

• Density

Answer explanation

Luster describes how a mineral reflects light, indicating its shine or dullness. Cleavage and fracture refer to how a mineral breaks, while density measures mass per volume, making luster the correct choice.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is the primary chemical composition of the mineral quartz?

Answer explanation

The primary chemical composition of quartz is silicon dioxide, represented as SiO₂. This distinguishes it from the other options, which are different compounds: CaCO₃ (calcite), Fe₂O₃ (iron oxide), and NaCl (table salt).

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which mineral identification technique involves observing the color of a mineral in powdered form?

• Hardness test

• Streak test

• Cleavage test

• Luster test

Answer explanation

The streak test involves rubbing a mineral on a porcelain plate to observe the color of its powder. This helps identify the mineral, as the streak color can differ from the mineral's appearance in its solid form.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following minerals is commonly used in the production of glass?

• Talc

• Gypsum

• Quartz

• Calcite

Answer explanation

Quartz is a key ingredient in glass production due to its high silica content, which provides the necessary properties for glass. The other minerals listed, such as talc, gypsum, and calcite, are not used in glassmaking.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is the term for the tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces?

• Fracture

• Cleavage

• Luster

• Density

Answer explanation

The term 'cleavage' refers to the tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces, which is a key characteristic used to identify minerals. In contrast, 'fracture' describes irregular breakage.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which mineral is known for its perfect cleavage in one direction, making it easy to split into thin sheets?

• Mica

• Feldspar

• Quartz

• Pyrite

Answer explanation

Mica is known for its perfect cleavage in one direction, allowing it to easily split into thin sheets. This characteristic distinguishes it from feldspar, quartz, and pyrite, which do not exhibit this type of cleavage.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is the Mohs hardness of a mineral that can scratch glass but not quartz?

• 5

• 6

• 7

• 8

Answer explanation

A mineral that can scratch glass (hardness 5.5) but not quartz (hardness 7) must have a Mohs hardness of 6. This means it is harder than glass but softer than quartz.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following minerals has a cubic crystal structure?

• Halite

• Mica

• Gypsum

• Talc

Answer explanation

Halite is the mineral that has a cubic crystal structure, characterized by its cubic shape and symmetry. In contrast, mica, gypsum, and talc have different crystal structures, such as layered or fibrous forms.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which property of minerals is measured by the density of the mineral compared to the density of water?

• Specific gravity

• Hardness

• Cleavage

• Luster

Answer explanation

Specific gravity is the property of minerals that compares their density to that of water. It indicates how heavy a mineral is relative to an equal volume of water, making it the correct choice for this question.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which mineral is commonly used in the production of plaster and drywall?

• Quartz

• Gypsum

• Calcite

• Feldspar

Answer explanation

Gypsum is the mineral used in the production of plaster and drywall due to its ability to form a solid, durable material when mixed with water. Quartz, calcite, and feldspar are not used for this purpose.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept