Minerals and Rocks

Which of the following is NOT one of the four characteristics that define a mineral?

• Naturally occurring

• Organic

• Solid

• Definite chemical composition

A mineral that has a definite geometric shape because of its internal structure is called a:

• Crystal

• Rock

• Gemstone

• Ore

What determines the shape of a crystal?

• The way atoms are arranged

• The mineral's hardness

• The mineral's color

• The environment in which it forms

Minerals can be composed of one or more types of:

• Rocks

• Atoms

• Crystals

• Metals

A substance made of two or more elements chemically combined is called a(n):

• Mixture

• Compound

• Mineral

• Ore

Which of the following is a feature of nonsilicate minerals?

• Contains silicon and oxygen

• Does not contain silicon

• Always soft

• Only found in igneous rocks

Which property is used to determine a mineral's resistance to being scratched?

• Luster

• Hardness

• Streak

• Cleavage

What is the scale used to measure the hardness of a mineral?

• Richter Scale

• Mohs Hardness Scale

• Density Scale

• Fracture Scale

The way a mineral reflects light is referred to as its:

• Luster

• Streak

• Cleavage

• Transparency

Which property refers to how a mineral breaks along smooth, flat surfaces?

• Fracture

• Hardness

• Cleavage

• Luster