Minerals and Rocks Quiz

What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?

• A rock is a natural substance composed of one or more minerals.

• A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition.

• Rocks are always composed of a single mineral.

• Minerals are always found in liquid form.

Which property of a mineral is the easiest to observe, but it is not reliable to use by itself?

• Color

• Hardness

• Luster

• Streak

What is the softest mineral on the chart?

• Talc

• Quartz

• Gypsum

• Calcite

What is the hardest mineral on the chart?

• Diamond

• Quartz

• Topaz

• Corundum

A teacher gives you a mineral to identify. The mineral is softer than a copper penny, but harder than a fingernail. What is the mineral?

• Calcite

• Talc

• Gypsum

• Quartz

A teacher gives you a mineral to identify. The mineral is softer than glass, but harder than an iron nail. Identify the mineral.

• Apatite

• Talc

• Gypsum

• Quartz

Can the mineral feldspar scratch quartz?

• Yes, because feldspar is harder than quartz.

• No, because quartz is harder than feldspar.

• Yes, because they have the same hardness.

• No, because feldspar is softer than quartz.

Can the mineral topaz scratch a diamond?

• Yes, because topaz is harder than diamond.

• No, because diamond is harder than topaz.

• Yes, because both have the same hardness.

• No, because topaz is softer than diamond.

Which of the following are characteristics that a substance must have in order to be considered a mineral?

• Naturally occurring

• Inorganic

• Solid

• Definite chemical composition

• Ordered internal structure

Coal is considered a mineral because:

• It is formed from organic material.

• It has a definite chemical composition.

• It is naturally occurring.

• It is a solid substance.