Mineral and Their Properties Test Review

What is the definition of a mineral?

• A solid, naturally occurring, inorganic substance with a specific chemical composition and crystalline structure
• A substance found in nature that can be extracted and used for economic purposes
• A rock formation that is composed of various elements
• A solid, living organism that grows in a specific geometric pattern

What are the key criteria used to classify a substance as a mineral?

• Naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, specific chemical composition, definite crystalline structure
• Economic value, physical properties, chemical properties, origin
• Density, hardness, cleavage, fracture, luster
• Composition of silicates, carbonates, sulfates, halides

Why are minerals considered the 'building blocks' of rocks?

• Rocks are formed from the weathering and erosion of minerals
• Minerals make up the chemical composition of rocks
• Minerals crystallize to form the structural framework of rocks
• Rocks contain various minerals with different properties that contribute to the rock's composition

Which of the following is NOT considered a physical property used to identify minerals?

• Color
• Hardness
• Crystal structure
• Economic value

Why are quartz samples with undefined crystalline structure often found near gold deposits?

• Quartz veins create favorable environments for gold formation
• Gold and quartz are formed through similar geological processes
• Quartz and gold have similar physical properties that cause them to co-locate
• Quartz samples are often mistaken for gold nuggets by prospectors

Which of the following mineral properties can be used to determine if a sample has a definite crystalline structure?

• Color and streak
• Luster and transparency
• Cleavage and fracture
• Magnetism and reaction to acid

How do minerals differ from rocks in terms of their chemical composition?

• Minerals have a fixed chemical formula, while rocks have a variable composition
• Minerals are made up of a single element, while rocks are made up of multiple minerals
• Minerals form through natural geological processes, while rocks are man-made
• Minerals have a definite crystalline structure, while rocks do not

Which of the following is NOT considered a physical property of minerals?

• Density
• Transparency
• Chemical formula
• Magnetism

Why are minerals classified as 'inorganic' substances?

• They were never part of a living organism
• They have a fixed chemical composition
• They form through geological processes
• They have a definite crystalline structure

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes minerals from synthetic substances?

• Minerals are always colorful
• Minerals are naturally occurring
• Minerals are always solid
• Minerals have a fixed chemical formula