Rocks, Minerals, & Mining Quiz

1. Which of the following are characteristics that every mineral must have? Choose ALL that are true.

• solid under normal conditions
• organic
• naturally occurring
• a fixed chemical formula

2. A mineral is described as being metallic and another is described as dull. What property is this?

• luster
• color
• hardness
• streak
• density

3. The Mohs scale shows the range of which mineral property?

• hardness
• color
• luster
• streak
• density

4. Which mineral CANNOT be scratched by glass?

• Talc
• Gypsum
• Fluorite
• Quartz

5. Which layer of rock in this image was most recently deposited?

• A
• B
• C
• D

6. What size crystals are the result of magma cooling slowly?

• no crystals
• small crystals
• medium crystals
• large crystals

7. Which of the following is true of subsurface mining? Choose ALL that are true.

• It is less expensive than surface mining.
• It involves the digging of tunnels.
• It is safer than surface mining.
• It may cause acid mine drainage.
• It doesn't destroy any habitat on the surface.

8. After closing the Beckman quarry in San Antonio, Texas, the land was used for a shopping center. This is an example of:

• restoration
• reclamation
• mitigation
• preservation

9. True or false? Surface mining is less expensive and safer than subsurface mining, but it alters large portions of the landscape causing erosion and habitat destruction.

• True
• False

10 What can we do to help preserve our mineral resources? Choose ALL that are true.

• recycle materials and products that contain minerals
• encourage more sustainable use of mineral deposits
• nothing