Chapter 5 Vocab Quiz

What is a mineral?

• A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure

• A liquid substance found in nature

• A type of rock formed from lava

• A synthetic material created in laboratories

Which of the following best describes a silicate mineral?

• A mineral that contains silicon and oxygen

• A mineral that contains only oxygen

• A mineral that contains carbon and hydrogen

• A mineral that contains iron and nickel

What distinguishes a non-silicate mineral from a silicate mineral?

• Non-silicate minerals do not contain silicon-oxygen compounds

• Non-silicate minerals are always metallic

• Non-silicate minerals are only found in oceans

• Non-silicate minerals are synthetic

What is a crystal?

• A solid material whose atoms are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern

• A liquid with a random atomic structure

• A gas with a fixed shape

• A synthetic polymer

Who is a mineralologist?

• A scientist who studies minerals

• A scientist who studies plants

• A scientist who studies weather patterns

• A scientist who studies marine life

What does the term "streak" refer to in mineralogy?

• The color of a mineral in powdered form

• The shine of a mineral's surface

• The hardness of a mineral

• The weight of a mineral

How is luster defined in the context of minerals?

• The way a mineral reflects light

• The weight of a mineral

• The color of a mineral in powdered form

• The density of a mineral

What does cleavage refer to in mineralogy?

• The tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces

• The color of a mineral in powdered form

• The density of a mineral

• The weight of a mineral

What is fracture in the context of minerals?

• The way a mineral breaks along irregular surfaces

• The color of a mineral in powdered form

• The density of a mineral

• The weight of a mineral

What is the Mohs Hardness Scale used for?

• Measuring the hardness of minerals

• Measuring the weight of minerals

• Measuring the density of minerals

• Measuring the color of minerals