Earth Science SOL Unit 4 Test - Minerals

Match the following descriptions that match the correct properties of minerals.

• Fracture

• The tendency of a mineral to break along planes

• Luster

• Mineral property describes the reflection of light from its surface

• Conductivity

• The tendency of a mineral to break irregularly

• Cleavage

• The color of a mineral’s powder produced when scratched on a porcelain plate

• Streak

• The ability of a mineral to conduct electricity

Answer explanation

Refer to your Minerals notes.

How does the Mohs Hardness Scale help in identifying minerals?

• It ranks minerals based on their ability to scratch or be scratched.

• It measures the color of minerals.

• It determines the density of minerals.

• It identifies the crystal structure of minerals.

Answer explanation

The Mohs Hardness Scale ranks minerals based on their ability to scratch or be scratched, helping to identify them by comparing their hardness to known standards.

If quartz (hardness 7) can scratch apatite (hardness 5) but not topaz (hardness 8), what does this indicate about the relationship between minerals on the Mohs Hardness Scale?

• A mineral can scratch those with a lower number but not those with a higher number.

• A mineral can only scratch itself.

• A mineral can scratch all other minerals.

• A mineral cannot scratch any other mineral.

Answer explanation

The Mohs Hardness Scale indicates that a mineral can scratch those with a lower hardness number and cannot scratch those with a higher number. Quartz (7) can scratch apatite (5) but not topaz (8), confirming this relationship.

Why might two minerals with the same chemical composition have different physical properties?

• They have different crystal structures.

• They have different colors.

• They are found in different locations.

• They have different streaks.

Answer explanation

Two minerals with the same chemical composition can have different physical properties due to their different crystal structures. The arrangement of atoms affects properties like hardness, cleavage, and density.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Which of the following statements best explains why diamond is considered the hardest mineral?

• Diamond can scratch all other minerals, but no mineral can scratch it because of its hardness.

• Diamond is the most common mineral on Earth.

• Diamond is the softest mineral.

• Diamond can only be scratched by talc because of its hardness.

Answer explanation

Diamond is considered the hardest mineral because it can scratch all other minerals, while no other mineral can scratch it due to its exceptional hardness.

Which process is responsible for forming minerals such as slate, schist, gneiss, and marble?

• Metamorphism

• Evaporation

• Cave Formation

• Volcanism

Answer explanation

Metamorphism is the process that transforms existing rocks into new types under heat and pressure, resulting in minerals like slate, schist, gneiss, and marble. Other processes listed do not form these specific minerals.

If a copper penny (3.5 on the Mohs scale) can be scratched by a mineral, what can you infer about the mineral’s hardness?

• The mineral’s hardness is greater than 3.5.

• The mineral’s hardness is less than 3.5.

• The mineral’s hardness is exactly 3.5.

• The mineral is softer than talc.

Answer explanation

If a copper penny can be scratched by a mineral, it indicates that the mineral's hardness must be greater than 3.5, as harder materials can scratch softer ones.

A geologist discovers a mineral deposit formed by evaporating salt lakes. Which type of mineral formation does this represent?

• Evaporites

• Hydrothermals

• Metamorphism

• Sulfides

Answer explanation

The mineral deposit formed by evaporating salt lakes is classified as evaporites. These minerals crystallize from the evaporation of water, leaving behind salts and other minerals, making 'Evaporites' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Match the following statements with the correct reason why human-made minerals are considered a separate category in mineral formation.

• Reason: These minerals originate from molten rock during eruptions.

• They are grown in labs through activities related to mining.

• Reason: These minerals are exclusively discovered in underground natural chambers.

• They are only found in caves.

• Reason: Human-made minerals are produced in controlled environments for industrial purposes.

• They are formed by volcanic activity.

Answer explanation

Refer to your notes on Minerals.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

Match the following minerals with their primary uses in electricity generation, transportation, and industrial processes.

• Minerals commonly used in glass and ceramics

• Iron, aluminum, and copper

• Minerals crucial for energy sources

• Gold, silver, and diamond

• Minerals important for construction and manufacturing

• Coal, petroleum, natural gas, and uranium

• Minerals valued as precious metals and gemstones

• Quartz, mica, and calcite

Answer explanation

Refer to your notes on Minerals.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-1