What is the primary difference between a mineral and a rock?

• Minerals have a specific chemical structure, while rocks are composed of various minerals.

• Minerals are always metallic, while rocks are not.

• Rocks are naturally occurring, while minerals are man-made.

• Minerals are softer than rocks.

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Understanding

Explain how the Mohs Hardness Scale is used to determine the hardness of a mineral.

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Applying

Minerals are defined by their fixed chemical structure and are always ___ at normal temperatures on Earth.

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Understanding

Which of the following is a characteristic of minerals?

• They are inorganic and have a fixed chemical structure.

• They are organic and vary in chemical structure.

• They are always metallic and shiny.

• They are man-made and have a variable chemical structure.

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Understanding

Discuss the importance of specific gravity in identifying minerals and provide an example.

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Evaluating

Silicates are minerals that contain silicon and ___, making up over 90% of the Earth's crust.

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Understanding

Evaluate the role of mineralogists in the study of minerals and their impact on our understanding of Earth's composition.

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Evaluating