Identifying Mineral Characteristics and Tests

Why is the reference table on page 16 important for identifying minerals?

• It shows the chemical composition of minerals.

• It contains images of all minerals.

• It lists all the minerals found in the world.

• It provides the characteristics needed to identify minerals.

Why is color not a reliable property for identifying minerals?

• Color is affected by the mineral's size.

• Color is only visible under a microscope.

• Color changes depending on the environment in which the mineral forms.

• Color is the same for all minerals.

Which mineral is easily identified by its yellow color and smell?

• Sulfur

• Quartz

• Calcite

• Olivine

What does the streak test involve?

• Heating the mineral to see its color change.

• Rubbing the mineral on a streak plate to see its powdered form.

• Observing the mineral under a microscope.

• Scratching the mineral on a glass tile.

What does a metallic luster indicate about a mineral?

• The mineral has a rough texture.

• The mineral looks like metal.

• The mineral is transparent.

• The mineral is very hard.

How is the hardness of a mineral tested?

• By observing its color.

• By rubbing it on a streak plate.

• By scratching it on a piece of glass.

• By heating it.

What does it mean if a mineral scratches glass?

• The mineral is softer than glass.

• The mineral is metallic.

• The mineral is harder than glass.

• The mineral is the same hardness as glass.

What is cleavage in minerals?

• The powdered form of a mineral.

• The way a mineral breaks along flat surfaces.

• The color change in minerals.

• The reflection of light from a mineral.

What unique property does calcite exhibit when hydrochloric acid is applied?

• It becomes transparent.

• It becomes magnetic.

• It changes color.

• It bubbles and reacts.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Which mineral is naturally magnetic?

• Sulfur

• Magnetite

• Quartz

• Calcite