Exploring the Properties of Minerals

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of minerals?

• Solid

• Fixed chemical composition

• Organic

• Naturally occurring

Why is color considered the least useful property for identifying minerals?

• It is difficult to see

• It can vary within the same mineral

• It is not a physical property

• It requires special equipment

What does the streak test determine about a mineral?

• Its color

• Its hardness

• Its luster

• The color of its powder

Which mineral always leaves a white streak regardless of its color?

• Quartz

• Feldspar

• Calcite

• Talc

What does luster describe about a mineral?

• Its color

• Its hardness

• How it reflects light

• Its chemical composition

Which of the following is the hardest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale?

• Talc

• Quartz

• Calcite

• Diamond

What is cleavage in minerals?

• Color variation

• Reflecting light like a metal

• Irregular breaking

• Breaking along flat planes

Which mineral is known for its double refraction property?

• Quartz

• Calcite

• Feldspar

• Muscovite

What happens when hydrochloric acid is applied to calcite?

• It becomes magnetic

• It changes color

• It fluoresces

• It bubbles

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Which mineral property involves using a UV light to see if it glows?

• Effervescence

• Magnetism

• Fluorescence

• Double refraction