Minerals Quiz
1. A mineral always contains certain elements in definite proportions. This is referring to its
A. streak
B. definite chemical composition
C. luster
D. inorganic
2. The repeating pattern of a mineral’s particles in a solid is known as A. crystal structure
B. streak
C. fracture
D. luster
3. The property of a mineral splitting evenly along a flat surface is
A. luster
B. streak
C. cleavage
D. fracture
4. The color of a mineral’s powder left behind after it is scratched on a piece of unglazed tile is its
A. color
B. cleavage
C. luster
D. streak
5. Because a mineral has a definite volume and shape, it is known as a
A. solid
B. liquid
C. gas
D. luster
6. What term means that a mineral cannot form from materials that were once part of a living thing?
A. solid
B. naturally occurring
C. inorganic
D. luster
7. How does a streak test help identify different minerals?
A. Minerals that leave a clear streak are usually gold
B. If a mineral scratches a piece of tile, it is harder than the tile.
C. The streak left behind by a mineral helps classify the luster
D. Sometimes the streak can be a different color than the mineral's surface color
8. The mass of an object in a given space is known as its
A. color
B. luster
C. density
D. fracture
9. Earthy, shiny, waxy, metallic, and pearly are terms used to describe a mineral's luster. What might a scientist observe about a mineral that would help the scientist classify the luster as metallic?
A. The mineral does not get scratched by any minerals and it is high on the
hardness scale.
B. The mineral is very shiny and reflects a lot of light.
C. The mineral is very dull and does not reflect much light.
D. The mineral is transparent and looks like glass.
10. A substance that is formed by processes that occur in the natural world is
A. solid
B. definite chemical composition
C. fracture
D. naturally occurring
11. How a mineral breaks apart when it does NOT split evenly is known as
A. cleavage
B. fracture
C. luster
D. solid
12. How a mineral reflects light from its surface is known as
A. streak
B. element
C. fracture
D. luster
Use the Mohs Hardness Scale to answer questions 13-15
13. According to the Mohs Hardness Scale, which of these minerals is the hardest?
A. Apatite
B. Calcite
C. Corundum
D. Quartz
14. According to the Mohs Hardness Scale, which of the following statements is true?
A. Only Corundum will scratch Diamond
B. Quartz and Feldspar will scratch Apatite C. Calcite will scratch Fluorite
D. Talc will scratch all the other minerals on the scale
15. Which statement is true about the Mohs Hardness Scale?
A. Talc is the softest mineral and will flake when rubbed between your fingers
B. Diamond is not the hardest known mineral.
C. The Mohs Hardness Scale helps to identify the streak of the minerals..
D. The Mohs Hardness Scale is not helpful in identifying minerals.
16. Look at the list of terms below. On the bottom of your gradecam sheet (OUTSIDE OF
THE BOX!) list each of the FIVE characteristics of all minerals. (Think of the FIVE parts included in the definition of minerals.) (5 points)
inorganic color luster
cleavage
solid definite chemical composition
crystal structure hardness
fracture
streak
naturally occurring
Moh's hardness scale