Rocks and Minerals Review

Front

What is the purpose of the scratch test in mineral identification?

Back

To find the hardness of the mineral.

Front

Which property is NOT used to identify minerals?

Back

Size.

Front

Hardness, color, and luster are examples of a mineral's ___________.

Back

Property.

Front

What tool is helpful to determine if a mineral has luster?

Back

Flashlight.

Front

Can rocks contain fossils?

Back

Yes.

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A naturally occurring inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.

Front

What is luster in terms of mineral properties?

Back

Luster refers to the way light reflects off the surface of a mineral.

Front

What is the Mohs scale?

Back

A scale used to measure the hardness of minerals, ranging from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).

Front

What is the difference between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks?

Back

Igneous rocks form from cooled magma or lava, sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation of sediment, and metamorphic rocks form from the alteration of existing rocks due to heat and pressure.

Front

What is the significance of color in mineral identification?

Back

Color can help identify minerals, but it is not always reliable due to variations and impurities.