Properties of Minerals

Examine the table that lists some minerals and how they are used. Which mineral would most likely be found in clay?

• Feldspar

• Gypsum

• Saltpeter

• Tantalum

What physical property allows diamonds to resist abrasion or scratching on the surface?

• cleavage

• density

• hardness

• luster

Examine the table that lists some minerals and how they are used. Which mineral would most likely be found in photovoltaic solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity?

• Beryllium

• Cobalt

• Gallium

Diamonds are transparent crystals mined for their suitability as gemstones. Which physical properties make diamonds so valuable?

• hardness and luster

• density and color

• combustibility and texture

• flammability and radioactivity

A student collected information on a resource, diamond, as shown. Which characteristics make diamond an important resource on Earth?

• 1 and 7

• 3 and 4

• 1, 2, 5, and 6

• 2, 3, 4, and 7

A gemologist records the properties of two minerals (X and Y) to determine which mineral is a diamond. How can the gemologist classify each property?

• 1:physical property; 2 and 3:chemical properties

• 1 and 3:physical properties; 2:chemical property

• 2 and 3:physical properties; 1:chemical property

• 3:physical property; 1 and 2:chemical properties

Quartz is an abrasive material and is used to make glass bottles that can hold corrosive chemicals. What properties of quartz make it suitable for this use?

• density and hardness

• density, hardness, and texture

• hardness and resistance to acids

• texture, how it splits, and resistance to acids

A student collects a mineral sample during a field trip. He records the mass of the mineral sample using a triple beam balance. The mineral sample has a mass of 2.55g the first time he measures the mass and 3.0g when he measures the mass the second time. He plans to repeat the investigation. Why does the student plan to repeat the investigation?

• To study how to use a weighing scale.

• To validate the mass of the mineral sample.

• To teach his friends how to use a weighing scale.

• To generate questions for further study of the mineral sample.

A student conducts an investigation to study the properties of two minerals, calcite and quartz. She records her observations as shown in the table. Which mineral is suitable for making bottles to store corrosive chemicals?

• Calcite. It is soft and has a dull luster.

• Quartz. It is hard and resistant to acids.

• Calcite. It is rough and reacts with acids.

• Quartz. It is hard and has a smooth texture.

A student finds an unknown mineral in his backyard. The unknown mineral is harder than hornblende, and it has a white color. According to the table, what mineral did the student most likely find?

• calcite

• garnet

• hornblende

• quartz