What Makes a Mineral, a Mineral?

A naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure is known as a:

• Rock.

• Compound.

• Element.

• Mineral.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

In class you learned that there are five criteria that make a mineral, a mineral. Based on what you learned, what are the five criteria?

• Solid, Naturally Occurring, Inorganic, Fixed Chemical Formula, and Crystal Structure.

• Fixed Chemical Formula, Organic, Living, Bright Color, and Crystal Structure.

• Inorganic, Naturally Occurring, Plastic, Solid, and Fixed Chemical Formula.

• Organic, Naturally Occurring, Crystal Structure, Solid, and Liquid.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Based on what you have learned in class, why is coal not considered a mineral?

• It is a fuel.

• It is organic, meaning it is made from living things.

• It is not a solid.

• It is not found naturally.

Native copper is a solid, inorganic substance found in Earth. What would it be classified as?

• Soil.

• Animal.

• Mineral.

• Vegetable.

Guess the Mineral!

This mineral is found in your toothpaste. It plays a key role in keeping your teeth healthy and strong. What is it?

• Zinc.

• Copper.

• Fluorite.

• Salt.

Guess the Mineral!

This mineral can be crushed into a white powder that is widely known as baby powder. This powder has the ability to absorb moisture, oils, and odor. What is the name of the mineral?

• Zinc.

• Talc.

• Fluorite.

• Salt.

Guess the Mineral!

This mineral is the hardest naturally occurring mineral. It is most often used in jewelry but can also be used on the tips of saw blades. What is the name of the mineral?

• Fluorite.

• Talc.

• Diamond.

• Sulfur.

Read the description below. Which detail(s) show that Fluorite is a mineral?

Fluorite has a glassy luster and a white streak. It's an inorganic solid with a chemical formula of CaF_2.

• It is inorganic.

• It is a solid.

• It can be defined by a chemical formula.

• All of the above.

Read the description below. Use the definition of minerals to choose the correct statement about ivory.

Ivory is a hard, solid, white material that comes from the tusks, or teeth, of animals, usually elephants.

• Ivory is a mineral because minerals either come from living things or are man - made.

• Ivory is a mineral because minerals are always white in color.

• Ivory is not a mineral because minerals don't come from living things.

• Ivory is not a mineral because minerals are not solids.

Read the description below. Which detail(s) show that Sulfur is a mineral?

At room temperature Sulfur is a yellow crystalline solid. It's has a chemical formula of S₈ and is found near volcanic vents.

HINT: There may be more than one answer!

• It is yellow.

• It is a solid.

• It can be defined by a chemical formula.

• All of the above.