Minerals Quiz Review

A mineral sample analyzed in a lab streaks white, has a glassy luster, has some blue tone in its color, and can scratch apatite. Using the table, which of the following is most likely the mineral sample?

• Asbestos

• Talc

• Apatite

• Topaz

A student in a science lab is examining an unknown mineral. The student determines that the unknown mineral has a glassy luster and will NOT scratch apatite. Using the table, which of the following could be the unknown mineral?

• Asbestos

• Talc

• Apatite

• Topaz

Using the data table, which of the following has a metallic luster, streaks brown, and can scratch pyrargyrite?

• Boulangerite, only

• Sphalerite and manganite, only

• Wurtzite, only

• Manganite and boulangerite, only

Using the table, which mineral can scratch wurtzite and has a poor ability to reflect light (dull luster)?

• Boulangerite

• Geothite

• Manganite

• Sphalerite

A student analyzing a mineral sample wants to determine the mineral's hardness. Which of the following experiments could the student use to measure hardness?

• Observing how the sample reflects light from its surface.

• Rubbing the mineral against the surface of another mineral and looking for scratches.

• Placing a few drops of a substance on the sample and looking for a chemical reaction.

• Rubbing the mineral across a ceramic plate.

Which property of a mineral is most likely being tested when it is scratched with a nail?

• color

• hardness

• cleavage

• luster

The breaking of a mineral into small, flat sheets is known as

• luster

• streak

• cleavage

• hardness

Students have a rock sample that may contain the mineral hematite. They know that hematite has a red or rusty streak. How can the students determine the color of the streak in the rock sample?

• use a rock with the known mineral to strike the sample

• rub the sample on a piece of ceramic tile

• use a file to break off a piece of the sample

• scratch the sample with an iron nail

Which mineral will easily make a streak?

• Diamond

• Topaz

• Quartz

• Calcite

Diamonds are sometimes used as the tips of drill bits. Which physical property of a diamond MOST likely makes it a good cutting tool?

• its electrical properties

• its hardness

• its thermal properties

• its density