Minerals Quiz

Diamond is a valuable mineral that is made up of carbon atoms arranged in a repeating pattern. This repeating pattern gives diamonds their hardness. which of these characteristics do diamonds share with all minerals?

• extreme hardness
• rarity and high cost
• orderly crystal structure
• made up of carbon atoms

A student is comparing the properties of several mineral samples. Which approach is most useful for analyzing the hardness of each sample?

• Break the sample apart with a hammer.
• Scratch one sample with another sample (like the picks).
• Observe the samples under a microscope.
• Rub the sample across an unglazed ceramic tile.

A scientist is conducting an investigation to identify samples of several unknown minerals. The scientist taps in each sample to determine if it breaks along curved or irregular surfaces. which property of minerals is the scientist using to investigate the samples?

• density
• fracture
• hardness
• magnetism

The table below shows part of the Mohs hardness scale. An unknown mineral scratches feldspar, but not quartz. Which of the following might be the hardness of the mineral?

• 5.6
• 5.9
• 6.3
• 7.1

Mohs Scale is used to measure what property of minerals?

• Density
• Luster
• Streak
• Hardness
• Chemical Composition

Why is coal not a mineral?

• Coal is not a solid
• Coal is predominantly made of sulfur
• Coal is organic
• Coal does not show cleavage

The softest mineral on Mohs scale is

• Diamond
• Corundum
• Graphite
• Talc

This picture is an example of what?

• Fluorescence
• Hardness
• Streak
• Luster
• Acid Test

This picture is an example of what?

• Crystal Structure
• Hardness
• Streak
• Luster
• Acid Test

This picture is an example of what?

• Acid Test
• Hardness
• Streak
• Luster
• Fluorescence