Properties of Minerals Review

This mineral is referred to as "fool's gold," but it is very brittle. It has a metallic luster and is light yellow in color.

According to the table, which mineral is this?

• Gold.

• Copper.

• Quartz.

• Pyrite.

Answer explanation

The mineral described as "fool's gold" is pyrite, known for its metallic luster and light yellow color. Unlike gold, pyrite is brittle, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

This mineral is the softest and is used in powders. It is found mostly in metamorphic rock and is also called "soapstone."

According to the table, which mineral is this?

• Galena.

• Talc.

• Gold.

• Quartz.

Answer explanation

The mineral described is talc, known for being the softest mineral and commonly used in powders. It is often found in metamorphic rock and is also referred to as soapstone.

This mineral has a hardness of 2.5 - 3, is used in wires, coins, and pipes, and leaves a cooper or red streak.

According to the table, which mineral is this?

• Gold.

• Galena.

• Copper.

• Talc.

Answer explanation

The mineral described has a hardness of 2.5 - 3, is used in wires, coins, and pipes, and leaves a copper or red streak, which matches the properties of Copper, making it the correct answer.

Based on what you have learned, quartz, diamond, topaz and _______________ are all examples of minerals.

• Sand.

• Steel.

• Granite.

• Talc.

Answer explanation

Talc is a mineral, just like quartz, diamond, and topaz. In contrast, sand is a mixture, steel is an alloy, and granite is a rock, making talc the only correct choice that fits the category of minerals.

On the Mohs Hardness Scale, a mineral with a lower number on the scale can:

• Be used to cut glass.

• Scratch a mineral with a higher number on the scale.

• Resist being scratched by other material.

• Be scratched by minerals with a higher number on the scale.

Answer explanation

On the Mohs Hardness Scale, a lower number indicates a softer mineral. Therefore, it can be scratched by minerals with a higher number, making 'Be scratched by minerals with a higher number on the scale' the correct choice.

This mineral is the hardest known substance to man; is used in cutting jewelry, and as a cutting instrument.

According to the table, which mineral is this?

• Diamond.

• Quartz.

• Pyrite.

• Talc.

Answer explanation

The mineral described is diamond, known as the hardest natural substance. It is widely used in cutting tools and jewelry due to its exceptional hardness, making it the correct answer.

Which mineral property is identified by the color of the powder left behind when the mineral is rubbed across a rough surface?

• Hardness.

• Streak.

• Luster.

• Color.

Answer explanation

The mineral property identified by the color of the powder left behind when a mineral is rubbed across a rough surface is called 'streak.' This property helps in identifying minerals more accurately.

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, or hit the sample.

• Rub the sample on a piece of clay tile.

• Use a file to break off a piece of the sample.

• Scratch the sample with an iron nail.

Answer explanation

To determine the streak color of hematite, students should rub the sample on a piece of clay tile. This method allows them to observe the streak color directly, which is essential for identifying the mineral.

A student has a mineral sample. He wonders if the sample is the mineral mica. He knows the cleavage pattern of mica is a smooth, flat sheet. The student can best find out the cleavage pattern of the sample by:

• Shining a light on the mineral.

• Soaking the mineral in water.

• Rubbing a penny against the mineral.

• Breaking off a piece of the mineral.

Answer explanation

To determine if the sample is mica, the student should break off a piece of the mineral. Mica's cleavage pattern is characterized by smooth, flat sheets, which can be observed when the mineral is broken.

What can you infer about graphite from the fact that you can scratch it with just your fingernail?

• It's not very lustrous.

• It's not very hard.

• It's streak is black - colored.

• It has fracture.

Answer explanation

The ability to scratch graphite with a fingernail indicates that it is not very hard. Hard materials cannot be easily scratched, so this property suggests a lower hardness level for graphite.