4 - Rocks & Minerals Task Cards

The repeating pattern of a mineral’s particles form a solid called a(n) ____.

• element

• crystal

• compound

• stone

Define the word luster.

• The color of a mineral in powdered form

• The way a mineral reflects light

• The hardness of a mineral

• The specific gravity of a mineral

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Because minerals do NOT come from living things they are said to be ____.

• inorganic

• organic

• synthetic

• biological

Explain why color alone cannot be used to identify most minerals.

• Different minerals may have the same color.

• Color is the most reliable property.

• All minerals have the same color.

• Color is not visible in minerals.

What process causes minerals to form in a shallow lake during dry conditions?

• melting

• high pressure

• evaporation

• condensation

Which of the following is NOT a category of characteristics that help identify minerals?

• Color

• Hardness

• Luster

• Streak

• Taste

What process causes crystallization of minerals from magma?

• cooling

• melting

• evaporation

• high pressure

Identify three environments where minerals form.

• Volcanic regions, sedimentary basins, and hydrothermal vents

• Deserts, rainforests, and urban areas

• Oceans, rivers, and lakes

• Mountains, plains, and plateaus

____ is molten rock material that exists below Earth’s surface.

• Magma

• Lava

• Sediment

• Basalt

Compare the difference between cleavage and fracture.

• Cleavage is a smooth break.

  Fracture is an irregular break.

• Cleavage is an irregular break.

  Fracture is a smooth break.