Section 1: Properties of Minerals

What is a mineral?

• A naturally occurring, inorganic liquid with a crystal structure

• A man-made, inorganic solid with a crystal structure

• A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a crystal structure

• A naturally occurring, organic solid with a crystal structure

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a mineral?

• Must have a definite chemical composition

• Must have a definite shape and volume

• Must be organic

• Must be formed by natural processes

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

What does the Mohs hardness scale measure?

• The color of a mineral

• The density of a mineral

• The hardness of a mineral

• The luster of a mineral

What is the softest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale?

• Diamond

• Talc

• Gypsum

• Quartz

What is a crystal system?

• A way to determine mineral color

• A scale for mineral hardness

• A method to measure mineral density

• A classification of crystal structures

Which mineral property describes how light is reflected from its surface?

• Streak

• Color

• Luster

• Density

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What is the term for a mineral's ability to break along flat surfaces?

• Density

• Hardness

• Cleavage

• Fracture

Which mineral property is observed by rubbing it on unglazed porcelain?

• Luster

• Streak

• Color

• Hardness

What determines the color of a mineral?

• Its hardness

• The elements present in it

• Its crystal system

• Its density

Which of the following is a unique property that some minerals may have?

• Ability to float on water

• Ability to conduct electricity

• Magnetism

• Ability to dissolve in water