Minerals and Rocks in the Geosphere

Metallic, glassy, earthy, and pearly are words that describe a mineral's _______.

• density

• luster

• hardness

• color

Mineral A has a hardness of 5. Mineral B has a hardness of 7. Mineral C can scratch Mineral A, but Mineral C can be scratched by Mineral B. What ranking on the Mohs hardness scale should Mineral C be assigned? Explain.

• 6

• because Mineral C scratched both mineral A and B.

• 8

• because C can scratch A, but B scratches C. So it has to be between Mineral A and B.

How did the rock most likely form?

• It formed from lava that cooled and hardened slowly above Earth's surface.

• It formed from magma that cooled and hardened slowly below Earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

A rock sample contains tiny pieces of other rocks that are cemented together.

Is it an igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock?

Explain your answer.

• Igneous, because it is a type of rock that is formed from sediment that is cemented together.

• Sedimentary, because it is a type of rock that is formed from sediment that is cemented together.

• Metamorphic, because it is a type of rock that is formed from sediment that is cemented together.

This rock is formed by erosion (continuously broken down into small fragments) and  then is compressed and  cemented together.

• Inorganic

• Igneous

• Metamorphic

• Sedimentary

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Which rock family is composed of rocks that have been changed by heat, pressure, or chemicals?

• Sedimentary

• Metamorphic

• Lunar

• Igneous

This is measured on  the Mohs Scale.

• Cleavage

• Density

• Hardness

• Luster

This rock is changed by heat and pressure.

• Sedimentary

• Igneous

• Metamorphic

Which of the following leads most directly to the production of igneous rock?

• formation of magma

• cementation of rocks

• weathering of rocks

• deposition of sediment

Which is the best way to complete this model of the rock cycle?

• crystallization

• solidification

• heat and pressure

• melting

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2