Minerals

What is a mineral?

• A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and a crystal structure.

• A mineral is a type of rock that forms from volcanic activity.

• A mineral is a liquid substance found in oceans and rivers.

• A mineral is a synthetic compound created in laboratories.

What is 'fracture' in minerals?

• Fracture is the way a mineral breaks when it does not break along cleavage planes.

• Fracture refers to the smooth surfaces along which a mineral breaks.

• Fracture is the process of a mineral forming crystals.

• Fracture describes the color of a mineral when it is broken.

What is the role of crystal structure in defining a mineral?

• Crystal structure determines the mineral's color and luster.

• Crystal structure refers to the orderly arrangement of atoms in a mineral, which determines its shape and properties.

• Crystal structure has no impact on the mineral's hardness.

• Crystal structure only affects the mineral's size.

What is 'streak' in relation to minerals?

• The color of the powder left behind when a mineral is scraped across a surface.

• The hardness of a mineral on the Mohs scale.

• The luster or shine of a mineral's surface.

• The specific gravity of a mineral.

What are the four main characteristics that define a mineral?

• It must be man-made, liquid, and have a variable chemical composition.

• It must be naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, and have a definite chemical composition.

• It must be organic, solid, and have a fixed physical appearance.

• It must be naturally occurring, gaseous, and have a variable chemical composition.

Why is coal not considered a mineral?

• It is a type of rock.

• It is made from organic materials.

• It is found only in certain regions of the world.

• It is formed from volcanic activity.

What is the significance of a mineral's 'definite chemical composition'?

• A definite chemical composition means that a mineral has a specific chemical formula that does not vary.

• A definite chemical composition indicates that the mineral can change its chemical formula based on environmental conditions.

• A definite chemical composition suggests that the mineral is composed of multiple elements in varying proportions.

• A definite chemical composition implies that the mineral is a mixture of different minerals.

What is 'cleavage' in mineralogy?

• The ability of a mineral to reflect light.

• The property of a mineral to split easily along flat surfaces.

• The hardness of a mineral on the Mohs scale.

• The color of a mineral in powdered form.

What are the main properties used to identify minerals?

• Streak, luster, hardness, cleavage, and fracture.

• Color, size, weight, and shape.

• Temperature, pressure, density, and volume.

• Magnetism, solubility, conductivity, and opacity.

What does 'luster' refer to in minerals?

• The way a mineral reflects light

• The hardness of a mineral

• The color of a mineral

• The size of a mineral