Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a mineral?
Which of the following is a mineral?
Glass is considered a mineral.
Glass is considered a mineral.
False
What is the term for the migration of atoms or molecules through a material?
What is the term for the migration of atoms or molecules through a material?
Diffusion
Calcite that constitutes clamshells is an example of which method of mineral formation?
Calcite that constitutes clamshells is an example of which method of mineral formation?
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What type of crystals grow unimpeded in a geode?
What type of crystals grow unimpeded in a geode?
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Why is asbestos no longer used as fireproofing insulation?
Why is asbestos no longer used as fireproofing insulation?
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Why was asbestos used in brake pads?
Why was asbestos used in brake pads?
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What physical property describes the shape of a cluster of well-formed crystals that grew together?
What physical property describes the shape of a cluster of well-formed crystals that grew together?
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When a mineral specimen is scraped along a ceramic plate, what physical property is being checked?
When a mineral specimen is scraped along a ceramic plate, what physical property is being checked?
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According to the Mohs hardness scale, gypsum is harder than fluorite.
According to the Mohs hardness scale, gypsum is harder than fluorite.
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What is the most abundant mineral group on Earth?
What is the most abundant mineral group on Earth?
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How many planes of cleavage does calcite have?
How many planes of cleavage does calcite have?
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What type of breakage is associated with quartz?
What type of breakage is associated with quartz?
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How do diamonds form?
How do diamonds form?
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___________ rocks form when existing rocks are subjected to high temperatures and pressures.
___________ rocks form when existing rocks are subjected to high temperatures and pressures.
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Would either of the rock samples shown be considered crystalline?
Would either of the rock samples shown be considered crystalline?
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Why are bricks not considered rocks?
Why are bricks not considered rocks?
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What can be determined to be true about pyrite simply by visual inspection?
What can be determined to be true about pyrite simply by visual inspection?
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What is best used to study rocks in the field?
What is best used to study rocks in the field?
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What type of rocks form at or near the Earth's surface?
What type of rocks form at or near the Earth's surface?
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Which gemstones have the property of being harder than glass?
Which gemstones have the property of being harder than glass?
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How many planes of cleavage does this mineral have if it 'peels' off in thin sheets?
How many planes of cleavage does this mineral have if it 'peels' off in thin sheets?
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Study Notes
Mineral Identification
- Salt (NaCl) is classified as a mineral, while amber is organic, and saltwater and oil are not solid minerals.
- Glass lacks a crystal structure, disqualifying it as a mineral despite being an inorganic solid.
- Diffusion refers to the movement of atoms or molecules through a material, relevant in mineral formation alongside precipitation and solidification.
Mineral Formation Methods
- Biomineralization is exemplified by clamshell calcite, formed biologically by organisms.
- Minerals can form through solidification from a melt, precipitation from solution, and solid-state diffusion.
Crystal Characteristics
- Euhedral crystals grow uninterrupted, while anhedral crystals are restricted by space.
- Crystal habit describes the specific shape or arrangement of a cluster of well-formed crystals.
- The streak test reveals the color of a mineral when powdered, which can differ from the mineral's external color.
Hardness and Abundance
- Gypsum is softer than fluorite, according to the Mohs hardness scale, which ranks materials based on scratch resistance.
- Silicates are the most abundant mineral group in the Earth's crust and mantle.
Cleavage and Breakage
- Calcite has three planes of cleavage, with distinct geometrical arrangements.
- Conchoidal fracture describes a smooth, curved break typical in minerals like quartz.
Diamonds and Metamorphic Rocks
- Diamonds form under high pressure from carbon at depths of 100 km or more, distinct from biomineralized or precipitated minerals.
- Metamorphic rocks arise from existing rocks subjected to high temperatures and pressures, without melting, leading to changes in mineralogy and texture.
Rock Classification
- Crystalline rocks feature interlocking minerals and can be igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic in origin.
- Bricks are human-made products and therefore do not qualify as rocks.
Pyrite Characteristics
- Pyrite exhibits a metallic luster and cubic crystal habit, observable through visual inspection.
Field Study Tools
- A magnifying glass (hand lens) is most practical for studying rocks in the field, while more complex equipment is used in laboratory settings.
Sedimentary Rock Formation
- Sedimentary rocks form at or near the Earth’s surface through cementing rock grains or precipitation from water, differentiating them from igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Gemstone Hardness
- Amethyst, topaz, diamond, and sapphire are all harder than glass, indicating their resilience and value as gemstones.
Cleavage in Minerals
- Minerals that cleave into thin sheets have one plane of cleavage, allowing for flat, sheet-like separation similar to stacked papers.
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Description
Test your knowledge on minerals with this quiz covering Chapter 3 of Earth Science 205. You'll encounter questions about the classification of substances, such as identifying minerals and understanding their properties. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of mineralogy concepts.
