Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a mineral?
Glass is considered a mineral.
False
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?
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What type of crystals grow unimpeded in a geode?
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Why is asbestos no longer used as fireproofing insulation?
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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?
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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.
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What is the most abundant mineral group on Earth?
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How many planes of cleavage does calcite have?
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What type of breakage is associated with quartz?
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How do diamonds form?
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___________ 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?
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Why are bricks not considered rocks?
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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?
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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?
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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.
