Minerals and Atomic Structure Quiz

A naturally occurring, solid, inorganic substance with a definite chemical composition and ordered internal structure.

A solid mass composed of one or more minerals, or mineral-like materials, found naturally.

The fundamental building blocks of all matter.

The smallest unit of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element.

The central region of an atom, composed of protons (positive charge) and neutrons (no charge).

Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom, located in specific energy levels called shells.

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

The approximate total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

The outermost electrons in an atom's shell, which are involved in chemical bonding.

A strong attractive force that holds atoms together to form compounds.

A chemical bond formed when atoms share electrons to achieve a stable outer shell.

Positively charged atoms are attracted to negatively charged atoms, forming a bond.

A solid with a specific, ordered arrangement of atoms.

A substance with the same chemical composition but different crystal structures, leading to different physical properties.

The shape of a mineral resulting from the internal arrangement of its atoms.

The way a mineral's surface reflects light. Can be metallic or non-metallic.

The color of a mineral, but not always reliable for identification due to impurities.

A mineral with a specific chemical composition that can have different colors due to impurities.

Atoms with opposite charges (positive and negative) attract each other, forming a bond.

When oppositely charged atoms bond, they become electrically neutral.

The color of a mineral's powder when rubbed against a streak plate (unglazed porcelain tile).

A mineral's resistance to scratching, measured using the Mohs Hardness Scale, which compares minerals against a set of 10 standard minerals.

The way a mineral breaks along flat, smooth surfaces due to weak bonding planes.

An irregular, uneven break in a mineral that lacks cleavage.

The ratio of a mineral's weight to the weight of an equal volume of water. It helps determine the mineral's density.

A group of minerals, primarily composed of oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium, that make up most of the Earth's crust.

The tendency of some minerals to be attracted to a magnet. This is a special property not found in all minerals.

The way a mineral reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl). This is a special property used to identify some minerals like calcite.

The ability of a mineral to be hammered or flattened into thin sheets without breaking. This is a special property not found in all minerals.

The ability of some minerals to split light into two rays, creating a double image. This is a special property not found in all minerals.

The most abundant mineral group on Earth's continental crust, characterized by a basic building block called the silicon-oxygen tetrahedron (SiO4)4-. This tetrahedron consists of four oxygen ions surrounding a much smaller silicon ion, forming a complex ion.

A complex ion in silicate minerals, consisting of a central silicon ion surrounded by four oxygen ions, forming a pyramid-shaped structure.

Silicate structures formed by linking silicon-oxygen tetrahedra together in various ways, creating single chains, double chains, sheet structures, and 3D frameworks.

Silicate minerals containing iron and/or magnesium ions, typically darker in color.

Silicate minerals containing various amounts of aluminum, potassium, calcium, and sodium, typically lighter in color.

A common ferromagnesian silicate mineral, often found in igneous rocks.

A group of ferromagnesian silicate minerals, commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.

A group of ferromagnesian silicate minerals, known for their complex crystal structures.

A common nonferromagnesian silicate mineral, known for its flaky appearance and its use in cosmetics and construction.

A group of nonferromagnesian silicate minerals, known for their wide variety and use in various industries.