Minerals and Rocks Overview

Which property describes how easily a mineral splits along a flat surface?

What is the process called when minerals form a crystal structure by rearranging atoms?

Which of the following types of rocks is formed from particles of sand, shells, or remains of plants and animals?

What does the Mohs Scale of Hardness measure?

Which process involves the movement of weathered rock by natural forces such as water or wind?

What distinguishes clastic sedimentary rocks from other types of sedimentary rocks?

Which type of igneous rock is formed through the cooling of lava on Earth's surface?

How are folated metamorphic rocks characterized?

What process is responsible for the transformation of igneous or sedimentary rocks into metamorphic rocks?

Which process involves the settling of weathered and eroded materials in layers?

What are chemical sedimentary rocks primarily formed from?

Which of the following processes describes how igneous rocks can become magma?

Which type of rock is formed from the compression and cementation of sediments?

Minerals and Rocks

Minerals are naturally occurring, solid, inorganic substances with a specific crystal structure
Minerals are identified by their color, luster (how they reflect light), density, hardness (using the Mohs scale), cleavage (how easily they split), and fracture (how they break)
Crystallization is the process of forming a crystal structure by rearranging atoms
Minerals form from magma and lava
Rocks are made of minerals
Rocks are identified by their mineral composition (how many different minerals they have) and texture (the look and feel of the rock based on the size, shape, and pattern of the grains)
Grain refers to the particles of minerals or other rocks in a rock.

Types of Rocks

There are three main types of rocks: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous
Sedimentary rocks are formed from particles of sand, shells, plant remains, or animal remains (sediment) that are layered and buried beneath Earth's surface. These layers are compacted and cemented together.
Sedimentary rocks form through the processes of erosion (moving weathered rock), deposition (sediment is dropped in new locations), compaction (sediments being pressed together under their own weight), and cementation.
Igneous rocks form from magma or lava
Metamorphic rocks form when heat, pressure, or chemical reactions change existing rocks.

This quiz covers the basics of minerals and rocks, including their definitions, properties, and classification. Learn about the different types of rocks and the processes involved in their formation. Perfect for students studying Earth Science.