Properties of Minerals Quiz

Study Notes

Magnetism

Certain minerals exhibit attraction to magnets, useful for identification.
To test magnetism, bring a magnet close to the mineral; if they attract, the mineral is magnetic.
Magnetite is the only prevalent mineral that is consistently and strongly magnetic.

Striations

Striations are very thin, parallel grooves found on mineral surfaces.
Visible primarily on one of two sets of cleavages and enhanced by using a hand lens.
They may be obscured on some cleavage areas; thorough inspection under varying light is recommended to identify them.

Specific Gravity

Defined as the mineral's weight relative to an equal volume of water, with water having a specific gravity of 1.0.
Most silicate minerals have specific gravities ranging between 2.6 and 3.4, while ore minerals typically range from 5 to 8.
High specific gravity can be a distinguishing feature in some minerals, such as barite and galena.

Taste, Odor, Feel

Some minerals possess a recognizable taste; for instance, halite tastes like salt.
Certain minerals emit characteristic odors; for example, powdered sphalerite smells like rotten eggs.
Textural properties are also distinctive; talc is known for its slippery feel.

Chemical Properties

Chemical properties reveal the atomic arrangement in minerals and inform reactivity.
Minerals can be distinguished by their reactions to substances; for instance, carbonate minerals often react with acids.
When dilute hydrochloric acid is applied to calcite, it produces bubbles, indicating the release of carbon dioxide.
Some minerals, like cinnabar, are toxic, while others, such as halite, are water-soluble.
Metallic sulfides can degrade into sulfuric acid when exposed to moisture and air.
Radioactive minerals include Autunite and Thorianite, which contain uranium and thorium respectively.
Certain metals, like magnesium, are flammable.

Classification of Minerals

Minerals are categorized by the Dana System into eight basic classes based on chemical composition.
The classes are: native elements, silicates, oxides, sulfides, sulfates, halides, carbonates, phosphates, and mineraloids.
This classification aids in understanding the diversity and characteristics of minerals based on their chemical makeup.

Description

Test your knowledge about the additional properties of minerals, focusing on magnetism and striations. Learn how to identify these characteristics and the significance of magnetite in mineralogy. This quiz will help you reinforce concepts related to mineral properties.