Minerals Quiz
Minerals are naturally occurring substances, with a definite chemical composition and ordered internal structure that is found beneath the earth’s surface. Below is an 8th-grade honors quiz over mineral characteristics and identification in the format of multiple choice and extended response. Give it a try and see what you understand about the minerals around us. Share how high your score is in the comment section!
- 1.
On Moh's hardness scale, whichof the following minerals is harder than quartz?
- A.
Talc
- B.
Apatite
- C.
Gypsum
- D.
Diamond
Correct Answer
D. DiamondExplanation
Diamond is harder than quartz because it is ranked as the hardest mineral on Moh's hardness scale. Moh's hardness scale is a scale that measures the hardness of minerals based on their ability to scratch other minerals. Quartz has a hardness of 7 on the scale, while diamond has a hardness of 10, making it the hardest mineral. Therefore, diamond is harder than quartz.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following terms is NOT used to describe a mineral's luster?
- A.
Shiny
- B.
Glassy
- C.
Dull
- D.
Hexagonal
Correct Answer
D. HexagonalExplanation
The term "hexagonal" is not used to describe a mineral's luster. Luster refers to the way light reflects off the surface of a mineral. Shiny, glassy, and dull are all terms commonly used to describe a mineral's luster, but hexagonal refers to the crystal structure of a mineral, not its luster.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following is considered a special property that applies to only a few minerals?
- A.
Color
- B.
Luster
- C.
Streak
- D.
Magnetism
Correct Answer
D. MagnetismExplanation
Magnetism is considered a special property that applies to only a few minerals. While color, luster, and streak are common properties that can be used to identify minerals, magnetism is a unique property that is only exhibited by certain minerals, such as magnetite. This property allows these minerals to be attracted to magnets and distinguishes them from other minerals.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Why isn't color a reliable way to determine a mineral's identity?
- 5.
Which of the following physical properties can be expressed in numbers?
- A.
Luster
- B.
Hardness
- C.
Color
- D.
Reaction to acid
Correct Answer
B. HardnessExplanation
Hardness is a physical property that can be measured and expressed quantitatively using a numerical scale. It refers to the resistance of a material to being scratched or indented. Different minerals and materials have different levels of hardness, which can be determined using various tests such as the Mohs scale. Therefore, hardness is a physical property that can be expressed in numbers.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The color of the powder that a mineral leaves on a piece of white, unglazed pocelain is calledthe mineral's
- A.
Hardness
- B.
Luster
- C.
Streak
- D.
Scratch
Correct Answer
C. StreakExplanation
The color of the powder that a mineral leaves on a piece of white, unglazed porcelain is called the mineral's streak. This is because when a mineral is rubbed against the porcelain, it leaves behind a colored streak, which can be different from the color of the mineral itself. The streak can provide important information about the mineral's composition and can help in its identification.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Why isn't the streak of a mineral not always a way to determine the identity of the mineral?
- 8.
The most common classification of minerals is based on
- A.
Color
- B.
Chemical composition
- C.
Size
- D.
Shape
Correct Answer
B. Chemical compositionExplanation
The most common classification of minerals is based on their chemical composition. This means that minerals are grouped together based on the elements they are composed of. Minerals can be classified into different groups such as silicates, carbonates, sulfates, and oxides, among others. This classification is important because it helps scientists understand the properties and characteristics of different minerals and how they form. It also allows them to identify and categorize minerals based on their chemical composition, which is essential for studying their geological and industrial applications.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The special property used to identify halite is
- A.
Radioactivity
- B.
Magnetism
- C.
Fluorescence
- D.
Taste
Correct Answer
D. TasteExplanation
Halite, also known as rock salt, is a mineral that is commonly used as table salt due to its distinctive taste. Therefore, taste is the special property used to identify halite.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A mineral fizzes when a weak acid is dropped on it, the mineral is probably
- A.
Halite
- B.
Magnetite
- C.
Calcite
- D.
Quartz
Correct Answer
C. CalciteExplanation
Calcite is the correct answer because it is a mineral that reacts with weak acids, such as vinegar or hydrochloric acid, by fizzing or effervescing. This reaction is due to the release of carbon dioxide gas when the acid reacts with the calcium carbonate present in calcite. Halite, magnetite, and quartz do not exhibit this characteristic fizzing reaction when exposed to weak acids.Rate this question:
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- 11.
A mineral is believed to be magnetite, how can you test the hypothesis?
- 12.
Besides, special properties and streak to identify minerals, what is another property that is unique to each mineral?
- 13.
In order to be considered a mineral, an element(s) must have four characteristics. State the four characteristics.
- 14.
How would you determine the hardness of an unidentified mineral sample?
- 15.
Suppose you have three rings each with a different gem. One has a diamond, one has an amethyst (purple quartz) and one has a topaz. You mail the rings in a small box to your friend who lives five states away. When the box arrives at its destination, two of the gems are damaged. One gem, however is damaged much worse than the other. What scientific reason can you give for the difference in damage?
- 16.
You are given two mineral samples. Sample A has a mass of 50 g and displaces 25 ml of water. Sample B has a mass of 114 g and displaces 54 ml of water. Which sample has the greater density? Show your work.
- 17.
Can a mineral be a liquid? Why or why not?
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Current Version
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May 24, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Oct 26, 2009Quiz Created by
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