Science Test: Minerals
Name:_________________
Multiple Choice
1. A mineral is a substance that forms
a. From rocks
c. from one element
b. In nature
d. in liquid
2. A crystal structure is a characteristic of
a. An element
c. magma
b. A rock
d. a mineral
3. A mineral is made up of one or more
a. Ores
c. compounds
b. Rocks
d. elements
4. How is it possible for two different minerals to have the same chemical
composition?
a. They have different crystal structures.
b. One is formed only by organisms.
c. Only one is a rock-forming mineral.
d. They have different appearances.
5. Most minerals in Earth’s crust belong to the silicate mineral group because
this group contains the
a. Rarest elements on Earth.
b. Most common elements on Earth.
c. Most valuable metals on Earth.
d. Largest crystals on Earth.
6. Which of the following is the least reliable clue to a mineral’s identity?
a. Color
c. hardness
b. Density
d. luster
7. How a mineral breaks (fracture or cleavage) is related to the
a. Number of elements of which it is made.
b. Other types of minerals present as it was formed.
c. Strength of bonds between its atoms.
d. Speed at which it was formed.
8. What types of mineral formed depends on
a. Which elements are present.
b. The types of rock present.
c. The density of rocks present.
d. Whether crystals can form.
9. Open-pit mining is used to obtain ores that lie
a. Under flat land.
b. Deep in Earth’s crust.
c. Near the surface of the earth.
d. In riverbeds.
10. Gemstones are mainly used in
a. Building materials
b. Paper products
c. Automobile parts
d. Jewelry making
11. Minerals that react to hydrochloric acid belong to which group?
a. Magma
c. Carbonate
b. Gemstones
d. Platinum
12. An ______________ is a substance that contains only one type of atom.
a. Crystal
c. rock
b. Element
d. ore
13. Using the images on p. 47, which crystal group does gypsum belong to?
a. Cubic
c. Beryl
b. Triclinic
d. Monoclinic
Circle the 4 characteristics of a mineral:
Is a solid
Is a liquid
Contains calcite
Is a gas
Always fractures
Has strong horizontal bonds
Reacts to acid
Has a crystal structure
Is a rock
Forms in nature
Has metallic luster
Has a definite chemical makeup
Is edible
Is radioactive
Is highly magnetic
Circle 6 methods of identifying a mineral:
Carbon
Color
Streak
Cleavage
Plate
Quartz
Metal
Density
Luster
Fracture
Property
Calcite
Carbonate
Evaporate
Fill in the blank:
Using the Mohs Scale on p. 55, ___________________ is the hardest mineral.
Only a ______________ can scratch another ________________. Gypsum has a
hardness of ________ and can be scratched by your _______________. A mineral
with a lower number on the Mohs scale is considered a ______________ mineral.
A mineral with a higher number on the Mohs scale is considered a
______________ mineral.
Define these words. Use examples from class to help you explain.
Fracture:
Cleavage:
Streak:
Crystal:
Luster:
Florescence:
Magma:
Lava:
Ores: