Study-Guide
Rocks and Minerals
First let me begin by saying that you need to review all of the notes given. This is the most important
thing. Second review the Labs, both minerals and rocks. You will be asked to identify the names of rocks
and minerals based on their characteristics. If you wish to view the computer lab you can do so by going
to the Library or by logging onto the student shared drive with the Gov School computers. Be sure
however to run the intermediate version and choose the 16-bit graphic executable file. Below is a list of
specifics you need to know!
1. Be able to find mass and atomic numbers along with numbers of electrons, protons and
neutrons.
2. Know the difference between metals and nonmetals.
3. Know the types of bonds and the role that electrons play in forming those bonds.
4. Know how the arrangement of atoms in a mineral affects its characteristics.
5. Know both the hardest and softest mineral.
6. Know general information about the following minerals: calcite, hematite, mica, quartz,
feldspar, kaolinite, garnet, graphite, magnetite and olivine. ( Know what group they belong to as
well as their properties)
7. Know the types of luster.
8. Know what chonchoidal fracture is.
9. Know what a crystal is as well as some simple crystal shapes.
10. Study the rock chart is able to identify the mineral composition as well as type of magma making
up each type of rock.
11. Know what texture is.
12. Know what porphyry is.
13. Be able to describe felsic and mafic lavas.
14. Know all of the extrusive rocks and their textures.
15. Be able to interpret the rock cycle.
16. Be able to label the igneous intrusion drawing from your notes.
The Sedimentary and metamorphic rocks will cover a small portion of the test. Know the class
and composition of the following rocks: sandstone, conglomerate, shale, limestone, rock salt.
Know the parent rock of quartzite. Know all of the rocks the shale series. Know the parent rock
of marble.
One last bit of information. The test will be all multiple choice. It is long but relatively easy. Work on
associations rather than memorization. Best of luck on the test.