GEOLOGY Midterm (Minerals) Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is a mineral?
A naturally occurring inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.
True or False: All minerals are organic compounds.
False
Name the most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust.
Feldspar
Which property of minerals describes their resistance to scratching?
Hardness
Fill in the blank: The scale used to measure the hardness of minerals is called the _____ scale.
Mohs
What is the primary characteristic used to identify a mineral’s luster?
The way a mineral reflects light.
True or False: All minerals have a crystalline structure.
True
What are silicate minerals primarily composed of?
Silicon and oxygen.
Which mineral is commonly used as a gemstone and is known for its hardness?
Diamond
What is the term for the color of the powder a mineral leaves when rubbed on a streak plate?
Streak
Fill in the blank: Minerals that contain iron and magnesium are known as _____ minerals.
Ferromagnesian
What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?
A rock is a solid aggregate of one or more minerals, while a mineral is a single, naturally occurring substance.
What is the term for the way a mineral breaks along specific planes?
Cleavage
Name a common non-silicate mineral.
Calcite
True or False: Quartz is a silicate mineral.
True
Which mineral is known for its salty taste and is commonly found in evaporite deposits?
Halite
What type of mineral is gypsum classified as?
Sulfate
Fill in the blank: The chemical formula for quartz is _____ .
SiO2
What is the primary use of talc?
As a lubricant and in talcum powder.
Which mineral is a primary source of aluminum?
Bauxite
True or False: All minerals are crystalline.
True
What is the term used for the appearance of a mineral’s surface?
Luster
What is the name of the mineral group that includes olivine and pyroxene?
Silicates
Fill in the blank: The mineral _____ is known for its use in making glass.
Quartz
