Mineralogy

Question 1

When dense, black lignite coal takes on a high polish and is used for jewelry, it’s called by this name.

Answer 1

Jet

Question 2

Tiger-eye quartz is formed by the alteration of crocidolite, this type of fire-resistant fibrous mineral.

Answer 2

Asbestos

Question 3

Quartz, tridymite, cristobalite, coesite, and stishovite are the five crystalline forms, and opal an amorphous form, of a chemical compound best known by what single word?

Answer 3

Silica

Question 4

What sulfate mineral, the second softest on the Mohs scale, is the main ingredient in most drywall?

Answer 4

Gypsum

Question 5

Corundum, a mineral form of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) naturally transparent in its pure state, is perhaps best-known (and most desired) in its impure varieties. Give the name of either of the two primary varieties of corundum.

Answer 5

Ruby, Sapphire

Question 6

What event creates the unusual glassy mineral called trinitite?

Answer 6

Named for Trinity, New Mexico, and sometimes called Alamagordo glass, trinitite is what you get when a nuclear explosion melts sand.