MODULE 3

Question 1

Flashcard 1:
Q: What are the two most abundant elements in Earth’s crust?

Answer 1

A: Oxygen and Silicon.

Question 2

Flashcard 2:
Q: What is a mineral?

Answer 2

A: A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.

Question 3

Flashcard 3:
Q: What is the basic building block of all silicate minerals?

Answer 3

A: Silicon-oxygen tetrahedron (1 silicon atom and 4 oxygen atoms).

Question 4

Flashcard 4:
Q: How are minerals classified?

Answer 4

A: Based on their chemical composition and crystal structure.

Question 5

Flashcard 5:
Q: What is the difference between cleavage and fracture in minerals?

Answer 5

A: Cleavage is the tendency to break along flat planes, while fracture is an irregular break.

Question 6

Flashcard 6:
Q: What is a native element mineral?

Answer 6

A: A mineral composed of only one element, like gold or silver.

Question 7

Flashcard 7:
Q: What is the Mohs hardness scale?

Answer 7

A: A scale that ranks minerals by their hardness, from talc (1) to diamond (10).

Question 8

Flashcard 8:
Q: How does crystal habit affect a mineral’s appearance?

Answer 8

A: It refers to the external shape of a crystal based on how it grows.

Question 9

Flashcard 9:
Q: What controls a mineral’s color?
.

Answer 9

A: The presence of certain elements and impurities within the mineral

Question 10

Flashcard 10:
Q: What are the five ways minerals can form?

Answer 10

A: crystallizing from magma, precipitating from water, solid-state alteration, biological processes, and hydrothermal solutions.