Question 1

A(n)________ is the fundamental particle of matter.

Accepted Answer

An atom is the fundamental unit of matter and consists of a nucleus made up of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons. While electrons are particles of matter, they are not the fundamental particle of matter as they are just one component of the atom. Minerals are compounds made up of different atoms, and a nucleus is just one component of an atom.

Question 2

Explain how differences in molecular bonds in minerals can result in cleavage versus fracture.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain how differences in molecular bonds in...

Question 3

A rock can be composed of almost entirely one mineral.

Accepted Answer

It is possible for a rock to be made up of mainly one mineral, although it is also common for rocks to be composed of multiple minerals.

Question 4

Consider the definition of a mineral.Why would a synthetic gemstone fail this definition and not be considered a true mineral?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Consider the definition of a mineral.Why would...

Question 5

Color is a reliable identification technique for minerals.

Accepted Answer

Color alone is not always a reliable identification technique for minerals, as many minerals can have the same or similar colors but different physical and chemical properties. Therefore, other identification methods such as hardness, luster, cleavage, and streak should be used in conjunction with color.

Question 6

Which of the following rocks is composed of only a single mineral?

Accepted Answer

Limestone is primarily composed of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate), making it a rock that can be composed of only a single mineral. Granite, conglomerate, and gabbro are composed of multiple minerals.

Question 7

Quartz has only one color.

Accepted Answer

Quartz can come in a variety of colors, including white, gray, pink, purple, and more due to trace elements in its composition.

Question 8

A geode contains minerals that form through biological processes.

Accepted Answer

Geodes typically form through geological processes, such as the filling of cavities with mineral-rich fluids that then slowly evaporate and leave behind minerals. While some minerals may be formed in association with biological processes, this is not typically the case with geodes.

Question 9

Which of the following materials will form through evaporation?

Accepted Answer

Salt is a soluble material that can dissolve in water and will subsequently form a solid through evaporation. Feldspars, geodes, and limestone are not soluble in water and will not form through evaporation.

Question 10

The more oxygen ions that are shared in silicate minerals, the higher the oxygen-to-silicon ratio.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true; as more oxygen ions are shared in the silicate minerals, the oxygen-to-silicon ratio increases.

Question 11

All minerals have cleavage.

Accepted Answer

Not all minerals have cleavage. Some minerals have a fracture instead of cleavage, meaning they do not break along planes of weakness in the crystal structure.

Question 12

Graphite and diamonds are polymorphs because both are made up of carbon atoms.

Accepted Answer

Polymorphs are different crystalline forms of the same substance, in this case, carbon atoms. Graphite and diamonds are different in their physical and chemical properties but they are both made of carbon atoms arranged differently.

Question 13

Ferromagnesian minerals have a higher specific gravity than nonferromagnesian minerals.

Accepted Answer

Ferromagnesian minerals, which contain iron and magnesium, tend to have a higher specific gravity than nonferromagnesian minerals due to their heavier atomic weights.

Question 14

You have a solution of salt dissolved in water.Why might a drop in temperature result in the dissolved minerals precipitating out of solution?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You have a solution of salt dissolved...

Question 15

Mineral species can be further subdivided into ________.

Accepted Answer

Mineral species can be subdivided into varieties, which are different forms of the same mineral that have distinct characteristics such as color, texture, or crystal shape. The other options (A, B, and C) refer to different classifications of minerals, but are not subdivisions of mineral species.

Question 16

Polymorphs are minerals that will have two identical mineral structures, but different chemical compositions.

Accepted Answer

Polymorphs are minerals that have the same chemical composition but different crystal structures.

Question 17

There can be no variation of mineral composition in order for the substance to remain the same mineral.

Accepted Answer

Different minerals have different chemical compositions, so a variation in mineral composition would mean that it is no longer the same mineral. In fact, determining the mineral composition is one way geologists identify different minerals.

Question 18

Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is found over large areas of the United States.Using this information, explain what the environment of deposition was like at the time of limestone formation and how the mineral in the limestone formed?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is...

Question 19

If there are over 100 elements on the periodic table of elements, it would stand to reason that there would be millions of ways these elements could combine to form minerals.However, there are only 4000 named minerals.Why might there be so few minerals on Earth when there are so many possible combinations?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If there are over 100 elements on...

Question 20

What is the significance of valence electrons in connection to mineral formation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the significance of valence electrons...

Quiz 3: Matter and Minerals

A(n) ________ is the fundamental particle of matter.