A cubic centimeter of quartz, olivine, and gold weigh 2.5, 3.0, and 19.8 grams respectively. This indicates that___________ .
A)gold and olivine are silicates, quartz is elemental silicon
B)gold is 6 to 7 times harder than olivine and quartz
C)olivine and quartz powders are harder than metallic gold
D)gold has a higher density and specific gravity than quartz and olivine

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The given information indicates that gold has a higher density and specific gravity (which are measures of how much mass is in a given volume) than quartz and olivine. Density and specific gravity are characteristics that can be used to differentiate minerals, and in this case, it shows that gold is more dense than the other two minerals. Hardness, on the other hand, is a separate characteristic that measures how resistant a mineral is to scratching or abrasion. The information given does not provide a basis for comparing the hardness of these minerals.

A Cubic Centimeter of Quartz, Olivine, and Gold Weigh 2