1. Which of the following is NOT a physical property commonly used to identify minerals?
a) Color
b) Hardness
c) Taste
d) Cleavage
Answer: c) Taste
Explanation: Taste is not a reliable physical property for identifying minerals due to safety concerns. Color, hardness, and cleavage are commonly used physical properties in mineral identification.
2. What is the Mohs scale used to measure?
a) Density of minerals
b) Refractive index of minerals
c) Hardness of minerals
d) Luster of minerals
Answer: c) Hardness of minerals
Explanation: The Mohs scale is a scale used to measure the hardness of minerals, ranging from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest), based on the ability of one mineral to scratch another.
3. Which mineral exhibits the property of effervescence when it comes into contact with acid?
a) Quartz
b) Feldspar
c) Calcite
d) Gypsum
Answer: c) Calcite
Explanation: Calcite reacts with acid (such as hydrochloric acid) to produce effervescence, a bubbling or fizzing reaction, due to its carbonate composition.
4. What is the primary component of granite, a common rock in the Earth’s crust?
a) Quartz
b) Feldspar
c) Mica
d) Calcite
Answer: b) Feldspar
Explanation: Granite is primarily composed of feldspar, quartz, and mica. Feldspar is the most abundant mineral in granite.
5. Which mineral commonly forms in hexagonal prisms and is often used in electronics due to its piezoelectric properties?
a) Quartz
b) Topaz
c) Tourmaline
d) Halite
Answer: c) Tourmaline
Explanation: Tourmaline exhibits piezoelectricity, the ability to generate an electric charge in response to mechanical stress. It often forms in hexagonal prisms.
6. What is the most common mineral group found in Earth’s crust?
a) Silicates
b) Carbonates
c) Sulfides
d) Oxides
Answer: a) Silicates
Explanation: Silicate minerals are the most abundant group in Earth’s crust, comprising over 90% of its volume. They are characterized by the presence of silicon and oxygen atoms.
7. Which mineral is commonly used as an abrasive in products such as sandpaper and toothpaste?
a) Quartz
b) Corundum
c) Garnet
d) Talc
Answer: a) Quartz
Explanation: Quartz is a hard mineral commonly used as an abrasive due to its durability. It is found in products like sandpaper and toothpaste.
8. Which of the following is a primary ore mineral of iron?
a) Galena
b) Hematite
c) Sphalerite
d) Malachite
Answer: b) Hematite
Explanation: Hematite is a primary ore mineral of iron, commonly found in sedimentary rocks and used in the production of iron and steel.
9. What is the main component of the mineral group known as “mica”?
a) Silica
b) Aluminum oxide
c) Iron sulfide
d) Potassium feldspar
Answer: b) Aluminum oxide
Explanation: Mica is primarily composed of aluminum oxide, along with potassium, magnesium, and iron. It is known for its excellent cleavage and is often used in electrical insulation.
10. Which crystal system does the mineral pyrite belong to?
a) Cubic
b) Orthorhombic
c) Monoclinic
d) Triclinic
Answer: a) Cubic
Explanation: Pyrite belongs to the cubic crystal system, characterized by three equal axes at right angles to each other.