Mineral properties, silicate groups, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock classification and formation.
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- What are the hardest and softest minerals on Mohs hardness scale?
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Diamond is 10 (hardest), talc is 1 (softest).- Define mineral luster.
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The appearance of a mineral surface in reflected light (e.g., metallic, vitreous, dull).- What is the streak test for minerals?
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A test where a mineral is scraped on porcelain to reveal its true color, which may differ from the specimen's surface color.- Distinguish between mineral cleavage and fracture.
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Cleavage is breaking along planes of weakness in crystal structure; fracture is breaking irregularly.- What is specific gravity in mineralogy?
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The ratio of a mineral's density to the density of water.- Why does a mineral show different colors in hand sample and on a streak plate?
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Fine particles in the streak may transmit light differently than the larger crystalline specimen.- What are three types of mineral tenacity?
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Brittle (shatters), ductile (can be drawn into wire), and malleable (can be hammered).- Define transparency categories for minerals.
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Transparent (light passes through), translucent (some light passes through), opaque (no light passes through).- What element is present in all silicate minerals?
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Silicon and oxygen bonded as the silicate tetrahedron (SiO4)4-.- Describe the silicate tetrahedron.
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Four oxygen atoms arranged around a central silicon atom; the basic building block of all silicate minerals.- What is the approximate composition of olivine?
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(Mg,Fe)2SiO4; a magnesium-iron silicate with isolated tetrahedra.- How does amphibole structure differ from pyroxene?
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Amphibole has double-chain silicate structure with cleavage at 60/120 degrees; pyroxene has single-chain structure with cleavage at 90 degrees.- What is the difference between plagioclase and orthoclase feldspars?
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Plagioclase contains sodium and calcium; orthoclase contains potassium; plagioclase is more common in mafic rocks.- Describe the crystal structure of micas.
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Sheet silicates with layers bonded weakly together, allowing them to split into thin, flexible sheets.- What is the chemical composition of quartz?
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SiO2; silicon dioxide; a network silicate where tetrahedra are fully linked.
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