GLG 103: Test 1 Questions with Verified
Correct Answers
Color is typically an unreliable indicator of a mineral's identification. However, there
are exceptions. Which of the following minerals has a characteristic color?
Rhodochrosite
When synthetic gem minerals are created in a lab, an impurity is added that allows the
gem to fluoresce brightly. Why is this impurity added?
To help identify the gem as a synthetic stone
Using the definition of "mineral" used in the eBook, which of the following would
prevent a substance from being a mineral?
It is the product of a plant or animal.
Synthetic gemstones like ruby, sapphire, emerald, diamond, etc., are not considered
minerals. Why? a. It was not produced by "geological processes". It was created in a
lab.
It was not produced by "geological processes". It was created in a lab.
What allows atoms to combine to form minerals?
Atoms can bond with other atoms by uneven electrical forces or by the sharing of electrons.
Glass is used to help determine the hardness of a mineral. What is its hardness?
5.5
Glass is a convenient starting point for the identification of a mineral. A mineral is
rubbed across a glass plate and a white powder is produced. What conclusion can be
made?
, You should wipe off the powder and then closely inspect the glass to see if a scratch was
made. (correct)
During a hike in the White Tank Regional Park, you notice broken crystals laying along
the trail. Because you know the rocks in the area are granite, you assume the crystals
are either feldspar or quartz. Just by looking at and handling the broken crystals, how
can you determine which mineral it is?
By looking at the broken surface you could determine if the crystal has cleavage or not. If it
has cleavage it is feldspar, if not, it is quartz.
In a GLG 103 lab, for what purpose would a student correctly use Mohs Scale?
To determine a mineral's hardness.
Geologically speaking, what is mineral cleavage?
It is the production of smooth flat surfaces by breaking
Why don't all minerals have cleavage?
To have cleavage a mineral must have weak atomic bonds that separate easily.
The cleave of halite is described as:
3 very good directions, all at right angles to each other. (correct)
Sometimes seeing cleavage on a broken crystal surface is not easy. A good technique is:
To turn the specimen in a light so that if it has cleavage the many parallel cleavage faces will
reflect light all at once.
Near the Blue Owl Mine (near Wickenburg, AZ) is a pit with a couple of different white
minerals. In the lab ebook is a video link that shows an old prospector (your instructor)
Correct Answers
Color is typically an unreliable indicator of a mineral's identification. However, there
are exceptions. Which of the following minerals has a characteristic color?
Rhodochrosite
When synthetic gem minerals are created in a lab, an impurity is added that allows the
gem to fluoresce brightly. Why is this impurity added?
To help identify the gem as a synthetic stone
Using the definition of "mineral" used in the eBook, which of the following would
prevent a substance from being a mineral?
It is the product of a plant or animal.
Synthetic gemstones like ruby, sapphire, emerald, diamond, etc., are not considered
minerals. Why? a. It was not produced by "geological processes". It was created in a
lab.
It was not produced by "geological processes". It was created in a lab.
What allows atoms to combine to form minerals?
Atoms can bond with other atoms by uneven electrical forces or by the sharing of electrons.
Glass is used to help determine the hardness of a mineral. What is its hardness?
5.5
Glass is a convenient starting point for the identification of a mineral. A mineral is
rubbed across a glass plate and a white powder is produced. What conclusion can be
made?
, You should wipe off the powder and then closely inspect the glass to see if a scratch was
made. (correct)
During a hike in the White Tank Regional Park, you notice broken crystals laying along
the trail. Because you know the rocks in the area are granite, you assume the crystals
are either feldspar or quartz. Just by looking at and handling the broken crystals, how
can you determine which mineral it is?
By looking at the broken surface you could determine if the crystal has cleavage or not. If it
has cleavage it is feldspar, if not, it is quartz.
In a GLG 103 lab, for what purpose would a student correctly use Mohs Scale?
To determine a mineral's hardness.
Geologically speaking, what is mineral cleavage?
It is the production of smooth flat surfaces by breaking
Why don't all minerals have cleavage?
To have cleavage a mineral must have weak atomic bonds that separate easily.
The cleave of halite is described as:
3 very good directions, all at right angles to each other. (correct)
Sometimes seeing cleavage on a broken crystal surface is not easy. A good technique is:
To turn the specimen in a light so that if it has cleavage the many parallel cleavage faces will
reflect light all at once.
Near the Blue Owl Mine (near Wickenburg, AZ) is a pit with a couple of different white
minerals. In the lab ebook is a video link that shows an old prospector (your instructor)
