Download Minerals Study Guide The format on tests and quizzes is a variety of

Minerals Study Guide
The format on tests and quizzes is a variety of types of questions such as multiple choice, interpreting diagrams
and free response questions. The questions are designed to assess whether you know the meanings of key
terms, understand major concepts and how well you can apply your understanding to solving problems.
Study your readings, assignments, review handouts, labs and class notes.
Diagrams: diagram showing different types of mineral deposits, diagrams of crystals
Topics to study:
If you picked up an object that you thought might be a mineral, which criteria must be satisfied for a geologist
to call it a mineral?
Rocks seem very similar to minerals. What is the difference between a mineral and a rock?
Although companies have been able to imitate the conditions of nature to form a pure diamond crystal called a
cubic zirconium. Why is this not considered to be a mineral by geologists?
If you melted a diamond, why would it not be classified as a mineral by geologists?
What are three ways crystals can form from minerals that are dissolved in water?
Geodes, Plutons, and pegmatites are three ways minerals can form from the cooling of molten rock. How is
each of these processes different?
Whether a mineral forms from water or melted rock, how is the crystal size affected by how fast it forms?
Which would form larger crystals?- a lava flow cooling on the surface of the earth, or magma cooling deep
inside the earth? Explain your reason.
Minerals in metamorphic rocks can form from any rock when it is put under what conditions?
How can the size of a crystal be determined by a scientist?
If three different groups of scientists were collaborating to gather data about the sizes of the crystals they had
grown, what important rules must they follow so would be able to compare their data effectively?
Based on how different minerals form, what kinds of clues would geologists look for to find different types of
minerals?
Examples of Minerals: mica, calcite, Zincite, Willemite, Franklinite, garnet, hematite, magnetite, graphite,
garnet, topaz, gold, fluorite, halite (sodium chloride) , magnesium sulfate. Bauxite, quartz
Key Terms:
mineral
rock
crystal
element
compound
atom
crystallize
hydrothermal solution
vein
metamorphism
precipitate
pegmatite
magma
lava
geode
evaporate
pluton