Download Mineral Study Guide

Mineral Study Guide
Chapter 3
1. What is the difference between an element, compound & mixture?
2. What is an atom? What are the subatomic particles & their charges? Where are each
located (nucleus vs. electron cloud)?
3. What is the importance of valence electrons and how do you identify the number of
valence electrons?
4. Why does an atom want to bond with another?
5. To become stable, in general, how many valence electrons does an atom want to have?
Be able to tell how many more valence electrons needed for any given element.
6. Which group/column of minerals is the most/least stable?
7. You should know how to use a periodic table to identify:
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How many neutrons does an atom of Fluorine (#9) have?
An atom of Titanium (#22) has 22 protons. How many electrons does it have?
An atom of Magnesium (#12) has 12 protons and 12 neutrons. What is it’s atomic mass?
8. What is the difference between ionic & covalent bonds? Use your book to find a
couple examples of compounds that are made from each bond.
Chapter 4
9. What are the five characteristics that define minerals? Describe each of the
characteristics.
10. Why is color not a reliable test for identifying minerals?
11. What can you conclude about the atomic bonds along a plane of cleavage? (Hint: think
about the strength of the bonds)
12. Define the word crystal.
13. Compare and contrast cleavage and fracture.
14. What is the hardness of a mineral if it scratches a penny but will not scratch glass?
(you’ll have to use the Moh’s scale in your book pg. 91)
15. What mineral property is being tested when a mineral is rubbed across a ceramic
plate?
16. List terms to describe the luster of a mineral.
17. How is the Moh’s scale of hardness used?
18. How do minerals form from magma?
19. If minerals are formed in an area where they cool slowly with a lot of room, how will
there crystal shapes turn out?
20. Explain, in general, how a mineral is formed from a solution/evaporation. (Example:
Like when you make Kool-aide with too much sugar. What forms on the bottom.)
21. What are the two most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust?
22. List the mineral groups. There are seven.
23. Which group of minerals is the most common and why are they so diverse? (Hint:
Think about the above question.) What is the 2nd most common group?
24. What is the name of the molecule which all silicate minerals are made of? Describe
what two elements are part of it, and how many atoms of each.
25. Explain the arrangement of atoms (shape) in a silica tetrahedron. (hint: think
ancient Egypt buildings)
26. Which group of minerals will have a positive test (fizz) with HCL (hydrochloric
acid)? What common mineral displayed this in our lab?
27. What is an ore?
28. Before mining a new mineral, what factors should be considered? (Hint: Think about
the above question)
29. Can minerals be made of only one element? If so, what group do they fit into?
30. Why are some minerals classified as gems? List 5 examples of gemstones.