CMA Geology & Mineral Exploration 3

Question 1

What is the geological significance of a 'graben' structure in mineral exploration?

Accepted Answer

A down-dropped block bounded by normal faults, often hosting sediment-hosted mineral deposits

Answer

Grabens are rift-related structures where sediment accumulates and can host stratabound mineral deposits including lead-zinc and copper.

Question 2

Which mineral is the primary ore of aluminum and forms by intense tropical weathering of aluminous rocks?

Accepted Answer

Bauxite

Answer

Bauxite is a lateritic ore composed mainly of aluminum hydroxide minerals formed by deep chemical weathering in tropical climates.

Question 3

In the classification of coal, which rank has the highest carbon content and heating value?

Accepted Answer

Anthracite

Answer

Anthracite has the highest carbon content (>86%) and heating value among coal ranks, formed by maximum coalification under heat and pressure.

Question 4

A volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A seafloor hydrothermal deposit of sulfide minerals formed at or near volcanic centers

Answer

VMS deposits form when seafloor hydrothermal vents precipitate massive sulfide lenses of copper, zinc, and lead near submarine volcanic centers.

Question 5

Which exploration tool uses variations in Earth's magnetic field to locate iron-bearing mineral deposits from aircraft?

Accepted Answer

Airborne magnetic survey

Answer

Airborne magnetic surveys measure total magnetic field intensity, effectively identifying magnetite-bearing rocks and iron ore deposits over large areas rapidly.

(CMA) Certified Minerals Appraiser Practice Test

(CMA) Certified Minerals Appraiser Practice Test

CMA Geology & Mineral Exploration 3