Free NYSTCE Earth Science (162) Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following comparisons of rocks and minerals is accurate?
- Rocks are classified by their formation and the minerals they contain, while minerals are classified by their chemical composition and physical properties. (Correct answer)
- Rocks do not contain organic substances, although minerals may.
- Both rocks and minerals may contain mineraloids
- Both rocks and minerals can be polymorphs
Correct answer: Rocks are classified by their formation and the minerals they contain, while minerals are classified by their chemical composition and physical properties.
Explanation: <br> Minerals are categorized according to their chemical makeup and physical characteristics, whereas rocks are classified according to their formation and their minerals.
Question 2: Which of the following statements most accurately describes mineraloids?
- Mineraloids are inorganic solids containing two or more minerals with different crystalline structure
- Mineraloids are organic compounds found in rocks
- Mineraloids are similar to minerals, but they lack a crystalline structure (Correct answer)
- Mineraloids are inorganic solids containing one or more minerals with the same crystalline structure
Correct answer: Mineraloids are similar to minerals, but they lack a crystalline structure
Explanation: <br> Mineral-like compounds without a crystalline structure are known as mineraloids. They are frequently discovered in rocks. Polymorphs are inorganic solids that contain two or more minerals with dissimilar crystalline structures.
Question 3: The following are all subfields of petrology, EXCEPT:
- Igneous petrology
- Metamorphic petrology
- Sedimentary petrology
- Mineralogical petrology (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Mineralogical petrology
Explanation: <br> Petrology does not include the field of mineralogical petrology. The different types of rocks, such as metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary, are studied by petrologists. The geochemistry of materials exposed to high temperatures and pressures is also reviewed by some petrologists, known as experimental petrologists. Petrologists do not look at minerals; mineralogists do.
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT one of the minerals' five main physical characteristics?
- Streak
- Chemical composition (Correct answer)
- Harness
- Luster
Correct answer: Chemical composition
Explanation: <br> Chemical composition is not a physical characteristic that is used to categorize minerals. Luster, hardness, cleavage, streak, and shape are the five main physical characteristics used to classify minerals. The chemical makeup of minerals has led to a different classification scheme.
Question 5: In the Mohs scale, which of these minerals would have the lowest rating?
- Diamond
- Gypsum
- Fluorite
- Talc (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Talc
Explanation: <br> Talc is the softest mineral that can be measured using the Mohs scale (a one). The maximum score is 10, which is represented by the diamond. At the same time, the scores for fluorite and gypsum are two and four, respectively. Minerals may always scrape other minerals with a lower Mohs rating.
Question 6: The real color of a mineral can be seen by:
- Inspecting the mineral's outer space Shining a light on the mineral to inspect its luster
- Conducting a streak test in white paper
- Conducting a streak test on unglazed porcelain tile (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Conducting a streak test on unglazed porcelain tile
Explanation: <br> An unglazed porcelain tile is used for a streak test to determine a mineral's natural color. The paper does not have suitable physical characteristics for the streak test. Since streak tests can show a color different from the substance's exterior hue, external observation (examining the mineral's outer surface) is not enough to determine accurate color. Finally, color is not determined by the shine test.
Question 7: Which of the following describes minerals with lusters, such as galena, pyrite, and magnetite?
- Adamantine
- Metallic (Correct answer)
- Pearly
- Greasy
Correct answer: Metallic
Explanation: <br> Minerals with a metallic sheen include galena, pyrite, and magnetite. A mineral having a greasy luster is an opal, while diamonds have an adamantine brilliance. Minerals with a pearly sheen include muscovite and stilbite. There are additionally dull, smooth, waxy, and sub-metallic lusters.
Free NYSTCE Earth Science (162) Questions and Answers
Which of the following comparisons of rocks and minerals is accurate?