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Test 1 Minerals When synthetic gem minerals are created in a lab, an impurity is added that allows the gem to fluoresce brightly

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Test 1 Minerals

1. 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?
2. Using the definition of "mineral" used in the eBook, which of the following would prevent a substance from being a mineral?
3. Synthetic gemstones like ruby, sapphire, emerald, diamond, etc., are not considered minerals. Why?
4. What allows atoms to combine to form minerals?

5.  Glass is used to help determine the hardness of a mineral. What is its hardness?

6. 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?

7. 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?

8. For what purpose would a student correctly use Mohs Scale?

9. Why don’t all minerals have cleavage?

10. Sometimes seeing cleavage on a broken crystal surface is not easy. A good technique is:

11 One of the ways the mineral Talc is described is that it has a “soapy” feel. Why?

12. What property does obsidian display so nicely?

13. Four Peaks is world famous for it gem quality amethyst. You come across an area near the amethyst mine and find a purple “rock” the size of your fist. It may be amethyst and worth thousands, or, it may be fluorite and worth only a few bucks. Which of the following choices would work in distinguishing the two minerals that look so much alike?

14. Feldspar has a white streak. But, streak plates are white also. What can you do to easily see what the color of the streak is for Feldspar?