Rocks and Minerals: A Comprehensive Guide for Environmental Geography Students

Question 1

How does metamorphism transform the characteristics of existing rocks and minerals?

Accepted Answer

Metamorphism alters physical properties (hardness, density) and creates new mineral and rock types.

Answer

Metamorphism changes only the chemical composition of rocks and minerals.

Answer

Metamorphism enhances porosity and permeability of rocks.

Answer

Metamorphism solely affects the texture of rocks and minerals.

Question 2

Which mineral possesses a cubic crystal structure and is renowned for its extreme hardness?

Accepted Answer

Diamond

Answer

Calcite

Answer

Quartz

Answer

Feldspar

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct definition of a mineral?

Accepted Answer

A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure.

Answer

A substance that can be created in a laboratory.

Question 4

Which of the following is a rock that is formed from the cooling of magma?

Accepted Answer

Igneous rock

Answer

Metamorphic rock

Answer

Fossil

Answer

Sedimentary rock

Question 5

Which of the following is a metamorphic rock that is formed from the alteration of limestone?

Accepted Answer

Marble

Answer

Sandstone

Answer

Granite

Answer

Slate

Question 6

Which of the following is a sedimentary rock that is formed from the accumulation of sand?

Accepted Answer

Sandstone

Answer

Limestone

Answer

Shale

Question 7

Which of the following is a mineral that is used to make diamonds?

Accepted Answer

Carbon

Answer

Silicon

Answer

Oxygen

Answer

Iron

Question 8

Which of the following is a mineral that is used to make glass?

Accepted Answer

Silica

Answer

Galena

Answer

Calcite

Answer

Pyrite

Question 9

Which of the following is a mineral that is used to make fertilizer?

Accepted Answer

Potassium nitrate

Answer

Sodium chloride

Answer

Iron oxide

Answer

Calcium carbonate

Question 10

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of minerals?

Accepted Answer

Crystalline structure

Answer

Solubility in water

Answer

Gaseous state

Answer

Amorphous shape

Question 11

Metamorphic rocks are formed through the process of:

Accepted Answer

Recrystallization under heat and pressure

Answer

Rapid cooling of molten material

Answer

Compaction and cementation of sediments

Question 12

Igneous rocks are formed from the:

Accepted Answer

Solidification of molten material

Answer

Erosion and deposition of sediments

Answer

Alteration of existing rocks

Answer

Accumulation of organic remains

Question 13

The presence of fossils in a rock indicates that it was most likely formed through:

Accepted Answer

Sedimentary processes

Answer

Metamorphic processes

Answer

Igneous processes

Question 14

Which mineral is composed primarily of silicon dioxide?

Accepted Answer

Quartz

Answer

Halite

Answer

Feldspar

Answer

Calcite

Question 15

The Mohs scale is primarily used to determine:

Accepted Answer

Mineral hardness

Answer

Mineral density

Answer

Mineral cleavage

Question 16

A common use of limestone is as a source of:

Accepted Answer

Construction materials

Answer

Electronics

Answer

Fuel

Answer

Fertilizer

Question 17

The process by which rocks physically break down is known as:

Accepted Answer

Weathering

Answer

Lithification

Answer

Deposition

Answer

Erosion

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a type of extrusive igneous rock?

Accepted Answer

Granite

Answer

Basalt

Answer

Andesite

Answer

Rhyolite

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of minerals?

Accepted Answer

They are formed through biological processes

Answer

They occur naturally in the Earth's crust

Answer

They possess an ordered atomic structure

Answer

They exhibit a definite chemical composition

Question 20

Which type of rock originates from the cooling and solidification of molten rock?

Accepted Answer

Igneous

Answer

Metamorphic

Answer

Sedimentary

Question 21

What is the geological process that involves the transformation of pre-existing rocks into new rocks under intense heat and pressure?

Accepted Answer

Metamorphism

Answer

Lithification

Answer

Erosion

Answer

Weathering

Question 22

Identify the primary mineral component of limestone.

Accepted Answer

Calcite

Answer

Mica

Answer

Quartz

Question 23

Define the term 'mineral' in the context of Earth sciences.

Accepted Answer

A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and crystalline structure

Answer

A concentration of a valuable mineral within a rock

Answer

A valuable or ornamental stone

Question 24

Which of the following rocks is an example of a metamorphic rock?

Accepted Answer

Marble

Answer

Basalt

Answer

Sandstone

Question 25

What is the primary purpose of the Mohs scale?

Accepted Answer

To determine the relative hardness of minerals

Answer

To measure the cleavage of minerals

Answer

To calculate the density of minerals

Question 26

Describe the process by which loose sediments are transformed into sedimentary rocks.

Accepted Answer

Lithification

Answer

Metamorphism

Answer

Weathering