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Quizzes > Science

Mineral Identification Test: Spot Minerals by Their Properties

Quick, free mineral id quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Eunice BuhayUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of gemstones crystals and minerals on dark blue background with free mineral identification quiz text

This quiz helps you practice mineral identification using clues like color, streak, hardness, luster, and crystal form, so you can tell look-alikes apart fast. Strengthen your skills in the mineral properties quiz, and check what does and does not count in the properties of minerals quiz. For a broader view, try classifying samples in the types of rocks quiz.

What is the Mohs hardness of quartz?
8
5
7
6
Quartz defines a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it capable of scratching glass and most other common materials. This standardized scale ranks minerals from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond). Quartz's position at 7 makes it one of the harder common rock-forming minerals.
What color streak does hematite typically leave on a streak plate?
Gray
Black
Reddish-brown
Red
Hematite's characteristic reddish-brown streak is a key diagnostic feature distinguishing it from other metallic minerals. Despite its metallic luster, its powdered form gives away its true streak color. This test is performed on a porcelain plate to reveal the mineral's true color.
Which of these minerals displays a metallic luster?
Calcite
Gypsum
Quartz
Galena
Galena, a lead sulfide mineral, exhibits a bright metallic luster and high density. Its metallic sheen helps distinguish it from non-metallic minerals like gypsum or quartz. Luster refers to how light reflects off the surface of a mineral.
How many cleavage directions does calcite have?
1
4
2
3
Calcite displays three perfect cleavage planes that intersect at angles of about 75° and 105°, forming rhombohedral shapes. This rhombohedral cleavage is a key diagnostic property. Cleavage directions refer to the flat surfaces along which a mineral splits.
What color is the streak of pyrite?
Brown
Yellow
Greenish-black
Black
Pyrite, also known as fool's gold, leaves a greenish-black to brownish-black streak, distinguishing it from actual gold which leaves a yellow streak. Streak tests help identify the underlying true color of a mineral. The streak is observed by rubbing the mineral on an unglazed porcelain plate.
Which of the following is the hardest mineral?
Topaz
Corundum
Diamond
Quartz
Diamond ranks highest on the Mohs hardness scale with a hardness of 10, making it the hardest natural mineral. Corundum and topaz follow with hardness values of 9 and 8, respectively. Hardness measures a mineral's resistance to scratching.
Halite is the mineral form of which compound?
Magnesium oxide
Calcium carbonate
Potassium sulfate
Sodium chloride
Halite is the natural mineral form of sodium chloride (common table salt). It crystallizes in the cubic system and dissolves readily in water. Halite is commonly found in evaporite deposits.
Which test involves rubbing a mineral on a porcelain plate to observe its powdered color?
Hardness test
Streak test
Luster test
Cleavage test
The streak test involves rubbing a mineral across an unglazed porcelain plate to observe the color of its powdered form. This property helps distinguish minerals with similar appearances but different true colors. The streak color is more consistent than surface color.
Which physical property describes a mineral's tendency to break along flat, parallel surfaces?
Streak
Fracture
Cleavage
Luster
Cleavage refers to the tendency of a mineral to break along specific planes of weakness, resulting in smooth flat surfaces. It is determined by the mineral's crystal structure and bonding. Observing cleavage directions helps identify minerals.
Which mineral crystallizes in the isometric (cubic) system?
Gypsum
Halite
Mica
Dolomite
Halite crystallizes in the isometric system, forming cube-shaped crystals with perfect cleavage in three directions at right angles. The cubic symmetry is characteristic of isometric minerals. This system has equal axes intersecting at 90° angles.
Which of these minerals typically has a vitreous luster?
Magnetite
Talc
Galena
Quartz
Quartz commonly exhibits a vitreous, or glassy, luster, reflecting light in a shiny, glass-like manner. Vitreous luster is one of the most common non-metallic lusters. It differs from metallic luster found in minerals like galena.
In which crystal system does muscovite mica crystallize?
Monoclinic
Hexagonal
Orthorhombic
Tetragonal
Muscovite mica crystallizes in the monoclinic system, often forming platy or flaky crystals. Monoclinic minerals have three unequal axes with one oblique intersection. This structure contributes to mica's perfect basal cleavage.
What is the approximate specific gravity of quartz?
2.65
4.65
3.65
1.65
Quartz has a specific gravity of about 2.65, meaning it is 2.65 times as dense as water. Specific gravity helps distinguish minerals with similar appearances but different densities. This value is consistent for pure, crystalline quartz.
Which mineral is well-known for its fluorescence under ultraviolet light?
Fluorite
Pyrite
Gypsum
Hematite
Fluorite often fluoresces in vibrant colors under ultraviolet light due to impurities in its crystal lattice. This property makes it easily identifiable in dark conditions with UV lamps. Fluorescence is a diagnostic test for certain minerals.
What type of fracture is characteristic of quartz?
Fibrous
Conchoidal
Splintery
Hackly
Quartz typically exhibits a conchoidal fracture, producing smooth, curved surfaces like broken glass. This fracture type is common in amorphous and fine-grained crystalline materials. It helps distinguish quartz from minerals with distinct cleavage.
Feldspar minerals typically have a Mohs hardness around which value?
6
5
7
4
Most feldspar minerals, including orthoclase and plagioclase, have a Mohs hardness of about 6. This moderate hardness allows them to scratch glass but be scratched by harder materials like quartz. Hardness values help separate feldspars from other minerals.
Which mineral defines the 1 on the Mohs hardness scale?
Gyrolite
Talc
Calcite
Gypsum
Talc has the lowest hardness on the Mohs scale, rated as 1, meaning it can be easily scratched by almost any other material. It feels soapy or greasy to the touch. Talc serves as the baseline for the scale.
Which test measures a mineral's resistance to abrasion?
Hardness test
Streak test
Specific gravity test
Cleavage test
The hardness test measures a mineral's resistance to being scratched by another material of known hardness. It is commonly performed using the Mohs scale with reference minerals. This test is fundamental in mineral identification.
What term describes the irregular breakage surface of a mineral?
Fracture
Cleavage
Luster
Habit
Fracture refers to the manner in which a mineral breaks without cleavage planes, resulting in uneven or irregular surfaces. It contrasts with cleavage, where breaking occurs along flat planes. Fracture patterns help in mineral identification.
Which mineral can be scratched by a fingernail?
Calcite
Quartz
Gypsum
Pyrite
Gypsum has a Mohs hardness of 2, which allows it to be scratched easily by a fingernail (hardness ~2.5). This soft nature is characteristic of gypsum and distinguishes it from harder minerals like calcite. The fingernail test is a quick field method.
What is the chemical formula for calcite?
CaCO3
NaCl
SiO2
CaSO4
Calcite is a calcium carbonate mineral with the chemical formula CaCO?. It is a major component of sedimentary rocks like limestone. This formula reflects one calcium atom bonded to a carbonate group.
Which mineral is commonly found as amethyst in geodes?
Pyrite
Fluorite
Quartz
Beryl
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz commonly found lining geode cavities. The color results from trace amounts of iron and irradiation. Quartz's crystalline habit in geodes often forms beautiful drusy surfaces.
Which feature is diagnostic for identifying orthoclase feldspar?
Carlsbad twinning
Chatoyancy
Striations on cleavage faces
Adularescence
Orthoclase feldspar often displays Carlsbad twinning, visible as repeated lamellar intergrowths in its crystal structure. This twin law helps distinguish it from plagioclase feldspar, which shows fine striations. Carlsbad twins occur along specific crystallographic planes.
Which mineral exhibits a cat's eye effect known as chatoyancy?
Fluorite
Hematite
Labradorite
Tiger's eye
Tiger's eye, a quartz variety, exhibits chatoyancy with silky, banded reflections resembling a cat's eye. The effect arises from fibrous inclusions or intergrowths aligned in parallel. Chatoyancy is a special type of luster.
To which mineral class does olivine belong?
Silicate
Oxide
Carbonate
Sulfide
Olivine is a member of the silicate class and specifically a nesosilicate, characterized by isolated silica tetrahedra. It commonly occurs in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks. Its green color is due to iron and magnesium content.
Which mineral has perfect basal cleavage allowing it to split into thin sheets?
Pyrite
Halite
Biotite
Quartz
Biotite mica exhibits perfect basal cleavage, enabling it to split into very thin, flexible sheets. This cleavage is due to weak bonding between individual silicate sheets. Mica's sheet habit is diagnostic.
What is the common crystal habit of pyrite?
Tabular
Fibrous
Prismatic
Cubic
Pyrite typically crystallizes in the cubic habit, forming well-defined cubes or pyritohedral shapes. Its cubic crystals reflect its isometric crystal system. Habit describes the typical external shape of mineral crystals.
What term describes the typical external shape of a mineral crystal?
Cleavage
Fracture
Habit
Luster
Crystal habit refers to the characteristic external shape that mineral crystals often develop. It is influenced by the mineral's internal structure and growth environment. Habit types include prismatic, tabular, and fibrous forms.
Albite is a sodium-rich member of which mineral group?
Mica
Amphibole
Pyroxene
Feldspar
Albite is a plagioclase feldspar member rich in sodium, forming at the albitic end of the plagioclase series. Feldspars are tectosilicates with a three-dimensional framework structure. Albite is common in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Which mineral is strongly attracted to magnets due to its magnetic properties?
Magnetite
Chalcopyrite
Hematite
Pyrite
Magnetite is strongly magnetic because of its iron oxide composition and electron alignment within its crystal structure. It can even pick up small steel objects. This magnetic response is distinctive among common minerals.
Graphite and diamond are examples of what?
Isomorphs
Polymorphs
Allotropes
Isotypes
Graphite and diamond are polymorphs of carbon, sharing the same chemical composition but having different crystal structures. Polymorphism in minerals refers to different structural arrangements of the same element or compound. Both minerals exhibit vastly different properties due to this.
Which green gemstone is a member of the olivine group?
Tourmaline
Emerald
Peridot
Topaz
Peridot is gem-quality olivine, characterized by its distinctive olive-green color. It forms in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks and sometimes in meteorites. Peridot's color is due to iron within its crystal structure.
Which acid test distinguishes calcite from dolomite?
Nitric acid
Concentrated HCl
Sulfuric acid
Dilute HCl
A drop of dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) causes calcite to effervesce vigorously, while dolomite reacts weakly unless powdered. This reaction is due to the release of carbon dioxide gas from the carbonate. It's a quick field test to differentiate the two minerals.
Garnet crystals belong to which crystal system?
Monoclinic
Hexagonal
Isometric
Orthorhombic
Garnet crystallizes in the isometric (cubic) system, often forming dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystal shapes. This symmetry involves three axes of equal length intersecting at right angles. It helps distinguish garnet from other silicate minerals.
Which mineral is known for strong pleochroism, showing different colors in different crystal orientations?
Fluorite
Calcite
Halite
Cordierite
Cordierite exhibits pronounced pleochroism, appearing in blue, yellow, or gray tones depending on the viewing angle. Pleochroism arises from differential light absorption along crystallographic axes. Gemologists use polarized light to observe this property.
What is the typical specific gravity of galena?
7.6
9.2
4.5
6.0
Galena, a lead sulfide mineral, has a high specific gravity around 7.5 to 7.6, reflecting its lead content. This high density helps distinguish it from other metallic minerals. Specific gravity measurements are key in ore mineral identification.
Which mineral exhibits an adamantine luster?
Quartz
Feldspar
Diamond
Pyrite
Diamond displays an adamantine, or highly brilliant, luster due to its high refractive index. This sparkle is used diagnostically and is most pronounced among natural minerals. Adamantine luster appears like that of a cut gemstone.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Minerals by Key Properties -

    Apply your knowledge from the mineral identification quiz to recognize minerals using color, luster, hardness, and streak tests.

  2. Apply the Mohs Hardness Scale -

    Use the Mohs scale in practical testing to rank unknown mineral samples by their scratch resistance and determine relative hardness.

  3. Analyze Diagnostic Features -

    Examine crystal habit, cleavage patterns, and fracture types to differentiate between visually similar minerals.

  4. Recall Geological Context -

    Remember key trivia and formation processes of common gems and crystals highlighted in our geology quiz for deeper understanding.

  5. Develop a Systematic ID Approach -

    Create a step-by-step procedure to assess and identify minerals confidently in both field and laboratory settings.

  6. Master Mineralogy Terminology -

    Understand and accurately use essential terms to describe mineral characteristics and communicate your findings effectively.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Mohs Hardness Scale Mastery -

    Memorize the Mohs hardness scale (1-10) to quickly rank minerals by scratch resistance during your mineral identification quiz. A handy mnemonic like "Talc's Gentle Carve Over Fields And The Quartz Crumbles" can help you recall Talc (1) through Diamond (10). Regularly testing unknown samples against reference minerals ensures you ace the identify minerals test every time.

  2. Cleavage vs. Fracture Recognition -

    Differentiate cleavage (smooth, planar breaks) from fracture (irregular or conchoidal breaks) to refine your geology quiz answers. For example, calcite shows perfect rhombohedral cleavage while quartz fractures conchoidally. Remember: "clean planes = cleavage, funky shards = fracture" to boost confidence in your rock and mineral identification quiz.

  3. Crystal System & Habit Identification -

    Learn the seven crystal systems (cubic, tetragonal, hexagonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, triclinic, trigonal) by matching common examples like pyrite (cubic) or gypsum (monoclinic). A quick chart or flashcards from university mineralogy labs can reinforce these patterns for your mineral trivia quiz. Recognizing habits like fibrous or bladed also speeds up your identify minerals test.

  4. Luster and Streak Differentiation -

    Distinguish metallic vs. non-metallic lusters and always perform a streak test on porcelain to see true color, indispensable for a solid performance in the mineral identification quiz. Hematite's red-brown streak or pyrite's greenish-black streak are classic examples. Combining luster notes with streak results will dramatically improve accuracy in any geology quiz.

  5. Specific Gravity & Density Calculations -

    Use the density formula (ϝ = mass/volume) or compare heft by hand to differentiate heavy minerals like galena (≈7.5 g/cm³) from lighter ones like quartz (≈2.65 g/cm³). Practice estimating specific gravity in the field to streamline answers during your rock and mineral identification quiz. A pocket scale and water displacement test are reliable methods endorsed by academic geology departments.

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