Essentials of Geology (13th Edition)
Essentials of Geology (13th Edition)
13th Edition
ISBN: 9780134446622
Author: Frederick K. Lutgens, Edward J. Tarbuck, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher: PEARSON
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 3, Problem 1GST
To determine

The status of gold nugget, seawater, obsidian, ruby, quartz, glacial ice, cubic zirconia and amber being a mineral or not.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1GST

Gold nugget, ruby, quartz and glacial ice are minerals and seawater, obsidian, cubic zirconia and amber are not considered as minerals and they don’t fit the criteria of being a mineral.

Explanation of Solution

“A mineral is an inorganic, naturally occurring solid formed by geological processes, possessing a crystalline structure and a definable chemical composition.”

  1. a) Gold nugget - Gold is an example of a mineral, classified as a native element.
  2. b) Seawater is not a mineral because minerals by definition are solids.
  3. c) Obsidian is not a mineral because it lacks an internal arrangement of atoms, however, it is an igneous rock.
  4. d) Ruby is a mineral. It is a gemstone variety of mineral corundum.
  5. e) Quartz is a mineral.
  6. f) Glacial ice is a mineral, as it meets all of the criteria of a mineral.
  7. g) Cubic zirconia is not a mineral as it is not naturally occurring, made in laboratories or by human interference.
  8. h) Amber is not a mineral since it has an organic origin.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Shale and siltstone volcanic ash. erosjon surfaçe limestone sandstone erosion surface pegmatite granite slate dike   BUY Ap
Retreating glacier Bedrock Till Stratified drift ▲ Figure 9.7 This diagram showing common depositional landforms depicts a hypothetical area affected by ice sheets in the recent geologic past. (Drumlin photo courtesy of Ward's Natural Science Establishment; esker photo by Richard P. Jacobs/ JLM Visuals; kame photo by John Dankwardt; kettle lake photo by Carlyn Iverson/Science Source)
Figure 9.9 is a stereogram showing a portion of the area covered by the Whitewater, Wisconsin, topographic map (Figure 9.10, page 160). Use the stereogram and the map to complete the following.  7. The streamlined, asymmetrical hills composed of till, labeled B, are what type of feature? 8. Examine the shape of the features labeled B on the map in Figure 9.10. How can these features be used to determine the direction of ice flow in a glaciated area? 9. Using the features labeled B in Figure 9.10 as a guide, draw an arrow on the map to indicate the direction of ice movement that occurred in this region. 10. What is the likely location of the outwash plain on the map? Identify and label the area "outwash plain." (Hint: Refer to Figure 9.7.) 11. Label the area covered by ground moraine. 12. What term is applied to the numerous almost circular depressions designated with the letter C?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134041360
Author:Greg Carbone
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science
Earth Science
ISBN:9781260153125
Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham Professor
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Text book image
Earth Science (15th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134543536
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
Earth Science
ISBN:9781337569613
Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Physical Geology
Earth Science
ISBN:9781259916823
Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, Lisa
Publisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,