Crystal Quiz: Test Your Crystal Knowledge
What is the distinction between a mineral and a rock?
A mineral is characterized by having a specific chemical formula that remains constant, whereas a rock is formed by the combination of multiple minerals.
Why are various types of prehnite still classified as prehnite despite differences in appearance and the location where they are mined?
Prehnite maintains its classification as a mineral due to its consistent chemical structure, where the chemical formula remains constant regardless of the variations in appearance.
When we read the mineral list on the back of food packaging, are we learning about rocks?
No, the list on food packaging actually consists of elements, not minerals.
Barite crystals, known for their weightiness, derive their name from the Greek word "Barus." What does "Barus" mean in Greek?
"Barus" in Greek translates to "heavy," reflecting the weighty nature of barite crystals.
What was the "Original" Bloodstone?
The "Original" Bloodstone was Hematite. This is because hematite exhibits a color resembling dried blood. Bloodstone, on the other hand, is a type of jasper with hematite mixed in, which led to its transition and popularity as the new version of Bloodstone.
What does halite taste like?
Halite tastes like salt.
How does halite form?
Halite forms as an evaporative mineral when sea or salty water dries out.
I say Corrundum, you say? I say Corrundum, you say? I say Corrundum, you say?
Ruby!
What ingredient do crystal shops sell that is also found in Tums and Pepto-Bismol?
We sell bismuth, which is also found in Tums and Pepto-Bismol.
What is the common name for lead ore in the mineral world?
Galena.
What two elements make up Iron Pyrite?
Iron and Sulfur.
What mineral do we get by adding copper to pyrite?
Chalcopyrite.
What is the common name for the element antimony in the mineral world?
Stibnite.
Which stone derives its name from the Persian word "Lazward," meaning blue?
Azurite.
Why do rocks glow under ultraviolet (UV) light?
Rocks glow under ultraviolet light because the UV photons excite the molecules within the rock, causing them to emit light in different colors to balance the energy, creating the glowing effect.
How much do the tectonic plates move annually?
The tectonic plates move approximately 2 centimeters per year, which is roughly equivalent to the rate at which human fingernails grow.
Which mineral was named after a Canadian province?
Labradorite.
What mineral is named after Moscow?
Muscovite, derived from the ancient Latin name "Muscovia."
What is British Columbia's Provincial Stone?
British Columbia's Provincial Stone is Jade.
What rock is unique to Vancouver Island?
The rock unique to Vancouver Island is called dallasite.
When gold panning, how much heavier is gold compared to other materials you'll find?
Gold is approximately 10 times heavier than other materials you'll typically find when gold panning.
What hazardous element was traditionally used to consolidate gold while panning?
Mercury was traditionally used to consolidate gold while panning.
What is a gold panning claim called?
A gold panning claim is called a placer claim.
How does a placer claim differ from a mineral claim?
Placer claims grant rights to valuable minerals contained in loose material like sand or gravel, whereas mineral claims grant rights to access minerals in the place or position in which they were originally formed or deposited.
When was the first diamond lapidary saw invented?
The first diamond lapidary saw was invented in 1900. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century, around the 1950s, that diamond saws began to gain significant traction and availability on the global market.
What machine was popular before the diamond saw?
Before the diamond saw, the mud saw was popular. It featured a blade that ran through a slurry of loose silicon carbide grit, picking it up as it turned.
In Thor's 2022 film "Love and Thunder," how are rock babies made?
Rock babies are made when rock people go down into a volcano and hold hands for a month.
In real life, how are rock babies made?
Rocks are constantly passing through a recycling process. Igneous rocks are weathered away and washed into the oceans. Mineral particles sink into the seafloor where they are compacted into sedimentary rocks. Heat from molten rock changes surrounding sedimentary and igneous rock into metamorphic rock.
Between magnesite and magnetite, which one is magnetic?
Magnetite is magnetic. The suffix "-ite" in English denotes "rock," so magnetite translates to "magnet rock."
Where does the name "magnesite" come from?
The name "magnesite" comes from magnesium, as the stone contains magnesium.
Where does the word "magnesium" derive from?
The word "magnesium" derives from the ancient Greek city of Magnesia.
Was the ancient Greek city of Magnesia real, or was it part of Plato's imagination as a place where human skills could peak in mathematics, geometry, physics, and architecture?
The ancient Greek city of Magnesia was real. It was not just part of Plato's imagination.
Who discovered Kunzite?
Kunzite was discovered by George Frederick Kunz.
Does Kunzite have any "siblings" in the mineral world?
Yes, Kunzite has "siblings" within the spodumene family. Hiddenite and Triphane are both part of this family. Kunzite is the purple and pink variety of spodumene, while Hiddenite is the green variety, and Triphane is the yellow version.
What is the hardness of quartz?
The hardness of quartz is 7 on the Mohs scale.
Is the Mohs Hardness Scale to scale?
No, the Mohs Hardness Scale is not to scale.
Explain why the Mohs Hardness Scale is not to scale.
The Mohs Hardness Scale is not to scale because it is a comparative index rather than a linear scale. It was developed as a quick field guide to use scratch resistance as a measure of hardness. However, it is qualitative rather than quantitative, meaning it does not represent equal intervals of hardness across the scale.
If going beyond "convenience," which scale should we use?
The Mohs Hardness Scale is not to scale because it is a comparative index rather than a linear scale. It was developed as a quick field guide to use scratch resistance as a measure of hardness. However, it is qualitative rather than quantitative, meaning it does not represent equal intervals of hardness across the scale.
Which rocks float?
Certainly! Amber and pumice are two well-known examples of rocks that can float. Additionally, there are other types of rocks that can also float under certain conditions. Examples include certain types of volcanic rocks with low densities, such as scoria and some types of volcanic tuff. Additionally, some types of sedimentary rocks, like certain types of coal, may also have low enough densities to float.
What material was the first glitter in the world made from?
The first glitter in the world was made from mica.
In what green rock do we commonly find mica sparkling?
Aventurine.
When we add lithium to mica, what stone do we get?
Lepidolite.
Why is lithium so important nowadays?
Lithium is important nowadays because it is used in batteries.
What is another common lavender stone that contains lithium?
Kunzite.
Is the color of kunzite caused by lithium?
No, the color of kunzite is not caused by lithium; instead, it is caused by trace amounts of manganese.