Interesting Facts About Minerals
Which mineral sticks to the tongue? Which mineral does not smell like rotten eggs or fireworks? Which mineral is malleable and tarnishes green? Which minerals have basal cleavage? What is the streak color of pyrite?
The mineral which sticks to the tongue is kaolinite (option a) ; Galena does not smell like rotten eggs or fireworks. (option a) ; Copper is malleable and tarnishes green. (option c) ; Biotite, muscovite and graphite have basal cleavage (option d)-all of the above. ; Pyrite has a brassy yellow color and a greenish-black streak. The streak is congruent.
Explanation:
Galena: It is a lead sulfide mineral that is often used in mining. It has a metallic luster and a gray color. It does not smell like rotten eggs or fireworks.
Copper: It is a metal that is often used in jewelry and coins. It is malleable, meaning that it can be hammered into thin sheets. It also tarnishes green when exposed to air.
Biotite, muscovite, Graphite: Biotite and muscovite are mica minerals often found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. They have a perfect basal cleavage. Graphite, a form of carbon, also has basal cleavage.
Pyrite: It is a sulfide mineral often called "fool's gold" due to its resemblance to gold. Pyrite has a brassy yellow color and a greenish-black streak. The streak is congruent, matching the mineral's color.