1Which of the following describes the scientific study of rocks?
A.Pedology
B.Petrology
C.Mineralogy
D.Edaphology
Correct Answer: Petrology
Explanation:Petrology is the branch of geology that studies the origin, composition, structure, and classification of rocks. Pedology and Edaphology relate to soil science, while Mineralogy studies minerals.
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2What is the most abundant mineral group in the Earth's crust?
A.Oxides
B.Carbonates
C.Feldspars
D.Amphiboles
Correct Answer: Feldspars
Explanation:Feldspars are the most abundant mineral group, making up about 60% of the Earth's crust. They are aluminosilicates of potassium, sodium, and calcium.
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3According to Mohs scale of hardness, which mineral has a hardness value of 7?
A.Calcite
B.Apatite
C.Quartz
D.Diamond
Correct Answer: Quartz
Explanation:On Mohs scale of hardness, Quartz is assigned a value of 7. Calcite is 3, Apatite is 5, and Diamond is 10.
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4Which of the following is a primary mineral commonly found in acidic igneous rocks?
A.Kaolinite
B.Quartz
C.Gypsum
D.Hematite
Correct Answer: Quartz
Explanation:Quartz () is a primary mineral that crystallizes directly from magma and is abundant in acidic igneous rocks like granite. Kaolinite, Gypsum, and Hematite are typically secondary or sedimentary minerals.
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5Which igneous rock is classified as intrusive (plutonic) and acidic?
A.Basalt
B.Granite
C.Gabbro
D.Pumice
Correct Answer: Granite
Explanation:Granite is an intrusive rock formed by the slow cooling of magma beneath the surface and is acidic because it contains a high percentage of silica ().
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6What is the chemical formula for Orthoclase feldspar?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer:
Explanation:Orthoclase is a potassium feldspar with the formula . Albite is sodium feldspar () and Anorthite is calcium feldspar ().
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7Which process involves the transformation of loose sediment into solid sedimentary rock?
A.Metamorphism
B.Lithification
C.Weathering
D.Exfoliation
Correct Answer: Lithification
Explanation:Lithification is the process by which sediments compact under pressure and expel connate fluids to become solid rock.
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8Limestone is primarily composed of which mineral?
A.Quartz
B.Feldspar
C.Calcite
D.Muscovite
Correct Answer: Calcite
Explanation:Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate () in the form of the mineral calcite.
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9Which metamorphic rock is formed from the metamorphism of Limestone?
A.Slate
B.Gneiss
C.Quartzite
D.Marble
Correct Answer: Marble
Explanation:When limestone () is subjected to intense heat and pressure, it recrystallizes to form marble.
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10The physical breakdown of rocks into smaller particles without a change in chemical composition is known as:
A.Chemical weathering
B.Decomposition
C.Disintegration
D.Laterization
Correct Answer: Disintegration
Explanation:Physical or mechanical weathering is often referred to as disintegration, whereas chemical weathering is referred to as decomposition.
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11Which chemical weathering process involves the reaction of minerals with water to form new minerals, often converting feldspars to clays?
A.Carbonation
B.Hydrolysis
C.Hydration
D.Oxidation
Correct Answer: Hydrolysis
Explanation:Hydrolysis involves the reaction between water (specifically and ions) and mineral ions. It is the primary process forming clay minerals from feldspars.
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12What is the color of the streak of Hematite ()?
A.Yellow
B.Red/Reddish-brown
C.Black
D.White
Correct Answer: Red/Reddish-brown
Explanation:Streak is the color of a mineral in powdered form. Hematite produces a distinct reddish-brown streak, which distinguishes it from other minerals.
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13Which of the following is an example of a foliated metamorphic rock?
A.Marble
B.Quartzite
C.Gneiss
D.Sandstone
Correct Answer: Gneiss
Explanation:Gneiss is a foliated metamorphic rock characterized by banding caused by the segregation of different types of minerals. Marble and Quartzite are non-foliated.
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14Exfoliation, or 'onion-skin' weathering, is primarily caused by:
Explanation:Exfoliation occurs in massive rocks like granite where outer layers peel off due to pressure release or temperature fluctuations (thermal expansion and contraction).
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15Identify the ferromagnesian mineral from the list below.
A.Quartz
B.Muscovite
C.Olivine
D.Orthoclase
Correct Answer: Olivine
Explanation:Ferromagnesian minerals contain iron and magnesium and are typically dark in color. Olivine is a classic example. Muscovite is a white mica, and Quartz/Orthoclase are felsic.
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16The chemical reaction represents which weathering process?
A.Oxidation
B.Hydration
C.Carbonation
D.Solution
Correct Answer: Hydration
Explanation:This reaction shows the addition of water molecules to Hematite () to form Limonite (). This is Hydration.
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17Which rock is fine-grained, basic, and extrusive?
A.Granite
B.Gabbro
C.Basalt
D.Rhyolite
Correct Answer: Basalt
Explanation:Basalt is formed from the rapid cooling of lava at the surface (extrusive/volcanic), resulting in a fine-grained texture, and is low in silica (basic).
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18Sandstone is transformed into which metamorphic rock?
A.Slate
B.Quartzite
C.Schist
D.Phyllite
Correct Answer: Quartzite
Explanation:Quartzite forms from the metamorphism of sandstone (which is composed mainly of quartz). The quartz grains fuse together.
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19Which mineral is the primary source of Phosphorus in soils?
A.Quartz
B.Apatite
C.Tourmaline
D.Zircon
Correct Answer: Apatite
Explanation:Apatite, specifically fluorapatite or hydroxyapatite, is the most common primary mineral containing phosphorus.
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20What is the average specific gravity of most soil minerals?
A.1.50 - 1.65
B.2.60 - 2.70
C.3.00 - 3.50
D.5.00 - 5.50
Correct Answer: 2.60 - 2.70
Explanation:The average specific gravity of silicate minerals in the soil, such as quartz and feldspar, is approximately 2.65.
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21The conversion of (ferrous) to (ferric) in minerals is an example of:
A.Reduction
B.Oxidation
C.Hydrolysis
D.Carbonation
Correct Answer: Oxidation
Explanation:Oxidation involves the loss of electrons. In weathering, this usually involves iron reacting with oxygen, changing from to , often causing a color change to red or yellow.
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22Which of the following is a secondary mineral?
A.Biotite
B.Augite
C.Montmorillonite
D.Hornblende
Correct Answer: Montmorillonite
Explanation:Montmorillonite is a clay mineral formed through the weathering of primary minerals. Biotite, Augite, and Hornblende are primary minerals.
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23Frost wedging is most effective in which climate?
A.Tropical rainforests
B.Arid deserts
C.Temperate regions with freeze-thaw cycles
D.Deep ocean floors
Correct Answer: Temperate regions with freeze-thaw cycles
Explanation:Frost wedging relies on water entering cracks, freezing, and expanding. This requires a climate that frequently cycles above and below the freezing point of water.
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24Which of the following acids is produced by the reaction of carbon dioxide with water?
A.Sulfuric acid ()
B.Nitric acid ()
C.Carbonic acid ()
D.Hydrochloric acid ()
Correct Answer: Carbonic acid ()
Explanation:Carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater or soil water to form weak carbonic acid (), a key agent in chemical weathering.
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25Which of the following minerals is most resistant to weathering?
A.Olivine
B.Calcite
C.Biotite
D.Quartz
Correct Answer: Quartz
Explanation:According to the Goldich Dissolution Series (and Bowen's Reaction Series), Quartz crystallizes at low temperatures and is chemically very stable and resistant to weathering.
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26Slate is a metamorphic rock derived from which sedimentary rock?
A.Sandstone
B.Limestone
C.Shale
D.Conglomerate
Correct Answer: Shale
Explanation:Shale, a fine-grained sedimentary rock, metamorphoses into Slate under low-grade metamorphic conditions.
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27The reaction is an example of:
A.Oxidation
B.Carbonation
C.Hydration
D.Exfoliation
Correct Answer: Carbonation
Explanation:This reaction shows Calcium Carbonate (Calcite) reacting with Carbonic Acid to form soluble Calcium Bicarbonate. This is the process of Carbonation.
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28Which term describes the way a mineral breaks along smooth, flat planes?
A.Fracture
B.Cleavage
C.Luster
D.Streak
Correct Answer: Cleavage
Explanation:Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along planes of weak chemical bonding, creating smooth, flat surfaces. Irregular breakage is called fracture.
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29Which of the following is a mica mineral known as 'black mica'?
A.Muscovite
B.Biotite
C.Quartz
D.Gypsum
Correct Answer: Biotite
Explanation:Biotite is a phyllosilicate (sheet silicate) mineral rich in iron and magnesium, giving it a dark/black color. Muscovite is 'white mica'.
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30Sedimentary rocks composed of broken fragments of pre-existing rocks are called:
A.Chemical sedimentary rocks
B.Clastic sedimentary rocks
C.Biological sedimentary rocks
D.Foliated rocks
Correct Answer: Clastic sedimentary rocks
Explanation:Clastic (or detrital) sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and lithification of mechanical weathering debris (clasts).
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31Chelation is a mechanism associated with which type of weathering?
A.Physical weathering
B.Biological weathering
C.Thermal weathering
D.Mechanical weathering
Correct Answer: Biological weathering
Explanation:Chelation involves organic acids (produced by plant roots or microbes) bonding with metal ions in minerals, pulling them into solution. This is a biochemical/biological process.
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32Which mineral group has a structure based on isolated silica tetrahedra?
A.Olivine group
B.Mica group
C.Feldspar group
D.Quartz group
Correct Answer: Olivine group
Explanation:Olivine is a nesosilicate, meaning it consists of isolated silicate tetrahedra () linked by metal cations.
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33Obsidian is an igneous rock characterized by which texture?
A.Phaneritic (Coarse-grained)
B.Porphyritic
C.Glassy
D.Vesicular
Correct Answer: Glassy
Explanation:Obsidian forms when lava cools so rapidly that crystals do not have time to form, resulting in a volcanic glass.
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34The expansion of water upon freezing exerts a pressure of approximately:
A.10 atm
B.150 atm
C.14 kg/cm²
D.146 kg/cm²
Correct Answer: 146 kg/cm²
Explanation:Water expands by about 9% when freezing, exerting a pressure of approx 146 kg/cm² (or roughly 140-150 atm), which is sufficient to crack rocks.
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35Which mineral is formed by the hydration of Anhydrite ()?
A.Calcite
B.Gypsum
C.Dolomite
D.Apatite
Correct Answer: Gypsum
Explanation:Anhydrite () absorbs water to form Gypsum () through the process of hydration.
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36Which of the following is NOT an agent of metamorphism?
A.Heat
B.Pressure
C.Chemically active fluids
D.Solar radiation
Correct Answer: Solar radiation
Explanation:Metamorphism occurs deep underground due to heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids. Solar radiation affects surface weathering but not metamorphism.
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37A sedimentary rock composed of rounded gravel-sized particles is called:
A.Breccia
B.Conglomerate
C.Sandstone
D.Shale
Correct Answer: Conglomerate
Explanation:Conglomerate consists of rounded clasts (gravel) cemented together. If the clasts are angular, the rock is called Breccia.
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38Which silicate clay mineral has a 1:1 crystal lattice structure?
A.Montmorillonite
B.Kaolinite
C.Vermiculite
D.Illite
Correct Answer: Kaolinite
Explanation:Kaolinite is a 1:1 clay mineral, consisting of one tetrahedral sheet and one octahedral sheet. The others listed are 2:1 clays.
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39Reduction is a chemical weathering process that typically occurs in which soil condition?
A.Well-aerated soil
B.Waterlogged/Anaerobic soil
C.Dry sandy soil
D.Surface soil exposed to sun
Correct Answer: Waterlogged/Anaerobic soil
Explanation:Reduction occurs in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions), such as in waterlogged soils, where elements like Iron gain electrons ().
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40Magma that cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface forms which type of rock?
A.Extrusive Igneous
B.Intrusive Igneous
C.Sedimentary
D.Metamorphic
Correct Answer: Intrusive Igneous
Explanation:Intrusive (or plutonic) igneous rocks form from magma cooling slowly beneath the surface.
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41The ability of a mineral to reflect light from its surface is called:
A.Cleavage
B.Hardness
C.Luster
D.Streak
Correct Answer: Luster
Explanation:Luster describes how light interacts with the surface of a crystal, rock, or mineral (e.g., metallic, vitreous, dull).
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42Which of the following minerals is a carbonate?
A.Pyrite ()
B.Magnetite ()
C.Dolomite ()
D.Halite ()
Correct Answer: Dolomite ()
Explanation:Dolomite is a double carbonate of calcium and magnesium. Pyrite is a sulfide, Magnetite is an oxide, and Halite is a halide.
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43In the context of weathering, what is 'Abrasion'?
A.Chemical dissolution of rocks
B.Splitting of rocks by plant roots
C.Grinding away of rock by friction and impact
D.Peeling of rock layers
Correct Answer: Grinding away of rock by friction and impact
Explanation:Abrasion is a physical weathering process where rocks collide or rub against each other, transported by wind, water, or ice.
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44Which of the following is a sheet silicate?
A.Muscovite
B.Quartz
C.Augite
D.Garnet
Correct Answer: Muscovite
Explanation:Muscovite belongs to the Mica group, which are phyllosilicates (sheet silicates). They have a sheet-like atomic structure allowing perfect cleavage in one direction.
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45Pumice is an example of a rock with which texture?
A.Vesicular
B.Crystalline
C.Foliated
D.Clastic
Correct Answer: Vesicular
Explanation:Pumice has a vesicular texture, meaning it is full of holes (vesicles) caused by gas bubbles trapped in the rapidly cooling lava.
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46Dissolution involves the complete breakdown of a mineral lattice in water. Which mineral is most susceptible to this?
A.Quartz
B.Halite
C.Muscovite
D.Feldspar
Correct Answer: Halite
Explanation:Halite (Rock Salt, ) is highly soluble and dissolves easily in water, unlike silicate minerals.
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47Lichens contribute to weathering primarily by:
A.Creating intense heat
B.Producing organic acids
C.Rapid physical vibration
D. blocking sunlight
Correct Answer: Producing organic acids
Explanation:Lichens (symbiosis of algae and fungi) secrete organic acids like oxalic acid that chemically attack and dissolve the rock surface (Biological weathering).
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48Which rock is known as the 'parent of all rocks'?
A.Sedimentary
B.Metamorphic
C.Igneous
D.Laterite
Correct Answer: Igneous
Explanation:Igneous rocks are considered the primary or parent rocks because they formed first from the cooling of the molten earth, and other rock types are derived from them.
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49Stratification (layering) is a characteristic feature of which rock type?
A.Igneous
B.Sedimentary
C.Metamorphic
D.Volcanic
Correct Answer: Sedimentary
Explanation:Sedimentary rocks are laid down in layers or beds (strata) over time. This stratification is a defining characteristic.
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50Which equation correctly represents the chemical weathering of Orthoclase feldspar?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer:
Explanation:This equation represents the hydrolysis of Orthoclase feldspar in the presence of carbonic acid to form Kaolinite clay () and soluble ions.
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