Question

part a - mineral or not mineral
in the list below, indicate which of the items are minerals.
select the two that apply.
view available hint(s)
granite
seawater
amber
charcoal
quartz
gold nugget
synthetic diamonds

Explanation:

• Granite: It is a rock (composed of multiple minerals like quartz, feldspar, etc.), not a single mineral.
• Seawater: It is a mixture of water and various dissolved salts and substances, not a mineral.
• Amber: It is fossilized tree resin (organic origin), not a mineral.
• Charcoal: It is a product of incomplete combustion of organic matter (wood), not a mineral.
• Quartz: It is a naturally - occurring, inorganic, crystalline solid with a definite chemical composition (\(SiO_2\)).
• Gold nugget: Gold (\(Au\)) is a naturally - occurring, inorganic, crystalline solid (a native element mineral).
• Synthetic diamonds: Minerals must be naturally occurring. Synthetic diamonds are man - made.

Answer:

Quartz, Gold nugget