Sphalerite MCQs

 

Sphalerite: 10 Interactive MCQs

Choose one answer for each question, then select Submit Quiz. Incorrect answers include a clear explanation based on the book.

1. What is sphalerite’s composition?

Iron sulfide Zinc sulfide Calcium iron silicate Magnesium aluminum oxide

2. What hardness does the book give for sphalerite?

6 8 10 3½

3. Which statement about sphalerite matches the book?

It is also called blende and is an important zinc ore It is also called fool’s gold and is an iron ore It is a variety of ruby used for jewelry It is a form of natural glass

4. What is sphalerite’s usual color range?

Always colorless to white Usually bright red to pink Usually very dark brown to black Always emerald green

5. Which sphalerite stones may be faceted?

Only opaque black stones Occasional transparent yellowish-brown or green stones Only colorless stones with no cleavage All sphalerite crystals, regardless of color or transparency

6. Why does the book say sphalerite is not suitable for ordinary jewelry?

It has no luster It is too dense to set It is always opaque It is soft and has perfect cleavage

7. Where do sphalerite crystals usually form, according to the book?

In hydrothermal veins with other minerals Only in river gravels In cavities in volcanic glass Only in limestone cave deposits

8. What shape are sphalerite crystals usually described as having?

Cubic Dodecahedral Pseudo-octahedral Long and cylindrical

9. Where does the book say transparent, cuttable sphalerite is found?

Kenya and Tanzania Santander in Spain and Mexico The Urals in Russia and Finland Sri Lanka and Madagascar

10. Which mineral has sphalerite often been confused with?

Pyrite, an iron sulfide Quartz, a silicon dioxide mineral Calcite, a calcium carbonate mineral Galena, a lead sulfide