Geography ยท Science General
Rocks and Earth Materials
1,291 Questions
Study geographical questions centered around rocks, minerals, and earth materials. The focus is on the formation and identification of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. These earth science topics are commonly tested in civil services and state level examinations.
Igneous rocksSedimentary rocksMetamorphic processEarth materialsGeomorphic symbols
Rocks and Earth Materials Questions
What is the name of the gemstone that is composed of calcium carbonate and is often used in pearl jewelry?
-
Pearl
-
Opal
-
Amethyst
-
Topaz
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Pearl is a gemstone composed of calcium carbonate. It is formed inside the shells of certain mollusks, such as oysters and mussels. Pearls are often used in jewelry due to their unique beauty and luster.
What is the composition of asteroids?
-
Rock and metal
-
Ice and dust
-
A mixture of rock, metal, ice, and dust
-
None of the above
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Asteroids are composed of a mixture of rock, metal, ice, and dust. The composition of an asteroid can vary depending on its location in the solar system.
-
A small piece of rock or metal that travels through space
-
A meteor that has entered Earth's atmosphere
-
A comet that has lost its tail
-
An asteroid that has been broken apart
A
Correct answer
Explanation
A meteoroid is a small piece of rock or metal that travels through space. Meteoroids can range in size from a grain of sand to a boulder.
-
A meteoroid that has landed on Earth
-
A comet that has lost its tail
-
An asteroid that has been broken apart
-
A shooting star
A
Correct answer
Explanation
A meteorite is a meteoroid that has landed on Earth. Meteorites can range in size from a few grams to several tons.
What is the most common type of meteorite?
-
Stony meteorites
-
Iron meteorites
-
Stony-iron meteorites
-
Lunar meteorites
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Stony meteorites are the most common type of meteorite, accounting for about 90% of all known meteorites.
Which gemstone is commonly referred to as the "birthstone of love" and is often associated with the month of February?
-
Amethyst
-
Aquamarine
-
Opal
-
Garnet
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Amethyst, a purple variety of quartz, is traditionally associated with the month of February and is often referred to as the "birthstone of love".
Which gemstone is known for its chatoyancy, or "cat's eye" effect, caused by the presence of parallel fibers?
-
Chrysoberyl
-
Moonstone
-
Opal
-
Tourmaline
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Chrysoberyl is a gemstone that exhibits chatoyancy, or the "cat's eye" effect, due to the presence of parallel fibers within the stone.
What is the mineral name for Moonstone, a gemstone known for its adularescence, or shimmering effect?
-
Orthoclase
-
Albite
-
Microcline
-
Labradorite
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Moonstone is primarily composed of the mineral orthoclase, a potassium feldspar, and its adularescence is caused by the interference of light within the stone.
Which gemstone is commonly associated with the month of October and is known for its pink to reddish-pink color?
-
Tourmaline
-
Opal
-
Topaz
-
Morganite
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Tourmaline, particularly the pink to reddish-pink variety, is often associated with the month of October and is believed to promote love and friendship.
What is the name of the layer of the Earth that is composed of molten rock?
-
The crust
-
The mantle
-
The outer core
-
The inner core
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The mantle is the layer of the Earth that is composed of molten rock.
Which of the following is a sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation of organic matter?
-
Granite
-
Limestone
-
Coal
-
Basalt
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Coal is a sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation of organic matter, such as plant material, over millions of years.
What type of rock is formed when magma cools and solidifies inside the Earth's crust?
-
Igneous
-
Sedimentary
-
Metamorphic
-
Foliated
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Igneous rocks are formed when magma cools and solidifies inside the Earth's crust.
Which of the following is an example of a metamorphic rock?
-
Sandstone
-
Slate
-
Granite
-
Limestone
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Slate is a metamorphic rock formed when shale is subjected to high pressure and temperature.
What type of rock is formed when sediments, such as sand, mud, and gravel, are compacted and cemented together?
-
Igneous
-
Sedimentary
-
Metamorphic
-
Non-foliated
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Sedimentary rocks are formed when sediments, such as sand, mud, and gravel, are compacted and cemented together.
Which of the following is a common type of igneous rock formed from the cooling of lava?
-
Basalt
-
Granite
-
Gneiss
-
Schist
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Basalt is a common type of igneous rock formed from the cooling of lava.