1.

The property of a mineral by virtue of which it can be cut with a knife is

a) Parting
b) Sectile
c) Malleable
d) Ductile
Answer: b
Explanation: The behaviour of a mineral towards the forces that tend to break, bend, cut or crush it is described by
the term tenacity. Thus, when a mineral can be cut with a knife, it is described as sectile.

2. Mica is
a) Flexible
b) Rigid
c) Flexible and elastic
d) Elastic

Answer: c
Explanation: Some minerals are not only flexible but elastic, that is, they regain their shape when the force applied
on them is removed. Micas are best example. Hence they are both flexible and elastic.

3. When the mineral occurs in flattened or square form, it is called

a) Tabular
b) Elongated
c) Batroidal
d) Box
Answer: a
Explanation: The mineral occurs in the form of a flattened, square, rectangular or rhombohedral shape if it is said to
be tabular. In other words, flattening is conspicuous compared to lengthwise elongation.

4. Example for elongated structure is

a) Calcite
b) Beryl
c) Orthoclase
d) Barite

Answer: b
Explanation: When the mineral is in the form of a thin or thick elongated, column-like crystals, it is said to be
elongated. Example, Beryl.
5. Kyanite shows which form?
a) Columnar
b) Elongated
c) Bladed
d) Tabular

Answer: c
Explanation: The mineral appears as if composed of thin, flat, blade-like overlapping or juxtaposed parts, if it said to
be bladed. Example: Kyanite.
6. Structure or form which depicts leaf-like sheets is
a) Foliated
b) Lamellar
c) Radiating
d) Granular
Answer: b
Explanation: The mineral is made up of relatively thick, flexible, leaf-like sheets, if it is said to be lamellar. Example:
Vermiculite.

7. Muscovite mica shows which structure?

a) Lamellar
b) Foliated
c) Fibrous
d) Radiating

Answer: b
Explanation: The foliated structure is similar to lamellar in broader sense but in this case the individual sheets are
paper thin, even thinner and can be easily separated. Example: Muscovite mica.

8. Identify the type of structure shown below.

a) Lamellar
b) Foliated
c) Radiating
d) Granular

Answer: c
Explanation: The mineral is made up of needle like or fibrous crystals which appear originating from a common point
thereby giving a radiating appearance, if it is said to be radiating. Example: Iron pyrites.

9. Chromite shows which type of structure?

a) Granular
b) Globular
c) Reniform
d) Mammillary

Answer: a
Explanation: The mineral occurs in the form of densely packed mass of small garin-like crystals, in the case of
globular structure. Example: Chromite.

10. Which form resembles human kidney?

a) Globular
b) Reniform
c) Granular
d) Mammillary
Answer: b
Explanation: Reniform is similar to globular but the shape of the bulbs or projections resembles to human kidneys.
Example: Hematite.

11. Malachite shows which type of structure?

a) Reniform
b) Globular
c) Mammillary
d) Granular
Answer: c
Explanation: Mammillary is similar to globular but the projections are conspicuous in size, overlapping in
arrangement and rounded in shape, best example is malachite.

12. The SI unit of specific gravity is

a) Ohm
b) g/cc
d) N/cc
d) No unit
Answer: d
Explanation: Specific gravity is the ratio between density of a mineral and that of water at 4° Celsius. Since is a ratio,
it has no units.

13. The density range lies between 2.5 and 4.5 g/cc for
a) Metallic minerals
b) Non-metallic minerals
c) Metalloid minerals
d) Ore minerals
Answer: b
Explanation: The non-metallic minerals have low values of density, ranging between 2.5 and 4.5 g/cc, whereas
metallic minerals and ores have densities as high as 20 g/cc.

14. Atoms of greater atomic radii show

a) Less density
b) Greater density
c) No difference
d) Doesn’t depend on atomic radii

Answer: a
Explanation: Minerals with atoms of greater atomic radii show less density values compared with those made of
atoms of smaller atomic radii.

15. Form in which neither a crystal face nor a cleavage is seen is

a) Crystalline
b) Crystallized
c) Amorphous
d) Crystalline and crystallized

Answer: c
Explanation: Amorphous form is a form in which neither a crystal face nor a cleavage is seen. There is no evidence of
orderly arrangement of atoms in this form.

16. The minerals which develop electric charge upon heating are called
a) Pyro-electric minerals
b) Piezo-electric minerals
c) Paramagnetic minerals
d) Diamagnetic minerals

Answer: a
Explanation: In some minerals an electric charge may be developed by heating. These are called pyroelectric
minerals. Examples: Tourmaline, boracite, quartz etc.

17. The Phenomenon where, electric charge develops due to application of pressure is
a) Pyro-electric minerals
b) Piezo-electric minerals
c) Paramagnetic minerals
d) Diamagnetic minerals

Answer: b
Answer: In some minerals an electric charge is developed by applying pressure. This group is termed as piezo-
electric. Examples: Tourmaline and quartz.

18. How many minerals are present in the scale of fusibility given by Von Kobell?
a) 3
b) 4
c) 5
d) 6

Answer: d
Explanation: A scale of fusibility has been suggested by Von Kobell. It consists of six minerals arranged according to
temperature of fusion. Stibnite, Natrolite, Alamandine, Actinolite, Orthoclase and Bronzite.

19. Specific gravity of mineral changes with temperature. State true or false.
a) True
b) False

Answer: a
Explanation: Since temperature and pressure are both known to change volume of substance, it follows that density
will also show a change when a mineral is subjected to elevated temperature or high pressures.

20. Which of the following minerals can scratch Topaz?

a) Corundum
b) Apatite
c) Gypsum
d) Quartz

Answer: a
Explanation: Only corundum can scratch topaz because, all the other minerals given have lesser Mohs number
compared to topaz, whereas topaz as hardness number 8 and corundum has 9.

21. Streak colour and colour of the mineral are always same. State true or false.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Explanation: It follows that the colour of a mineral may not be the same as its streak. For identification, streak is
relied upon more than the colour of the mineral.

22. Which of the following mineral shows phosphorescence?

a) Orthoclase
b) Calcite
c) Quartz
d) Galena

Answer: c
Explanation: Phosphorescence is similar to fluorescence in essential character but in this case light is emitted by
mineral not during the act of exposure but after the substance is transferred rapidly to a dark place. Fluorite, quartz,
willemite and diamond show this phenomenon.
23. Quartz shows which lustre?
a) Metallic
b) Vitreous
c) Pearly
d) Resinous

Answer: b
Explanation: Vitreous lustre is a type of lustre which is typical of glass, ice etc. Example: Quartz.

24. Which among the following shows silky lustre?

a) Quartz
b) Galena
c) Gypsum
d) Diamond

Answer: c
Explanation: Silky lustre is like the shine of pure silk. Example: Gypsum.

25. Which mineral group is abundantly found in the earth’s crust?

a) Mica group
b) Felspar group
c) Oxide group
d) Silicate group

Answer: b
Explanation: The felspars (The feldspars in American technology) are the most prominent group of minerals making
more than fifty percent, by weight, crust of the Earth up to a depth of 30 km.

26. Felspar is found abundantly or in majority in which kind of rock?

a) Igneous rocks
b) Sedimentary rocks
c) Metamorphic rocks
d) Fossil rocks
Answer: a
Explanation: Felspars occur chiefly, in the igneous rocks (more than 60 percent) but also occur in good proportion in
the metamorphic rocks. Felspars are also found in some sedimentary rocks like arkose and greywacks.

27. The chemical composition of the feldspar group is

a) Oxide
b) Aluminates
c) Silicates
d) Aluminosilicates

Answer: d
Explanation: In chemical composition, felspars are chiefly aluminosilicates (also referred as alumosilicates) of Na, K
and Ca with the following general formula, WZ4O8, in which W=Na, K, Ca and Ba and Z= Si and Al.

28. In the atomic structure, each oxygen atom is shared by how many tetrahedra?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Answer: b
Explanation: At atomic level, the felspars show a continuous three-dimensional network type of structure in which
the SiO4 tetrahedra are linked at all the corners, each oxygen ion begin shared by two adjacent tetrahedral.

29. The crystallographic system shown by felspar group is

a) Monoclinic
b) Triclinic
c) Rhomboclinic
d) Monoclinic and triclinic

Answer: d
Explanation: The felspar group of minerals crystallise only in two crystallographic systems: Monoclinic and triclinic.
Infact, the plagioclase division of felspars crystallizes only in triclinic system.

30. How many groups are the felspar minerals classified into, on the basis of chemical composition?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Answer: b
Explanation: Felspars are classified both on basis of their chemical composition and also on their mode of
crystallization, Chemically, felspars fall into two main groups: the potash felspars and the soda lime felspars.

31. The felspar minerals are free from

a) Iron
b) Iron and manganese
c) Magnesium
d) Iron and magnesium

Answer: d
Explanation: The felspar group minerals are generally light in colour, because of the absence of Fe and Mg. The
minerals have lower specific gravity (generally around 2.6), have doubly cleavage and a hardness varying between 6-
6.5.

32. What is the chemical composition of Orthoclase?

a) K Al O8
b) Ca Al Si3O8
c) K Al Si3 O8
d) Ca Al O8

Answer: c
Explanation: Orthoclase mineral has the specific gravity around 2.56 to 2.58. Its chemical composition is K Al Si3 O8 .
It is the most common and essential constituent of many igneous rocks, especially granite.

33. What is the distinguishing characteristic of microcline and orthoclase?

a) Colour
b) Streak
c) Chemical composition
d) Hardness

Answer: b
Explanation: Both orthoclase and microcline have same colour but microcline gives white streak whereas, orthoclase
does not give any streak. Chemical composition and hardness are almost same for both the minerals.

34. Which of the following is not true about plagioclase?

a) It is composed of K mainly
b) It is composed of either Na, Ca, or Al
c) It is of massive or crystalline structure
d) It gives 2 sets of cleavages

Answer: a
Explanation: Plagioclase is usually composed of either Na or Ca or Al or combination of them. K is present in
orthoclase and not in plagioclase.

35. State true or false. Microcline can be easily distinguished from orthoclase.
a) True
b) False

Answer: b
Explanation: The microcline mineral is not easily distinguished in hand specimens from orthoclase except when
perfectly crystallized.

36. The mica group minerals show which structure in the microscopic level?
a) Box structure
b) Sheet structure
c) Hexagonal structure
d) Columnar structure

Answer: b
Explanation: The micaceous cleavage is explained by their atomic structure: they constitute of SiO4 tetrahedra linked
at three of their corners and extending in two dimensions. This is called sheet structure.

37. There is presence of eminent cleavage in micas. State true or false.

a) True
b) False

Answer: a
Explanation: The sheets are held together in pairs by metallic ions. But the bond so resulting due to the metallic ions
is the weakest and hence there is an eminent cleavage present in the micas.

38. What percent of crust do the micas form approximately?

a) 20%
b) More than 60%
c) 4%
d) 40%

Answer: c
Explanation: Micas are, besides felspars, pyroxenes and amphiboles, very common rock forming minerals forming
approximately 4 percent of the crust of the Earth.

39. Which is the less important and more important and less important minerals crystallize respectively?
a) Triclinic and monoclinic
b) Monoclinic and triclinic
c) Monoclinic and rhombohedral
d) Rhombohedral and triclinic

Answer: b
Explanation: Most important members of the Mica group crystallize in one system only: Monoclinic system. Some
less important members crystallize in triclinic system.

40. What type of cleavage is shown by mica group?

a) Perfect cubic cleavage
b) Perfect octahedral cleavage
c) Perfect basal cleavage
d) Prismatic cleavage

Answer: c
Explanation: The crystals of the mica group show prism angles of 60° and 120°. Because of atomic constitution, micas
show excellent basal cleavage.

41. Which mineral is flaky and black in appearance?

a) Biotite mica
b) Muscovite mica
c) Diamond
d) Jaspar
Answer: a
Explanation: Biotite mica is flaky and black in appearance and appears in the form of thin sheets. They are usually
translucent.

42. What is the other name of muscovite mica?

a) Black mica
b) Potash mica
c) Vitreous mica
d) Glossy mica
Answer: b
Explanation: The other name of muscovite mica is potash mica and biotite mica is also called as black mica due its
appearance.

43. What is the diaphaneity of muscovite mica?

a) Opaque
b) Transparent
c) Translucent
d) Any form

Answer: b
Explanation: Muscovite mica usually occurs in the form of thin colourless sheets, as a mass may appear pale yellow
and is transparent.

44. What is the streak given by muscovite mica?

a) White
b) Black
c) Yellow
d) Colourless

Answer: d
Explanation: The colour of muscovite mica is usually colourless to pale yellow but gives no streak.

45. Pick the wrong statement about mica.

a) They have high hardness
b) They have low hardness
c) They are usually transparent to translucent
d) They are used as good electrical insulators

Answer: a
Explanation: The micas have low hardness of about 2.5 to 3. Hence the first statement is wrong. The rest of the
statements about mica hold good.

46. What is the distinguishing property between biotite mica and muscovite mica?
a) Streak
b) Lustre
c) Colour
d) Hardness
Answer: c
Explanation: The colour of the minerals is the most distinguishing property between the two. The biotite mica shows
black colour, whereas, the muscovite mica is almost colourless.

47. What is the chemical composition of Quartz?

a) SiO4
b) Si2O3
c) SiO2
d) Al2O3

Answer: c
Explanation: The chemical composition of the quartz minerals is SiO2. In other words, silicon dioxide is the basic
chemical composition of the quartz minerals.

48. Which quartz mineral shows blue colour?

a) Rose quartz
b) Blue quartz
c) Smoky quartz
d) Rock crystal

Answer: b
Explanation: The blue quartz shows a distinct blue colour compared to the other quartz minerals.

49. Rock crystal belongs to which mineral group?

a) Quartz group
b) Feldspar group
c) Carbonate group
d) Ferro-magnesium group

Answer: a
Explanation: The basic chemical composition of the rock crystal is almost the same as other quartz minerals and also
rock crystal is an important mineral of the quartz group.

50. Pick the quartz mineral which is translucent among the following.
a) Rose quartz
b) Agate
c) Amethyst quartz
d) Milky quartz

Answer: c
Explanation: Amethyst quartz is usually translucent, i.e., it allows light partially to pass through it. Rest of the
minerals are opaque.

51. The streak given by the quartz group is

a) White
b) Colourless
c) Blue
d) Pale yellow
Answer: b
Explanation: One of the main trait of the quartz group is that the minerals do not give any streak though are present
in many colours in appearance.

52. Pick the quartz which is colourless among the following.

a) Rose quartz
b) Smoky quartz
c) Milky quartz
d) Rock crystal

Answer: d
Explanation: Among the minerals given above only rock crystal is colourless. The rest are coloured or either white in
colour.

53. What is the hardness of the quartz minerals?

a) 7
b) 6
c) 2
d) 4

Answer: a
Explanation: The hardness is almost the same for all the quartz minerals and is about 7. This is one of the advantages
of the quartz as they have high hardness.

54. What is the colour of rose quartz attributed to?

a) Iron
b) Titanium
c) Aluminium
d) Sandstone

Answer: b
Explanation: Rose quartz is a special type of quartz and is known for its distinct rose red colour. The colour is
attributed to presence of titanium.

55. The mineral not belonging to the quartz group is

a) Amethyst
b) Agate
c) Jasper
d) Calcite

Answer: d
Explanation: Amethyst quartz, agate and jasper belong to the quartz group, whereas, calcite belongs to the
carbonate group whose chemical composition is completely different compared to the quartz group.

56. Agate is not found banded. State true or false.

a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Explanation: Agate is also found in banded form and is known as banded agate. Agate is known to have massive
structure which is also the same for banded agate.
57. What is the cleavage shown by quartz minerals?
a) Basal
b) Prismatic
c) Rhombohedral
d) No cleavage

Answer: d
Explanation: The cleavage is generally absent in the quartz minerals which is one of the defining characteristic of the
quartz group.

58. Quartz is found in which type of rock?

a) Igneous rock
b) Sedimentary rock
c) Metamorphic rock
d) Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks

Answer: d
Explanation: Quartz minerals are found in wide range of rocks. They are not restricted to any one kind of rock. They
may be found in igneous or sedimentary or metamorphic rocks.

59. Carbonate minerals are found usually in

a) Igneous rocks
b) Sedimentary rocks
c) Sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
d) Metamorphic and igneous rocks

Answer: c
Explanation: The carbonate minerals are generally and most widely found in the sedimentary and metamorphic
rocks.

60. Name the carbonate mineral which is found in ultrabasic igneous rocks.
a) Dolomite
b) Calcite
c) Magnesite
d) Jasper

Answer: c
Explanation: Magnesite is found in the ultrabasic igneous rocks which is not common among the other minerals and
also among the other groups.

61. What is the structure or form of dolomite?

a) Rhombohedral
b) Columnar
c) Tabular
d) Flaky
62. What is the chemical composition of Baryte?
a) BaSO4
b) CaSO4
c) BaCO3
d) CaCO3

Answer: a
Explanation: Baryte is found in massive and crystalline structures or forms and their basic chemical composition is
barium sulphate (BaSO4).

63. What is the use of corundum?

a) Used as an abrasive
b) Used as precious gemstones
c) Used as Construction materials
d) Used as abrasive and precious gemstones

Answer: d
Explanation: Corundum is used as both abrasive and also as precious gemstones. The former is due its high hardness
of about 9 and the latter is due its appearance, and the names of some common semi-precious gemstones are ruby,
emerald, sapphire etc.

64. The semi-precious gemstone not belonging to corundum is

a) Ruby
b) Sapphire
c) Diamond
d) Oriental emerald

Answer: c
Explanation: Some common forms of corundum used as precious or semi-precious gemstones are ruby, sapphire,
oriental emerald and oriental topaz. Diamond is a completely different mineral and is not considered to be a form of
corundum.

65. Pick the correct statement about talc.

a) It has very high hardness
b) It is not used in the manufacture of talcum powders
c) It is has lowest hardness
d) It is found in igneous rocks

Answer: c
Explanation: Talc mineral which is basically made of magnesium has the lowest hardness among the minerals which
is equal to 1.

66. The ferro-magnesium mineral which occurs in ultra-basic igneous rocks is

a) Magnesite
b) Olivine
c) Baryte
d) Corundum
Answer: b
Explanation: Olivine is a type of ferro-magnesium mineral which is found in the ultra-basic igneous rocks. Magnesite
is also found in the ultra-basic igneous rocks but do not belong to the ferro-magnesium group.

67. What is the diaphaneity of pure gypsum?

a) Opaque
b) Transparent
c) Translucent
d) Opaque or transparent

Answer: c
Explanation: Gypsum is found usually in translucent and sometimes in opaque forms. In its pure form it is found in
translucent form.

68. Pick the wrong statement about talc.

a) It is a very soft mineral
b) It is used in talcum powders
c) It is usually white or green in colour
d) It is also used as precious gemstones

Answer: d
Explanation: Talc has hardness number of about 1, used in talcum powders and is usually found in white or green
colour. But it is not considered as a precious gemstone.

69. Augite mainly consists of

a) Fe
b) Fe and Mn
c) Fe and Ca
d) Fe and Mg

Answer: d
Explanation: Augite is a ferro-magnesium mineral and hence its basic and main composition is Fe and Mg. It is usually
found in black colour.

70. What is the form or structure of asbestose?

a) Massive
b) Flaky
c) Tabular
d) Globular

Answer: b
Explanation: Asbestose is always found in the flaky or sometimes rarely in columnar form. Else it is not found in any
other form or structure.

71. What is the colour and streak of olivine respectively?

a) White and green
b) Olive green and white
c) Yellow and green
d) Green and no streak

Answer: b
Explanation: The olivine mineral is found in olive green colour and hence its name. The streak given by olivine is
white.

72. What is the streak given by garnet?

a) White
b) Black
c) Grey
d) No colour

Answer: d
Explanation: Garnet is one of the very few ferro-magnetic minerals which do not give any streak. They are usually
dark grey in colour.

73. What is the form or structure of corundum?

a) Tabular, flaky
b) Schistose, columnar
c) Hexagonal, columnar
d) Globular, tabular

Answer: c
Explanation: The corundum is always found in the hexagonal, columnar crystals. The columnar crystals are of
appreciable size of about 8 to 10 mm and are not uncommon.

Answer: a
Explanation: Dolomite mineral is usually found in rhombohedral structure. In most cases it is not found in any other
form or structure.

74. What is the colour of the magnesite when pure?

a) Yellow
b) Bone white
c) Blue
d) Black

Answer: b
Explanation: Magnesite mineral is found is colours like white, shades of grey and also sometimes brown. But when it
is in the pure form, it is found in bone white colour.

75. What is the colour and diaphaneity of a calcite mineral respectively?

a) Yellow and opaque
b) Blue and transparent
c) White and transparent
d) Grey and translucent

Answer: c
Explanation: The calcite mineral is white in colour and its diaphaneity is transparent. The chemical composition of
calcite is calcium carbonate.
76. State true or false. The carbonate minerals have high hardness.
a) True
b) False

Answer: b
Explanation: The hardness of the carbonate minerals usually varies between 2.5 and 3. Hence they are said to have
low hardness.

77. What is the streak given by calcite minerals?

a) Colourless
b) White
c) Black
d) Yellow

Answer: b
Explanation: Unlike the quartz minerals, the carbonate minerals give white streak which is an important
distinguishing property of the minerals from other groups.

78. Dolomite is formed by the action of magnesian rich sea water on which deposit?
a) Limestone
b) Sandstone
c) Granite
d) Basalt

Answer: a
Explanation: As a rock constituent, dolomite is believed to have been formed by action of magnesian rich sea water
on original limestone deposit. This process is called in petrology dolomitization.

79. Which carbonate mineral has this chemical composition- CaCO3 Mg(CO3)2?
a) Magnesite
b) Calcite
c) Dolomite
d) Jasper

Answer: c
Explanation: Dolomite has the chemical composition CaCO3 Mg(CO3)2. Whereas calcite doesn’t have Mg in its
composition and magnesite lacks Ca in its composition.

80. Which lustre cannot occur to the calcite?

a) Adamantine
b) Waxy
c) Vitreous
d) Silky

Answer: a
Explanation: Calcite minerals show few lustres, vitreous, waxy, silky but they do not show adamantine lustre which is
exclusively shown by diamond.
81. How many sets of cleavage is shown by calcite minerals usually?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Answer: c
Explanation: The calcite minerals are known to show three sets of cleavage which is pretty distinctive compared to
other mineral groups.

82. Which mineral is used as refractory material?

a) Calcite
b) Rock crystal
c) Talc
d) Magnesite

Answer: d
Explanation: The major uses of magnesite mineral is that it used as refractory materials in the refracrtory bricks
installed in the lining of the furnaces and also used for chemical compounds of magnesium.

83. The branch of geology which deals with various aspects of rocks is
a) Petrology
b) Mineralogy
c) Lithology
d) Rockology

Answer: a
Explanation: The branch of geology dealing with various aspects of rocks such as their formation, classification and
occurrence is called petrology.

84. What are the two conditions believed to be required for the formation of igneous rocks?
a) Low temperature and molten state
b) Molten state and very high temperature
c) Molten state and moderate temperature
d) Crystallized state and moderate temperature

Answer: b
Explanation: A very high temperature and a molten state are, two very important conditions for the original material
from which the igneous rocks are believed to have been formed.

85. What is the state of lava or magma?

a) Liquid always
b) Solid
c) Gaseous
d) Mixture of liquid, crystals and gases

Answer: d
Explanation: Magma or lava from which igneous rocks are formed may not be entirely a pure melt: it may have a
crystalline or solid fraction and also a gaseous fraction thoroughly mixed with it.
86. Where are the volcanic rocks formed?
a) Under the surface of earth
b) On the surface of earth
c) Inside the core
d) Between mantle

Answer: b
Explanation: Volcanic rocks are the igneous rocks formed on the surface of the Earth by cooling and crystallization of
lava erupted from volcanoes.

87. What is the grain size of volcanic rocks?

a) Very coarse
b) Coarse
c) Intermediate
d) Very fine

Answer: d
Explanation: Since the lava cools down at very fast rate (compared to magma), the grain size of the crystals formed
in the volcanic rocks is very fine, often microscope.

88. Magma is hypothetical melt. State true or false.

a) True
b) False

Answer: a
Explanation: Igneous rocks are formed both from magma and lava. It may be mentioned that magma is actually a
hypothetical melt. It has not been possible to see it at its place of occurrence.

89. The plutonic rocks are formed at depths below the earth’s surface ranging
a) 10 to 100 km
b) 100 to 200 km
c) 7 to 10 km
d) 1 to 5 km

Answer: c
Explanation: Plutonic rocks are the igneous rocks formed at considerable depths, generally between 7-10 km below
the surface of the earth.

90. The rock is coarse grained in

a) Volcanic rocks
b) Plutonic rocks
c) Hypabyssal rocks always
d) Not found in igneous rocks

Answer: b
Explanation: Because of a very slow rate of cooling at the depths, the rocks resulting from magma are coarse
grained. These rocks get exposed on the surface of the earth as a consequence of erosion of the overlying strata.
91. Pick the plutonic igneous rock.
a) Granite
b) Granite porphyry
c) Syenite porphyry
d) Marble

Answer: a
Explanation: Granites, Syenites and Gabbros are a few examples of Plutonic rocks. They occur in good abundance in
both the Peninsular and extra-Peninsular India.

92. The rocks which exhibit mixed characteristics of volcanic and plutonic rocks are
a) Intermediate rocks
b) Mixed rocks
c) Hypabyssal rocks
d) Secondary rocks

Answer: c
Explanation: The hypabyssal rocks are the igneous rocks which are formed at intermediate depths, generally up to 2
km below the surface of the earth and exhibit mixed characteristics of volcanic and plutonic rocks.

93. Porphyries are examples of which type of rocks?

a) Volcanic
b) Plutonic
c) Hypabyssal
d) Sedimentary rocks

Answer: c
Explanation: Porphyries of various composition are examples of hypabyssal rocks.

94. Which is the most dominant constituent of igneous rock?

a) Al2O3
b) SiO2
c) CaCO3
d) CaO

Answer: b
Explanation: In terms of chemical composition, Silica is the dominant constituent of the igneous rocks. Second comes
the Alumina.

95. The mineral most abundantly present in the igneous rocks is

a) Micas
b) Titanium
c) Iron
d) Felspars

Answer: d
Explanation: In terms of the mineralogical composition, Felspars are the most common minerals of igneous rocks.
Even amphiboles, pyroxenes and quartz are present to some extent. Others are present only in subordinate
amounts.
96. What is the approximate percentage of silica present in the igneous rocks?
a) 10%
b) 26%
c) 59%
d) 15%

Answer: c
Explanation: The approximate percent of silica present in the igneous rocks is 59% and alumina is about 15%. This
was given by the data of Clark and Washington.

97. The layered arrangement in sedimentary rocks is called

a) Mud cracks
b) Stratification
c) Rain prints
d) Ripple marks

Answer: b
Explanation: By stratification is understood a layered arrangement in a sedimentary rock. This may be developed
very prominently and can be seen from a distance of miles or in other cases may have to be ascertained after close
examination of the rock.

98. The structure most prevalent to clastic rocks is

a) Nodular structure
b) Geode structure
c) Concretionary structure
d) Lamination

Answer: d
Explanation: The most prevalent structures of clastic group of sedimentary rocks are the ones belonging to
mechanical structure which are, stratification, lamination, cross beddings, rain prints etc.

99. Lamination is structure formed in which type of sedimentary rocks?

a) Fine grained
b) Medium grained
c) Coarse grained
d) Nothing in particular

Answer: a
Explanation: Lamination is a characteristic structure of fine-grained sedimentary rocks like clays and shales.

100. Each layer of a laminated structure of sedimentary rock is called

a) Strata
b) Leaf
c) Lamina
d) Layer

Answer: c
Explanation: The individual layers of laminated structure are called lamiae and are distinguished commonly on the
basis of difference in colour.
101. Which among the following is not a type of false bedding?
a) Columnar
b) Tabular
c) Lenticular
d) Wedge shaped

Answer: a
Explanation: The common types of false bedding are, tabular, lenticular, wedge shaped. Columnar is not a type of
false bedding.

102. The type of false bedding where top and bottom surfaces are parallel is
a) Columnar
b) Tabular
c) Lenticular
d) Wedge shaped

Answer: b
Explanation: Tabular false bedding is a type of cross bedding in which the top and bottom surfaces of the deposit are
essentially parallel, indicating its deposition in the same main channel.

103. Type of false bedding where the individual layers exist in well-defined sets of parallel layers is
a) Columnar
b) Tabular
c) Lenticular
d) Wedge shaped

Answer: d
Explanation: In the case of wedge shaped cross bedding, the cross-bedding structure is highly complex: the individual
layers exist in well-defined sets of parallel layers but these sets bear angular relationship to each other.

104. Type of bedding where sorting and arrangement has occurred based on grain size is
a) Cross bedding
b) Lamination
c) Graded bedding
d) Mud cracks

Answer: c
Explanation: In some stratified rocks the component sediments in each layer appear to be characteristically sorted
and arranged according to their grain size, the coarsest being placed at the bottom and the finest at the top.

105. Graded bedding occurs due to which phenomenon?

a) Wind settling
b) Sunlight
c) Gravitational settling
d) Loading

Answer: c
Explanation: Normally, perfectly graded beds are the result of sedimentation in bodies of standing water where
factor of gravitative settling from a mixed load is predominant process.
106. Mud cracks are common in which type of sedimentary rocks?
a) Fine grained
b) Medium grained
c) Coarse grained
d) Not particular

Answer: a
Explanation: Mud cracks are common structural features of many fine-grained sedimentary rocks. The structure
consists of polygonal or irregular cracks spread along the surface of an exposed sedimentary layer.

107. The bedding involving crater shaped depressions is

a) Mud cracks
b) Rain prints
c) Ripple marks
d) Sun cracks

Answer: b
Explanation: Rain prints are irregular, small crater-shaped depressions seen on fine-grained dried sediments.

108. Which of the following does not provide evidence of shallow water environment?
a) Lamination
b) Rain prints
c) Ripple marks
d) Mud cracks

Answer: a
Explanation: The mud cracks, rain prints and ripple marks when encountered in sedimentary formations are taken as
confirmatory evidence of the formation having been deposited in a shallow water environment.

109. Which structure resembles fish eggs?

a) Pisolitic
b) Felsitic
c) Oolitic
d) Granitic

Answer: c
Explanation: The Oolitic structure is the structure where, the concretions are of the size of fish eggs; the rock
appears as an assemblage of fish eggs.

110. Peanut structure is shown by

a) Sandstone
b) Limestone
c) Shale
d) Breccia

Answer: b
Explanation: The pisolitic structure is another type of concretionary structure where, the individual size of a
concretion is like that of a peanut. Limestones and bauxite show both these structures.
111. The process not contributing to clastic rocks is
a) Weathering
b) Oxidation
c) Erosion
d) Deposition

Answer: b
Explanation: The mechanically formed sedimentary rocks undergo the processes like- weathering, erosion, transport,
deposition and diagenesis. Oxidation is considered under to be a non-clastic cause.

112. What is the size required for a particle to be called gravel?

a) Greater than 1 mm
b) Lesser 1 mm
c) Greater than 2 mm
d) Lesser than 1 mm

Answer: c
Explanation: All sediments and clastic fragments of rocks above the size of 2 mm irrespective of their composition
and shape are broadly termed as gravels.

113. What is not true about silts?

a) They are coarser than sand
b) They are finer than sand
c) They are further divided into fine, medium and fine silts
d) They are major constituents of shale

Answer: a
Explanation: Silts are very fine-sized particles of varying composition lying in the range 1/16 mm and 1/256 mm. they
are further divided into three categories, fine, medium and coarse. The silts are the major constituents of rocks
known as shales.

114. What is the average grain size of rudaceous rocks?

a) Greater than 1 mm
b) Lesser 1 mm
c) Greater than 2 mm
d) Lesser than 1 mm

Answer: c
Explanation: Rudites or rudaceous rocks include all coarse-grained rocks of heterogeneous composition. The average
grain size of the constituents in rudites is greater than 2 mm.

115. Give an example for rudaceous rock.

a) Breccia
b) Shale
c) Limestone
d) Sandstone
Answer: a
Explanation: In rudaceous rocks gravels are held together in the form of a rock by a natural cementing material.
Breccias and conglomerates are important examples of rudites.

116. Rudites are also called as

a) Arenites
b) Psamites
c) Lutites
d) Psephites

Answer: d
Explanation: Rudites or rudaceous rocks are also called as psephites. Rudites are made up of boulders, cobbles and
pebbles collectively known as gravels.

117. The arenaceous rocks have the grain size equal to

a) Gravel
b) Sand
c) Silt
d) Clay

Answer: b
Explanation: The arenites are also called as arenaceous rocks. These are made up of sediments of sand grade (2mm-
1/16 mm).

118. An example for arenite would be

a) Breccia
b) Shale
c) Limestone
d) Sandstone

Answer: d
Explanation: In a particular rock, the sand grains of particular size range may be predominating giving rise to coarse,
medium and fine arenites. Sandstones, greywackes and arkoses are common types of arenites.

119. Which of the following are finest grain sized?

a) Rudaceous rocks
b) Arenaceous rocks
c) Argillaceous rocks
d) Psephites

120. A clastic rock might not have more than one grade. State true or false.
a) True
b) False

Answer: b
Explanation: Many a times a clastic rock may be made of sediments of more than one grade. It is the dominant grade
that is taken into consideration while classifying the rock.
121. Non-detrital rocks refer to
a) Clastic rock
b) Non-clastic rock
c) Residual rock
d) None of the types

Answer: b
Explanation: The non-clastic rocks are also called non-detrital rocks. They are generally homogeneous in character,
fine-grained in particle size and varying in chemical composition.

122. Pick the type of sedimentary not belonging to chemically formed rocks.
a) Oxide rocks
b) Carbonaceous rocks
c) Ferruginous deposits
d) Siliceous deposits

Answer: d
Explanation: The sedimentary rocks under the chemically formed deposits are Siliceous deposits, carbonate deposits,
ferruginous, phosphatic and evaporites.

123. Breccia is formed by which process?

a) Mechanical
b) Chemical
c) Organic
d) Residual

Answer: a
Explanation: Breccia is a mechanically formed sedimentary rock classed as rudite. It consists of angular fragments of
heterogeneous composition.

124. The type of Breccia which is also called crush-breccia is

a) Basal Breccia
b) Faulted Breccia
c) Agglomeratic Breccia
d) Rudite Breccia

Answer: b
Explanation: Faults Breccia is also called crush-breccia. Such rocks are so named because they are made up of
angular fragments that have been produced during the process of faulting.

125. The type of Breccia formed by sea water is called

a) Basal Breccia
b) Faulted Breccia
c) Agglomeratic Breccia
d) Rudite Breccia

Answer: a
Explanation: This rock is formed by the sea waters advancing over a coastal region covered with fragments of chert
and other similar rocks.
126. Conglomerates belong to which group of sedimentary rocks?
a) Rudaceous rocks
b) Argillaceous rocks
c) Arenaceous rocks
d) Any group

Answer: a
Explanation: Conglomerates are sedimentary rocks of clastic nature and also belong to rudaceous group.
127. Conglomerates consist of which shaped fragments mostly?
a) Angular
b) Sub-angular
c) Rounded
d) Edged

Answer: c
Explanation: The conglomerates consist mostly of rounded fragments of various sizes but generally above 2 mm,
cemented together in clayey or ferruginous or mixed matrix.

128. Which among the following is not a type of conglomerate?

a) Basal
b) Glacial
c) Volcanic
d) Faulted

Answer: d
Explanation: Sometimes the conglomerates are distinguished on the basis of source of the gravels, as: Basal, glacial
and volcanic conglomerates.

129. The sedimentary rock which is arenaceous in nature is

a) Conglomerate
b) Sandstone
c) Breccia
d) Shale

Answer: b
Explanation: Sandstones are mechanically formed sedimentary rocks of arenaceous group. These are mostly
composed of sand grade particles that have been compacted and consolidated together in the form of beds in basins
sedimentation.

130. Which is dominant mineral in sandstone?

a) Mica
b) Diamond
c) Quartz
d) Felspar

Answer: c
Explanation: Quartz is the most common mineral making the sandstones. In fact some varieties of sandstones are
made entirely of quartz.
131. The texture of sandstone is
a) Fine-medium
b) Medium-coarse
c) Coarse
d) Fine-coarse

Answer: a
Explanation: Sandstones are, in general, medium to fine-medium grained in texture. The component grains show a
great variation in their size, shape and arrangement in different varieties.

132. The colour of sandstone not found commonly is

a) Blue
b) Red
c) Brown
d) White

Answer: a
Explanation: Sandstones naturally occur in a variety of colours: red, brown, grey and white being the most common
colours. The colour of sandstone depends on its composition, especially nature of the cementing material.

133. The type of sandstone where cementing material is clay is

a) Siliceous sandstone
b) Calcareous sandstone
c) Argillaceous sandstone
d) Ferruginous sandstone

Answer: c
Explanation: Argillaceous sandstones are among the soft varieties of sandstone because the cementing material is
clay that has not much inherent strength.

134. The term quartzite is associated with which type of sandstone?

a) Siliceous sandstone
b) Calcareous sandstone
c) Argillaceous sandstone
d) Ferruginous sandstone

Answer: a
Explanation: When silica is the cementing material in the sandstones it is called siliceous sandstone. Sometimes the
quality of the siliceous cement is so dense and uniform that a massive compact and homogeneous rock is formed.
This is called quartzite.

135. Red Fort in India is built using which sedimentary rock?

a) Shale
b) White Sandstone
c) Red sandstone
d) Breccia
Answer: c
Explanation: The sandstones are most commonly used as materials of construction: building stones, pavement
stones, road stones and also as a source material for concrete. The Red Fort of India is made up of red sandstones.

136. Shales are generally characterized with distinct

a) Cleavage
b) Fracture
c) Specific gravity
d) Parting

Answer: d
Explanation: Shale is a finely-grained sedimentary rock of argillaceous composition. Shales are generally
characterized with a distinct fissility (parting) parallel to the bedding planes.

137. The mineralogical composition of shale is clearly understood. State true or false.
a) True
b) False

Answer: b
Explanation: The exact mineralogical composition of shales is often difficult to ascertain because of the very fine size
of the constituents.

138. The tendency of a rock to split into flat, shell-like fragments parallel to bedding is called
a) Cleavage
b) Fracture
c) Specific gravity
d) Fissility

Answer: d
Explanation: Shales are characterized with a distinct property of fissility, which may be defined as “the tendency of a
rock to split into flat, shell-like fragments parallel to bedding”. The fissility of shales is partly primary and partly
secondary in nature.

139. Which type of shale involves both clastic and non-clastic sources?
a) Residual shales
b) Transported shales
c) Hybrid shales
d) Quartz shales

Answer: c
Explanation: In hybrid shales, materials derived both from clastic sources and non-clastic sources especially those
from organic sources make up the rock.

140. Name the type of shale involving decay and decomposition.

a) Residual shales
b) Transported shales
c) Hybrid shales
d) Quartz shales
Answer: a
Explanation: Residual shales are formed from decay and decomposition of pre-existing rocks followed by compaction
and consolidation of the particles in adjoining basins without much mixing.

141. Which sedimentary rock is present in majority on earth?

a) Shale
b) Sandstone
c) Breccia
d) Conglomerate

Answer: a
Explanation: Of all the sedimentary rocks occurring on the surface of the earth, shales are the most predominant
forming 70-80 percent of this group. These rocks occur in massive formations and beds extending over several
hundred kilometres in many cases.

142. Which among the following is not a use of shale?

a) Used in manufacture of bricks and tiles
b) Used as source of alumina
c) Used as paraffin
d) Used as precious gemstone

Answer: d
Explanation: Shales are variously used for manufacture of bricks and tiles. These are at place source of alumina,
paraffin and oil.

143. The non-clastic sedimentary rock chiefly made of carbonate of calcium is

a) Limestone
b) Sandstone
c) Shale
d) Breccia

Answer: a
Explanation: Limestones are the most common sedimentary rocks from the non-clastic group and are composed
chiefly of carbonate of calcium with subordinate proportions of carbonate of magnesium.

144. Distinct texture shown by limestone is

a) Sheeting
b) Lamination
c) Fossiliferous nature
d) Mud cracks

Answer: c
Explanation: In view of the diverse ways in which the limestones are formed, these rocks show a variety of textures.
The most important texture feature of limestones is their fossiliferous nature.

145. Which type of limestone is non-marine is origin among the following?

a) Chalk
b) Kankar
c) Shelly-limestone
d) Argillaceous limestone

Answer: b
Explanation: Kankar is a common nodular or concretionary form of carbonate material formed by evaporation of
subsoil water rich in calcium carbonate just near the soil surface. It is non-marine in origin.

146. The major use of limestone is

a) Primary source material for manufacture of Portland cement
b) Used in metallurgical industries as flux
c) Used as building stone
d) Used as a source of magnesium

Answer: a
Explanation: Limestones and dolomites find important applications in many industries and engineering practice.
Thus, limestone is a primary source material for manufacture of Portland cement and for a variety of limes.

147. What is a metamorphosed sedimentary rocks?

a) Shale
b) Limestone
c) Coal
d) Dolomite

Answer: c
Explanation: Coal may broadly be defined as metamorphosed sedimentary rocks of carbonaceous character in which
the raw material has mostly been supplied by plants of various groups.

148. The grade of coal with very low calorific value is

a) Peat
b) Lignite
c) Bituminous
d) Anthracite

Answer: a
Explanation: Peat is the lowest grade coal that constitutes of only slightly altered vegetable matter. It may not be
even considered as a coal. It has very low calorific value, high percentage of moisture and is rich in volatile matter.

149. The other name for brown coal is

a) Peat
b) Lignite
c) Bituminous
d) Anthracite

Answer: b
Explanation: Lignite is also known as brown coal and forms the poorest grade of coal with calorific value ranging
between 6.00-8300 B.th.U.

150. What is the hardness of lignite grade of coal?

a) 0.5
b) 2.5
c) 5.5
d) 9

Answer: b
Explanation: Lignite is compact and massive in structure with an upper specific gravity of 1.5 and hardness of 2.5 on
Mohs’ scale of hardness. Some varieties of lignite may still show to a good extent the traces of original vegetable
structure.

151. The highest grade of coal is

a) Peat
b) Lignite
c) Bituminous
d) Anthracite

Answer: d
Explanation: Anthracite is considered the highest grade coal with fixed carbon ranging between 92-98 percent. It has
highest calorific value in coals and burns without any smoke, as the volume matter is negligible.

152. A civil engineer has to deal with which rock in majority of cases?
a) Igneous rocks
b) Sedimentary rocks
c) Metamorphic rocks
d) Ultra-basic igneous rocks

Answer: b
Explanation: Sedimentary rocks cover a great part of the crust of the earth; they make up more than 75 percent of
the surface area of the land mass. It is with these types of rocks that an engineer has to deal with in majority of
cases. It is therefore, essential for a civil engineer to know as much as is possible about the salient features of these
rocks.

153. What is the term used to express the process responsible for all the changes that take place in an original rock
under the influence of changes?
a) Hibernation
b) Herbination
c) Metamorphism
d) Metagenesis

Answer: c
Explanation: Metamorphism is the term used to express the process responsible for all the changes that take place in
an original rock under the influence of changes in the surrounding conditions of temperature, pressure and
chemically active fluids.

154. The factor not affecting metamorphism is

a) Wind conditions
b) Temperature
c) Pressure
d) Chemically active fluids
Answer: a
Explanation: The factors affecting the metamorphism of the rocks are temperature, pressure and chemically fluids.
Wind conditions do not affect the metamorphism in any way.

155. Factors are also called

a) Primary aspects
b) Agents of metamorphism
c) Agents of changes
d) Tertiary aspects

Answer: b
Explanation: Metamorphic changes in the rocks are primarily the result of three main factors that are also
sometimes called agents of metamorphism: heat, pressure and chemically active fluids.

156. The temperature up to which minerals in rocks are stable is

a) 100° C
b) 50° C
c) 500° C
d) 200° C

Answer: d
Explanation: Rocks are made up of minerals that are normally stable at temperature below 200° C. However, when
the temperature around these rocks changes due to one reason or the other, the mineral composition of the rocks
undergoes some changes.

157. Any given rock at some depth below the surface is subjected to pressure from how many sources?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Answer: b
Explanation: Any given rock at some depth below the surface is subjected to pressure from two sources: first, load of
the overlying burden and second, from crustal movements.

158. What is the pressure exerted during the crustal movements called?
a) Indirect pressure
b) Directed pressure
c) Secondary pressure
d) Primary pressure

Answer: b
Explanation: The pressure from orogenic activity is generally lateral or horizontal and is commonly termed as
directed pressure.

159. What is the direction of pressure exertion in load metamorphism?

a) Vertical
b) Horizontal
c) Inclined
d) Horizontal or inclined

Answer: a
Explanation: The load of the overlying burden acts generally exerts pressure in a vertical direction and the process of
change in the structure of the rock is often referred as load metamorphism.

160. Pore fluids play important role metamorphism. State true or false.
a) True
b) False

Answer: a
Explanation: Presence or absence of chemically active fluids within the body of the rocks (the pore fluids) or around
them plays very important role in the process of all types of metamorphism.

161. Water in which form is considered as single most important agent?

a) Solid
b) Liquid
c) Gaseous
d) Solid and liquid

Answer: c
Explanation: Water in the form of steam is considered the single most important agent. The water may be present in
the minerals as water of crystallization or simply as pore fluid or it may be supplied externally by magmatic bodies.

162. Which rocks show severe degree of metamorphism?

a) Situated near the plate boundaries
b) Situated inside the boundaries
c) Situated at the centre of the plates
d) Irrespective of the place, the degree is same everywhere

Answer: a
Explanation: Rocks situated near the plate boundaries or within the geosynclinal belts are especially prone to
directed pressure and often show severest degree of metamorphic changes.

163. Metamorphism can also happen about 850° C. State true or false.
a) True
b) False

Answer: b
Explanation: It is believed that most metamorphic changes induced by the heat factor take place between 300°-850°
C, some components of rock may actually start melting and hence rocks formed from their resolidification shall be
included in the category of igneous rocks

164. The type of metamorphism in which heat factor has played an important role is
a) Dynamic metamorphism
b) Thermal metamorphism
c) Thermodynamic metamorphism
d) Barometric metamorphism
Answer: b
Explanation: Thermal metamorphism is a general term including a variety of metamorphic processes in which the
heat factor has played an important role.

165. Which type of metamorphism is common in rocks close to magmatic intrusions?

a) Contact metamorphism
b) Pyrometamorphism
c) Plutonic metamorphism
d) Dyke metamorphism

Answer: a
Explanation: Contact metamorphism is a common type of thermal observed in rocks existing close to the magmatic
intrusions, injections and lava flows.

166. Type of metamorphism where part of country rock may get entrapped within magmatic body is
a) Contact metamorphism
b) Pyrometamorphism
c) Plutonic metamorphism
d) Dyke metamorphism

Answer: b
Explanation: Pyrometamorphism is a type of thermal metamorphism in which case a part of country rock may
actually get entrapped within a magmatic body. The effects result due to intense localized heating.

167. Metamorphism involving both temperature and load is

a) Contact metamorphism
b) Pyrometamorphism
c) Plutonic metamorphism
d) Dyke metamorphism

Answer: c
Explanation: Plutonic metamorphism is a process of metamorphism that takes place due to equally important role of
imposed loads and very high temperatures that become natural at those great depths.

168. Which kind of metamorphism is also called dislocation metamorphism?

a) Dynamic metamorphism
b) Thermal metamorphism
c) Thermodynamic metamorphism
d) Barometric metamorphism

Answer: a
Explanation: Dynamic metamorphism is also called clastic metamorphism, mechanical metamorphism or dislocation
metamorphism and is brought about by conditions in which pressure factor plays a dominant role.

169. In which metamorphism there is almost no or little new mineral is formed?

a) Dynamic metamorphism
b) Thermal metamorphism
c) Thermodynamic metamorphism
d) Barometric metamorphism

Answer: a
Explanation: In the dynamic metamorphism, there is no or very little formation of new minerals. These are the
original textures and structures of the rocks that are partially or totally obliterated.

170. Most prevalent kind of metamorphism is

a) Dynamic metamorphism
b) Thermal metamorphism
c) Thermodynamic metamorphism
d) Barometric metamorphism

Answer: c
Explanation: Thermodynamic is also referred as regional metamorphism and may be considered as the most
important as well as prevalent type of metamorphic processes.

171. Dynamothermal or thermodynamic metamorphism involves action of

a) Temperature
b) Pressure
c) Fluids
d) Temperature, pressure and fluids

Answer: d
Explanation: Thermodynamic metamorphism involves development of large-scale changes in the structural and
chemical constitution of the pre-existing rocks under the combined action of pressure, temperature and fluids.

172. When the pressure acting on rock is of hydrostatic type then it is called
a) Pressure metamorphism
b) Load metamorphism
c) Secondary metamorphism
d) Clastic metamorphism

Answer: b
Explanation: Sometimes the pressure is of the type of hydrostatic type such as load of the overlying rocks. The
process is then called load metamorphism.

173. The kind metamorphism which occurs in direction of mineralogical reconstitution is

a) Dynamic metamorphism
b) Thermal metamorphism
c) Thermodynamic metamorphism
d) Barometric metamorphism

Answer: b
Explanation: In all types of thermal metamorphism the change is generally in the direction of mineralogical
reconstitution. These processes may induce changes varying from simple baking effect to complete or nearly
complete recrystallization of almost all original minerals.

174. The metamorphic process involving formation of new minerals by chemical replacement of pre-existing
minerals is
a) Metagenesis
b) Holomorphism
c) Metasomatism
d) Homosomatism

Answer: c
Explanation: Metasomatism may be broadly defined as a metamorphic process involving essentially formation of
new minerals by the mechanism of chemical replacement of pre-existing minerals under the influence of chemically
active fluids.

175. Metasomatism occurs at which level and state?

a) Molecular level and solid state
b) Molecular level and liquid state
c) Atomic level and liquid state
d) Atomic level and solid state

Answer: d
Explanation: The metasomatism replacement of minerals takes place at atomic level and in solid state. The
chemically active fluids may be provided by various ways.

176. When fluids in the gaseous form, the metasomatism is called

a) Hydrothermal
b) Pneumatolytic
c) Additive
d) Expulsive

Answer: b
Explanation: Pneumatolytic is the process of metasomatism where the fluids are in the form of gases or vapours.

177. The total volume of the rock is changed after metasomatism. State true or false.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b

Explanation: A common fact observed in the case of metasomatism is that the total volume of the rock remains by
and large unchanged after the process is completed.

178. Which is the structure with extremely fine rock mass?

a) Cataclastic structure
b) Schistose structure
c) Gneissose structure
d) Maculose structure

Answer: a
Explanation: Cataclastic structure is characterized by the development of extremely fine rock mass under the
influence of severe crushing and shearing effects operating during metamorphism.

179. Give an example for a rock with cataclastic structure.

a) Schist
b) Marble
c) Slate
d) Augen gneiss

Answer: c
Explanation: The effect of shearing and crushing in the metamorphic rocks undergone metamorphism can be
observed in rocks spread over wide areas. Rocks like crush breccia, mylonite and slate show this type of structure.

180. Structure involving flaky or rod-like structures is

a) Cataclastic structure
b) Schistose structure
c) Gneissose structure
d) Maculose structure

Answer: b
Explanation: The rock with schistose structure is made up of broadly parallel or sub-parallel layers or bands of flaky,
platy or rod-like minerals making it very weak in the direction of parallelism.

181. The structure which also has flaky appearance and bands other than schistose is
a) Cataclastic structure
b) Schistose structure
c) Gneissose structure
d) Maculose structure

Answer: c
Explanation: In gneissose structure. Bands or folia of platy and flaky minerals alternate with those of
equidimensional and granular minerals.

182. Gneissose is indicative of advance degree of metamorphism. State true or false.

a) True
b) False

Answer: a
Explanation: The gneissose texture is indicative of an advance degree of metamorphism under combined action of
high temperature, high pressure and active participation of fluids.

183. Structure involving porphyroblasts is

a) Cataclastic structure
b) Schistose structure
c) Gneissose structure
d) Maculose structure

Answer: d
Explanation: Maculose structure is characterized by a spotted appearance of the rock that may be caused due to the
formation of large-sized crystals called porphyroblasts within an otherwise fine grained rock.

184. The structure similar to maculose is

a) Cataclastic structure
b) Schistose structure
c) Augen structure
d) Maculose structure

Answer: c
Explanation: Augen structure is broadly similar to maculose type and is typical of metamorphic rocks in which the
effects of crushing under pressure are clearly associated with recrystallization.

185. Which structure has lens-like shaped structure?

a) Cataclastic structure
b) Schistose structure
c) Augen structure
d) Maculose structure

Answer: c
Explanation: In augen structure, some resistant minerals get deformed into thin, lenticular, lens like shapes giving a
characteristic appearance to the rock.

186. The metamorphic rocks showing granulose structure is

a) Gneiss
b) Slate
c) Schist
d) Marble

Answer: d
Explanation: Granulose structure is a typical structure of metamorphic rocks like marble and quartzite and is
characterized by an essentially granular character of the constituent minerals.