Which of the following is a metal mineral?(1 point)
Responses
ruby
ruby
diamond
diamond
emerald
emerald
gold
gold
The metal mineral in the given list is gold.
The metal mineral among the given responses is gold. To determine this, we need to understand the characteristics of each option and identify the one that is a metal mineral.
1. Ruby: Ruby is a gemstone, specifically a form of the mineral corundum, which consists of aluminum oxide. It is not a metal mineral.
2. Diamond: Diamond is another gemstone, made up of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure. Similar to ruby, it is not a metal mineral.
3. Emerald: Emerald is yet another gemstone, a variety of the mineral beryl, which is composed of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate. It is also not a metal mineral.
4. Gold: Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au, derived from the Latin word "aurum." It is a highly valued metal that is naturally occurring, usually found in a pure form or alloyed with other metals. Therefore, gold is the correct response, as it is a metal mineral.
Thus, among the given responses, gold is the only option that qualifies as a metal mineral.