Which items are TRUE about minerals? Select the three correct answers.(2 points)

Responses

Rocks are the components that make up minerals.
Rocks are the components that make up minerals.

Minerals are the components that make up rocks.
Minerals are the components that make up rocks.

Minerals can only be identified by their color and hardness.
Minerals can only be identified by their color and hardness.

Minerals are naturally occurring substances.
Minerals are naturally occurring substances.

Observing one property is often the best way to identify minerals.
Observing one property is often the best way to identify minerals.

Minerals are made of one element or one compound of elements.

Minerals are naturally occurring substances.

Minerals are made of one element or one compound of elements.

Observing one property is often the best way to identify minerals.

The three correct answers are:

1. Minerals are naturally occurring substances.
2. Observing one property is often the best way to identify minerals.
3. Minerals are made of one element or one compound of elements.

To determine the correct answers, we need to understand the characteristics of minerals. Here's how we can identify them:

1. Rocks are not the components that make up minerals. Rocks are composed of minerals, not the other way around. So, we can eliminate the options "Rocks are the components that make up minerals" and "Minerals are the components that make up rocks."

2. Minerals can be identified by a combination of properties, not just by their color and hardness. While color and hardness are two important properties, there are other properties like luster, crystal structure, cleavage, and specific gravity that help in identifying minerals. Hence, we can eliminate the option "Minerals can only be identified by their color and hardness."

3. Minerals are naturally occurring substances that are formed through natural geological processes. This is a true statement and is one of the fundamental characteristics of minerals. Therefore, the option "Minerals are naturally occurring substances" is correct.

4. Observing one property may not always be sufficient to identify minerals accurately. As mentioned earlier, multiple properties need to be considered to identify minerals. So, we can eliminate the option "Observing one property is often the best way to identify minerals."

5. Minerals can be composed of one or more elements or compounds of elements. It is not necessary for minerals to be made of just one element or compound. Therefore, we can eliminate the option "Minerals are made of one element or one compound of elements."

Based on the above analysis, the three correct answers about minerals are:

1. Minerals are naturally occurring substances.
2. Observing one property is often the best way to identify minerals.
3. Minerals are made of one element or one compound of elements.