Building Stones MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Minerals have specific physical properties like tenacity, which describes how they react when cut, crushed, or bent.

Step-by-step solution

1. Identify the property being asked: the ability of a mineral to be cut with a knife. 2. Review the terms for mineral tenacity: 'Malleable' means it can be hammered into sheets, 'Ductile' means it can be drawn into wires, and 'Sectile' means it can be cut smoothly with a knife. 3. 'Parting' is a type of breakage similar to cleavage but occurs along planes of structural weakness. 4. Since the question asks for the property of being cut with a knife, the correct term is Sectile. Answer: (B) Sectile

Explanation

Sectile minerals can be cut into thin shavings with a knife without crumbling. This is a sub-property of tenacity used to identify minerals like Gypsum or Graphite. It helps engineers understand how easily a rock mineral might be shaped or damaged.

Why the other options are wrong

A: Parting is a mineral's tendency to break along certain planes due to pressure, not cutting. C: Malleable means the mineral can be hammered into thin sheets without breaking. D: Ductile means the mineral can be pulled or drawn out into a long wire.

Shortcut

Think of 'Sectile' as 'Sectioning' or cutting with a blade.

Common mistake

Students often confuse 'Sectile' with 'Malleable', but malleability is about hammering, not cutting.