GL101 EXAM REVIEW 2026/2027 | QUESTION AND ANSWER
Geology 101: Introduction to Physical Geology Comprehensive Examination | Core Domains: Earth
Materials & Mineral Identification, Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic Rocks, Plate Tectonics &
Earth Structure, Geological Time & Stratigraphy, Surface Processes (Weathering, Erosion, Mass
Wasting), Water & Glacial Systems, Earthquakes & Seismology, and Natural Resources &
Environmental Geology | Introductory Earth Science Focus
Exam Structure
The GL101 Exam for the 2026/2027 academic cycle is a comprehensive, 75-question multiple-choice
assessment that tests foundational knowledge of geological processes, Earth materials, and the
application of geological principles to understand Earth's past, present, and future.
Introduction
This GL101 Exam Review for the 2026/2027 academic year provides essential questions and verified
answers to prepare students for the introductory geology final. It emphasizes the scientific method in
geology, the interconnectedness of Earth systems, and the ability to apply basic geological concepts to
interpret rocks, landscapes, and geologic hazards.
Answer Format
All correct geological identifications, process explanations, and principle applications are presented in
bold green, followed by clear rationales in black italic font that describe the physical properties,
formation processes, and scientific evidence supporting each geological concept and observation.
SECTION 1: EARTH MATERIALS & MINERAL IDENTIFICATION (10 MCQs)
Question 1
Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of minerals?
1. Naturally occurring.
2. Inorganic.
3. Solid.
4. Organic.
Correct Answer: D) Organic.
Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and crystalline
structure. Organic materials, such as coal or pearls, are not considered minerals.
,Question 2
What is the hardest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale?
1. Quartz.
2. Topaz.
3. Corundum.
4. Diamond.
Correct Answer: D) Diamond.
Diamond is the hardest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale, with a hardness of 10.
Question 3
Which mineral is known for its perfect cleavage in one direction?
1. Quartz.
2. Feldspar.
3. Mica.
4. Calcite.
Correct Answer: C) Mica.
Mica exhibits perfect cleavage in one direction, allowing it to be split into thin, flexible sheets.
Question 4
Which of the following minerals reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl)?
1. Quartz.
2. Calcite.
3. Hematite.
4. Galena.
Correct Answer: B) Calcite.
Calcite reacts with hydrochloric acid by effervescing (fizzing), due to the release of carbon dioxide gas.
, Question 5
What is the primary diagnostic property of halite?
1. Color.
2. Taste.
3. Streak.
4. Luster.
Correct Answer: B) Taste.
Halite (rock salt) is diagnosed primarily by its salty taste, though tasting minerals is generally
discouraged in practice.
Question 6
Which mineral has a metallic luster?
1. Quartz.
2. Pyrite.
3. Calcite.
4. Feldspar.
Correct Answer: B) Pyrite.
Pyrite, also known as "fool's gold," exhibits a metallic luster due to its reflective surface.
Question 7
Which of the following is NOT a silicate mineral?
1. Quartz.
2. Feldspar.
3. Calcite.
4. Mica.
Correct Answer: C) Calcite.
Calcite is a carbonate mineral, while quartz, feldspar, and mica are silicate minerals.
Geology 101: Introduction to Physical Geology Comprehensive Examination | Core Domains: Earth
Materials & Mineral Identification, Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic Rocks, Plate Tectonics &
Earth Structure, Geological Time & Stratigraphy, Surface Processes (Weathering, Erosion, Mass
Wasting), Water & Glacial Systems, Earthquakes & Seismology, and Natural Resources &
Environmental Geology | Introductory Earth Science Focus
Exam Structure
The GL101 Exam for the 2026/2027 academic cycle is a comprehensive, 75-question multiple-choice
assessment that tests foundational knowledge of geological processes, Earth materials, and the
application of geological principles to understand Earth's past, present, and future.
Introduction
This GL101 Exam Review for the 2026/2027 academic year provides essential questions and verified
answers to prepare students for the introductory geology final. It emphasizes the scientific method in
geology, the interconnectedness of Earth systems, and the ability to apply basic geological concepts to
interpret rocks, landscapes, and geologic hazards.
Answer Format
All correct geological identifications, process explanations, and principle applications are presented in
bold green, followed by clear rationales in black italic font that describe the physical properties,
formation processes, and scientific evidence supporting each geological concept and observation.
SECTION 1: EARTH MATERIALS & MINERAL IDENTIFICATION (10 MCQs)
Question 1
Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of minerals?
1. Naturally occurring.
2. Inorganic.
3. Solid.
4. Organic.
Correct Answer: D) Organic.
Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and crystalline
structure. Organic materials, such as coal or pearls, are not considered minerals.
,Question 2
What is the hardest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale?
1. Quartz.
2. Topaz.
3. Corundum.
4. Diamond.
Correct Answer: D) Diamond.
Diamond is the hardest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale, with a hardness of 10.
Question 3
Which mineral is known for its perfect cleavage in one direction?
1. Quartz.
2. Feldspar.
3. Mica.
4. Calcite.
Correct Answer: C) Mica.
Mica exhibits perfect cleavage in one direction, allowing it to be split into thin, flexible sheets.
Question 4
Which of the following minerals reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl)?
1. Quartz.
2. Calcite.
3. Hematite.
4. Galena.
Correct Answer: B) Calcite.
Calcite reacts with hydrochloric acid by effervescing (fizzing), due to the release of carbon dioxide gas.
, Question 5
What is the primary diagnostic property of halite?
1. Color.
2. Taste.
3. Streak.
4. Luster.
Correct Answer: B) Taste.
Halite (rock salt) is diagnosed primarily by its salty taste, though tasting minerals is generally
discouraged in practice.
Question 6
Which mineral has a metallic luster?
1. Quartz.
2. Pyrite.
3. Calcite.
4. Feldspar.
Correct Answer: B) Pyrite.
Pyrite, also known as "fool's gold," exhibits a metallic luster due to its reflective surface.
Question 7
Which of the following is NOT a silicate mineral?
1. Quartz.
2. Feldspar.
3. Calcite.
4. Mica.
Correct Answer: C) Calcite.
Calcite is a carbonate mineral, while quartz, feldspar, and mica are silicate minerals.
