Which of the following statements is true?

Question

Minerals can be elements or compounds.
Graphite and gold are examples of gemstones.
Minerals can be solids or liquids.
Triclinic crystals have more right angles than isometric crystals.

Answer 1

The true statement is:

Minerals can be elements or compounds.

To clarify the other statements:

• Graphite and gold are not examples of gemstones; gemstones are typically precious or semi-precious stones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.
• Minerals are generally solid and crystalline, although there are some exceptions in specific contexts (like liquid minerals at high temperatures), but commonly, minerals are recognized as solid.
• Triclinic crystals have no right angles, whereas isometric (cubic) crystals have three right angles. Therefore, this statement is also false.

So, the only correct statement is that minerals can be elements or compounds.