Question

which statement is not an example of a way a mineral can form?
a. dissolved substances crystallize on the bottom of a lake as dolomite.

b. a tourmaline crystal forms from magma cooling very slowly underground.

c. pressure underground causes particles in rock to reorganize, forming garnet.

d. scientists grow a diamond under laboratory conditions.

Explanation:

• Option A: Dolomite forms when dissolved minerals crystallize in lake beds, which is a valid sedimentary mineral formation process.
• Option B: Tourmaline is an igneous mineral that forms as magma cools slowly underground, which is a correct igneous mineral formation method.
• Option C: Garnet forms through metamorphism, where underground pressure and heat rearrange rock particles, this is a valid metamorphic mineral formation process.
• Option D: While scientists can synthesize diamond in labs, this is not a natural way minerals form (minerals are defined as naturally occurring substances), so this is not an example of natural mineral formation.

Answer:

D. Scientists grow a diamond under laboratory conditions.