Earth Science II Geology · Minerals
Virginia SOL GEO.2
Virginia SOL GEO.2 is part of the Minerals strand in Earth Science II Geology (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate mineral formation, structure, properties, identification, distribution, and uses. Below is what GEO.2 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice GEO.2 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL GEO.2 means
Investigate mineral formation, structure, properties, identification, distribution, and uses.
Skills you’ll practice for GEO.2
- Develop and use a model to explain mineral formation and resulting characteristics.
- Explain how the structure of a mineral results in specific mineral properties.
- Plan and conduct an investigation to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of minerals.
- Explain how physical and chemical characteristics are used in mineral identification.
- Make, support, and evaluate a claim about the cost and benefits of obtaining, refining, and utilizing mineral resources.
- Analyze the distribution of mineral resources of Virginia and compare to global distribution.
- Evaluate how the properties of minerals determine their use.
Key concepts covered by GEO.2
- mineral formation
- crystal structure
- modeling
- geologic processes
- mineral structure
- crystal lattice
- physical properties
- chemical properties
- mineral identification
- investigation
- hardness
- streak
- luster
- cleavage
- specific gravity
- mineral resources
- economic geology
- cost-benefit analysis
- sustainability
- mineral distribution
- Virginia geology
- global resources
- mineral properties
- industrial uses
- economic minerals
- material science
How to study and practice SOL GEO.2
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether GEO.2 is already solid, then work each skill above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide and how to study for the SOL test.
Frequently asked questions about SOL GEO.2
What is Virginia SOL GEO.2?
SOL GEO.2 is a Earth Science II Geology Standard of Learning in the Minerals strand. It expects students to investigate mineral formation, structure, properties, identification, distribution, and uses.
What skills does SOL GEO.2 cover?
SOL GEO.2 is assessed on 7 skills: develop and use a model to explain mineral formation and resulting characteristics; explain how the structure of a mineral results in specific mineral properties; plan and conduct an investigation to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of minerals; explain how physical and chemical characteristics are used in mineral identification; make, support, and evaluate a claim about the cost and benefits of obtaining, refining, and utilizing mineral resources; analyze the distribution of mineral resources of Virginia and compare to global distribution; evaluate how the properties of minerals determine their use.
What strand of Earth Science II Geology is SOL GEO.2 in?
SOL GEO.2 belongs to the Minerals reporting strand of the Earth Science II Geology Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL GEO.2?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether GEO.2 is already solid, then work the 7 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.