Mercury is to planet as emerald is to which?

Mercury is to planet as emerald is to which?

• A. Metal
• B. Mineral
• C. Gemstone
• D. Liquid

Answer: (C)

Think in terms of categories: Mercury is a planet, a broad class of celestial objects. Emerald is a gemstone, the common category for decorative stones used in jewelry. While emerald is scientifically a mineral, the intended relation relies on the everyday grouping that people use—gemstone. The other options don’t fit: metal describes a category of elements, liquid is a state of matter, and mineral is a correct but less specific category in this context. So gemstone is the best match.

Think in terms of categories: Mercury is a planet, a broad class of celestial objects. Emerald is a gemstone, the common category for decorative stones used in jewelry. While emerald is scientifically a mineral, the intended relation relies on the everyday grouping that people use—gemstone. The other options don’t fit: metal describes a category of elements, liquid is a state of matter, and mineral is a correct but less specific category in this context. So gemstone is the best match.