Question map
Which one of the following minerals contains mostly silica?
Explanation
Quartz is a specific chemical compound composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), also known as silica. It is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's crust and is characterized by its high silica content, often reaching nearly 100% in its pure form. In contrast, other minerals listed are complex silicates that include various other elements. Mica consists of potassium, aluminium, magnesium, and iron in addition to silica [1]. Olivine is primarily composed of magnesium, iron, and silica [1], while pyroxene contains calcium, aluminium, magnesium, and iron alongside silica [1]. While all these minerals are silicates, quartz is the only one that is essentially pure silica (silicon dioxide). Acidic rocks, which are silica-rich, are typically characterized by a high content of quartz and feldspar [3].
Sources
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 13: Types of Rocks & Rock Cycle > 13.5. Some Rock-Forming Minerals > p. 176
- [3] NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 5: Print Culture and the Modern World > Non-Metallic Minerals > p. 111