Question map
Which of the following is the correct ascending order of the given minerals in terms of their presence in the Earth's crust ? 1. Amphibolite 2. Mica 3. Pyroxene Select the answer using the code given below :
Explanation
The Earth's crust is composed of various rock-forming minerals with distinct relative abundances. Pyroxene is a major group of silicate minerals, typically comprising about 11% of the Earth's crust, and is commonly found in basic igneous rocks and meteorites [1]. Amphiboles, which are the primary constituents of the metamorphic rock amphibolite, are also significant but generally less abundant than pyroxenes in the overall crustal volume, often forming as alterations of pyroxenes. Mica, consisting of elements like potassium and aluminum, forms approximately 4% of the Earth's crust [1]. Therefore, in ascending order of their presence in the Earth's crust, the sequence is Mica (4%), followed by Amphibole (as the mineral component of amphibolite), and then Pyroxene (11%). This corresponds to the sequence 2, 1, 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