Which mineral is described as a major component of sand and granite, known for being insoluble in water?
APyroxene
BQuartz
CFeldspar
DSulfur
Answer:
B. Quartz
Read Explanation:
Quartz: A Detailed Overview
Composition and Properties:
- Chemical Formula: Quartz is silicon dioxide (SiO2).
- Insolubility: It is highly resistant to weathering and is practically insoluble in water and most acids, except hydrofluoric acid.
- Hardness: Quartz ranks 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it a relatively hard mineral.
- Crystal System: It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system.
Occurrence and Uses:
- Abundance: Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust, second only to feldspar.
- Major Component: It is a primary constituent of many igneous rocks (like granite), metamorphic rocks (like quartzite), and sedimentary rocks (like sandstone). It is indeed a major component of sand found on beaches and deserts.
- Industrial Applications:
- Glassmaking: Used extensively in the manufacturing of glass and ceramics.
- Electronics: Piezoelectric properties of quartz are utilized in watches, clocks, and electronic oscillators.
- Construction: Crushed quartz is used in construction materials.
- Jewelry: Varieties like amethyst, citrine, and rose quartz are used as gemstones.
Geological Significance:
- Formation: Quartz can form in various geological environments, including magmatic, metamorphic, and hydrothermal processes.
- Fossilization: Its resistance to weathering allows it to preserve fossils, and it is the primary mineral in sandstone, a common rock for fossil preservation.