Question

Arrange the following in the increasing order of their specific gravity:
A. Magnetite,
B. Hypersthene,
C. Quartz,
D. Anthophyllite. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B, C, D
• B. A, C, D, B
• C. C, D, B, A
• D. B, C, D, A

Hint:

Magnetite has high specific gravity because it is rich in iron.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Specific gravity is the density of a mineral relative to water. Heavy minerals have higher specific gravity.

Step 1: Identify the lowest specific gravity.
Quartz has relatively low specific gravity, about \(2.65\). \[ \text{Quartz}=C \] So, \[ C \text{ comes first} \]

Step 2: Compare anthophyllite and hypersthene.
Anthophyllite has higher specific gravity than quartz but generally lower than hypersthene. \[ D<B \]

Step 3: Identify the highest specific gravity.
Magnetite is an iron oxide mineral and has high specific gravity. \[ \text{Magnetite}=A \] So, \[ A \text{ comes last in increasing order} \]

Step 4: Final increasing order.
The increasing order is: \[ \text{Quartz}<\text{Anthophyllite}<\text{Hypersthene}<\text{Magnetite} \] Using letters: \[ C<D<B<A \] \[ \therefore \text{Correct Answer is (C)} \]