Question

Arrange the following minerals in a sequence of very low to very high weatherability. A. Zircon, B. Muscovite, C. Apatite, D. Olivine.

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

Hint:

Zircon is highly resistant to weathering, while olivine weathers very easily.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
Minerals differ in their resistance to weathering. Stable minerals weather slowly, while unstable minerals weather rapidly.

Step 1: Very low weatherability.
Zircon is highly resistant to weathering. Hence, it has very low weatherability. \[ \text{Very low}=A \]

Step 2: Low to moderate weatherability.
Muscovite is more weatherable than zircon but less weatherable than apatite and olivine. \[ \text{Next}=B \]

Step 3: Higher weatherability.
Apatite is more easily weathered than muscovite. \[ \text{Next}=C \]

Step 4: Very high weatherability.
Olivine is highly susceptible to weathering. \[ \text{Very high}=D \] Therefore, the correct order is: \[ A,B,C,D \] \[ \therefore \text{Correct Answer is (A)} \]