Question

The mineral sequence arranged in order of increasing degree of sharing of (SiO₄)⁴⁻ tetrahedra is

• A. Olivine → Tremolite → Enstatite → Quartz
• B. Olivine → Enstatite → Tremolite → Quartz
• C. Quartz → Tremolite → Enstatite → Olivine
• D. Olivine → Quartz → Enstatite → Tremolite

Hint:

When ordering minerals based on the degree of tetrahedral sharing, remember that minerals with isolated tetrahedra are at the start, and minerals with fully linked tetrahedra are at the end.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the mineral sequence.
The order of increasing degree of sharing of (SiO₄)⁴⁻ tetrahedra refers to how the silicate tetrahedra are linked in minerals. In this context, minerals like Olivine have isolated tetrahedra, while minerals like Quartz have fully linked tetrahedra.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Olivine → Tremolite → Enstatite → Quartz: This is incorrect, as the sequence of increasing tetrahedral sharing is not followed correctly.
(B) Olivine → Enstatite → Tremolite → Quartz: Correct — This sequence correctly reflects the increasing degree of tetrahedral sharing, from isolated in Olivine to fully linked in Quartz.
(C) Quartz → Tremolite → Enstatite → Olivine: Incorrect, as Quartz should be at the end.
(D) Olivine → Quartz → Enstatite → Tremolite: Incorrect, as Quartz should be at the end in terms of tetrahedral sharing.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) Olivine → Enstatite → Tremolite → Quartz.