Question:

Which of the following group of minerals shows highest number of polymorphs?

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Mica minerals commonly show many structural variants because of different layer stacking arrangements.
Updated On: May 19, 2026
  • Pyroxene
  • Olivine
  • Garnet
  • Mica
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Polymorphism means the same chemical composition occurring in more than one crystal structure. In sheet silicates, different stacking arrangements may produce many structural variants.

Step 1: Understand mica group.

Mica minerals are sheet silicates. Their layered structure allows different stacking arrangements.

Step 2: Polymorphs/polytypes in mica.

Because mica layers can stack in several ways, mica commonly shows many polymorphic or polytypic forms. \[ \text{Mica} \Rightarrow \text{large number of polymorphs/polytypes} \]

Step 3: Final answer.

Among the given mineral groups, mica shows the highest number of polymorphs. \[ \therefore \text{Correct Answer is (D)} \]
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