Question:
Which of the following is the primary mineral of soils?
Which of the following is the primary mineral of soils?
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Primary minerals (Quartz, Feldspars, Micas) dominate the sand and silt fractions of soils. Secondary minerals (Clay minerals, Iron/Aluminum oxides) dominate the clay fraction.
Updated On: Aug 13, 2026
- Silicon
- Alumina
- Oxides of iron
- Feldspars
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Soil minerals are divided into primary and secondary minerals based on their origin and formation processes.
Primary minerals are formed at high temperatures and pressures in igneous or metamorphic rocks and remain chemically unchanged from the parent rock.
Secondary minerals are formed through the weathering of primary minerals under low-temperature surface conditions.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the given options:
- Silicon and Alumina: These are chemical elements/oxides (silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide) that serve as basic structural units of minerals, not minerals themselves.
- Oxides of iron: Minerals such as hematite, goethite, and limonite are secondary minerals formed by the weathering and oxidation of iron-bearing primary minerals.
- Feldspars: This is a group of rock-forming aluminosilicate minerals (such as orthoclase, microcline, and plagioclase). Feldspars are primary minerals because they crystallize directly from cooling magma. They are the most abundant primary minerals in the Earth's crust and represent a significant component of the sand and silt fractions of soils.
Thus, Feldspars are classified as primary soil minerals.
Step 2: Final Answer:
The primary mineral of soils among the given options is Feldspars.
Soil minerals are divided into primary and secondary minerals based on their origin and formation processes.
Primary minerals are formed at high temperatures and pressures in igneous or metamorphic rocks and remain chemically unchanged from the parent rock.
Secondary minerals are formed through the weathering of primary minerals under low-temperature surface conditions.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the given options:
- Silicon and Alumina: These are chemical elements/oxides (silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide) that serve as basic structural units of minerals, not minerals themselves.
- Oxides of iron: Minerals such as hematite, goethite, and limonite are secondary minerals formed by the weathering and oxidation of iron-bearing primary minerals.
- Feldspars: This is a group of rock-forming aluminosilicate minerals (such as orthoclase, microcline, and plagioclase). Feldspars are primary minerals because they crystallize directly from cooling magma. They are the most abundant primary minerals in the Earth's crust and represent a significant component of the sand and silt fractions of soils.
Thus, Feldspars are classified as primary soil minerals.
Step 2: Final Answer:
The primary mineral of soils among the given options is Feldspars.
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