Question

Which one is the correct order of stability of the minerals (arranged from the most stable to the least stable) during chemical Weathering?

• A. Muscovite > Amphibole > Quartz > Olivine
• B. Quartz> Amphibolc > Olivine> Muscovite
• C. Quartz > Muscovite > Amphibole > Olivine
• D. Muscovite > Olivine > Quartz > Amphibole

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine the correct order of stability of minerals during chemical weathering, we need to understand how different minerals resist chemical breakdown. This resistance is influenced by the bonds within the mineral's structure and the environments in which they form.

1. Quartz: Quartz is highly stable during chemical weathering. It has a strong, covalent bond structure and is commonly found in sedimentary deposits due to its resistance to weathering.
2. Muscovite: Muscovite, a type of mica, is also relatively stable. It weathers more slowly than many other minerals because it forms in the latter stages of the Bowen's reaction series, indicating it is formed under more stable conditions.
3. Amphibole: Amphibole is less stable compared to quartz and muscovite. It tends to weather into clay minerals under geochemical weathering conditions.
4. Olivine: Olivine is one of the least stable minerals regarding chemical weathering. It forms early in the Bowen's reaction series and weathers quickly to form serpentine and other secondary minerals.

Based on these characteristics, the correct order of stability from most stable to least stable is:

Quartz > Muscovite > Amphibole > Olivine

This is because quartz is the most resistant to weathering, followed by muscovite, then amphibole, and finally olivine, which is the least stable when exposed to weathering processes.