Explain some important minerals and their characteristics.

Explanation

Some major minerals and their VI characteristics
(i) Feldspar: Silicon and oxygen are common elements in all types of feldspar and sodium, potassium, calcium, aluminium etc. are found in specific feldspar variety.
(ii) Quartz: It is one of the most important components of sand and granite. It consists of silica. It is a hard mineral virtually insoluble in water.
(iii) Pyroxcnc: Pyroxcne consists of calcium, aluminum, magnesium, iron and silica. Pyroxene forms 10 per cent of the earth.s crust.
(iv) Amphibole: Aluminium, calcium, silica, iron, magnesium are the major elements of amphiboles. They form 7 per cent of the earth.s crust.
(v) Mica: It comprises o fpotassium, aluminium, magnesium, iron, silica etc. It forms 4 per cent of the earth.s crust.
(vi) Olivine: Magnesium, iron and silica are major elements of olivine. It is used in jewellery. It is usually a greenish crystal, often found in basaltic rocks.