Which one of the following minerals isformed by decomposition of rocks...
Explanation:
Bauxite is the mineral that is formed by the decomposition of rocks, leaving a residual mass of weathered material. Let's understand this in detail:
Formation of Bauxite:
1. Bauxite is formed through the weathering and decomposition of rocks in tropical and subtropical areas with a high rainfall.
2. The primary rock types that undergo weathering to form bauxite are igneous rocks such as basalt and granite, and sedimentary rocks like limestone and shale.
3. The process of weathering involves the breakdown of rocks due to exposure to elements such as water, wind, and temperature changes over a long period.
4. The minerals present in the rocks get chemically altered and dissolve, leaving behind a residual mass of weathered material called laterite.
5. Laterite is a reddish-brown soil-like material rich in iron and aluminum oxides, which are the main components of bauxite.
Characteristics of Bauxite:
1. Bauxite is a mixture of various aluminum hydroxide minerals, along with impurities such as silica, iron oxide, and titanium oxide.
2. It typically has a reddish-brown color due to the presence of iron oxide.
3. Bauxite is the main ore of aluminum, which is extracted from it through a refining process called the Bayer process.
4. It is an important industrial mineral used in the production of aluminum metal, as well as in the manufacture of refractory materials, abrasives, and cement.
Other Options:
- Coal: Coal is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of plants under high pressure and temperature over millions of years. It is not formed by the decomposition of rocks.
- Gold: Gold is a native element and is mainly found in veins and alluvial deposits. It is not formed by the decomposition of rocks.
- Zinc: Zinc is a chemical element and is mainly obtained from zinc sulfide ores such as sphalerite. It is not formed by the decomposition of rocks.
Therefore, the correct answer is option B) Bauxite.
Which one of the following minerals isformed by decomposition of rocks...
To determine which mineral is formed by the decomposition of rocks, leaving a residual mass of weathered material, we need to analyze the options provided.
The options are:
A: Coal
B: Bauxite
C: Gold
D: Zinc
To find the correct answer, let's examine each option:
A: Coal
- Coal is not formed by the decomposition of rocks but rather from the remains of plants.
B: Bauxite
- Bauxite is the correct answer. It is a residual mineral formed by the decomposition of rocks, particularly aluminum-rich rocks like granite, through weathering processes.
C: Gold
- Gold is not formed by the decomposition of rocks but is typically found in veins or placer deposits.
D: Zinc
- Zinc is not formed by the decomposition of rocks but is often associated with ore minerals such as sphalerite.
Therefore, the correct answer is B: Bauxite. It is formed by the decomposition of rocks, leaving a residual mass of weathered material.
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