Which of the following is the correct ascending order of the given minerals in terms of their presence in the Earth’s crust?
1.Amphibolite
2.Mica
3.Pyroxene
Select the answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is 2, 1, 3.

Key Points

• Amphibolite is a metamorphic rock that primarily consists of amphibole minerals (e.g., hornblende) and plagioclase feldspar. It is less abundant in the Earth's crust compared to silicate minerals.
• Mica is a group of silicate minerals known for their sheet-like structure. Mica, particularly biotite and muscovite, is more commonly found than amphibole-based rocks in the Earth's crust.
• Pyroxene is a group of silicate minerals that are more prevalent in the Earth's crust compared to both amphibolite and mica. It is an essential mineral in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks.
• The correct ascending order based on their abundance in the Earth's crust is Amphibolite (least abundant), Mica, and Pyroxene (most abundant).
• This order is consistent with the general distribution of minerals in the Earth's crust, where silicate minerals dominate.

Additional Information

• Earth's Crust Composition: The Earth's crust is composed primarily of oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium, with silicate minerals being the most dominant.
• Silicate Minerals: These minerals form over 90% of the Earth's crust and include groups such as feldspar, quartz, pyroxenes, amphiboles, and micas.
• Pyroxene Group: Pyroxenes are single-chain inosilicates, commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. They are more abundant than amphiboles.
• Mica Group: Micas are phyllosilicates and include muscovite (light-colored) and biotite (dark-colored). They are widely distributed but less abundant than pyroxenes.
• Amphiboles: Amphiboles are double-chain inosilicates and are typically found in metamorphic rocks like amphibolite, which are less common than mica and pyroxene in the crust.