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List the minerals found in soil from LARGEST to SMALLEST?

A)Quartz
B)Feldspar
C)Clay
D)Silt

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The order of minerals in soil from largest to smallest, considering both abundance and particle size, is B) Feldspar, A) Quartz, C) Clay, D) Silt.

Step-by-step explanation:

The minerals found in soil can be listed from largest to smallest based on their abundance and grain size. Given the options A) Quartz, B) Feldspar, C) Clay, and D) Silt, we have to consider both the mineral content and the size of the particles that make up the soil. According to geological information, quartz is one of the most common and recognizable minerals in the Earth's crust. Feldspar is the most abundant mineral on Earth and is a major component of many rocks. Clay minerals, while very fine-grained, are not as abundant in the Earth's crust as quartz and feldspar. Silt is made up of fine particles but is not a mineral itself; rather, it contains minerals such as quartz and feldspar.

Therefore, the correct order from largest to smallest, considering abundance and typical particle size, is:

  1. Feldspar
  2. Quartz
  3. Clay
  4. Silt

It should be noted that 'largest to smallest' can refer to either the size of the mineral grains or their relative abundance. In this case, the answer accounts for both considerations to provide a comprehensive response.

User Jeffrey DeLeo
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