Sarkari RiseLogin
CDS 2025 · PYQ · Geomorphology / Minerals and Rocks · medium

Identify the Mineral on the basis of the following characteristics relating to it : I. It is usually a greenish crystal. II. It is often found in basaltic rocks. III. Magnesium, iron and silica are its major elements. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. A.Amphibolite
  2. B.Feldspar
  3. C.Pyroxene
  4. D.Olivine✓ Correct

Explanation

Olivine is a magnesium-iron silicate mineral (chemical formula (Mg,Fe)2SiO4) that typically occurs as olive-green crystals, giving it its name. It is one of the most common minerals in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks, especially basalt and peridotite. Its major constituents are magnesium, iron, and silica, matching all three characteristics. Amphibolite is a rock, not a mineral. Feldspar contains aluminium, sodium, potassium or calcium silicates and is not characteristically green. Pyroxene, although also found in basalt and containing Mg-Fe-Si, is typically dark green to black and is more chain-silicate in structure. Hence olivine is the correct identification.
💡 Practice unlimited CDS PYQs + AI-tracked progress on each topic. Sign up free →

Want more CDS practice?

Free daily 10-Q quiz · adaptive mocks · 4,000+ verified PYQs · AI doubt solver in Hindi + English

Sign up freeMore Geomorphology / Minerals and Rocks practice