Arrange the following in increasing order of weathering vulnerability:
A. Halite B. Carbonate C. Quartz D. Feldspar E. Olivine
Choose the correct answer:

Correct option is C

The correct order in increasing order of weathering vulnerability is:
1. C. Quartz (Least vulnerable)
2. D. Feldspar
3. E. Olivine
4. B. Carbonate
5. A. Halite (Most vulnerable)
Therefore, the correct answer is Option (c): C, D, E, B, A.
Explanation:
· Weathering vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of minerals to break down under physical, chemical, or biological processes.
1. Quartz (C):
· Least vulnerable to weathering due to its strong crystal structure (SiO₂).
· Resistant to both physical and chemical weathering.
2. Feldspar (D):
· More vulnerable than quartz but relatively stable compared to other minerals.
· Common in igneous rocks and breaks down into clay minerals.
3. Olivine (E):
· Weathers quickly under surface conditions because it forms at high temperatures and is unstable at lower temperatures.
4. Carbonate (B):
· Includes minerals like calcite (CaCO₃), which are highly susceptible to chemical weathering by acidic water.
5. Halite (A):
· Most vulnerable to weathering as it is highly soluble in water (NaCl).
· Dissolves rapidly even under mild conditions.
Information Booster:
1. Quartz is the most stable mineral on the Earth's surface.
2. Feldspar forms clay minerals through weathering processes.
3. Olivine is common in mafic and ultramafic rocks but weathers quickly.
4. Carbonates dissolve easily in the presence of weak acids (e.g., carbonic acid).
5. Halite is highly soluble and rarely survives in humid environments.
Additional Knowledge:
· (A) Halite:
· Chemical formula: NaCl
· Dissolves readily in water.
· (B) Carbonate:
· Common example: Calcite (CaCO₃)
· Vulnerable to dissolution in slightly acidic water.
· (C) Quartz:
· Chemical formula: SiO₂
· Extremely resistant to chemical weathering.
· (D) Feldspar:
· Found in igneous rocks, breaks down to form kaolinite (clay minerals).
· (E) Olivine:
· Chemical formula: (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄
· Weathers quickly to form iron oxides and clays.
Key Points:
1. Weathering resistance depends on a mineral's chemical stability.
2. Quartz is highly resistant due to its strong structure.
3. Halite dissolves rapidly in water, making it highly vulnerable.
4. Understanding weathering helps in geology, soil formation, and erosion control.
5. Minerals that form at high temperatures are typically less stable on the Earth’s surface.