Which mineral is composed of multiple elements including sodium, calcium, and magnesium?

Which mineral is composed of multiple elements including sodium, calcium, and magnesium?

• A. Quartz
• B. Amphibole
• C. Feldspar
• D. Calcite

Answer: (B)

The mineral composed of multiple elements, including sodium, calcium, and magnesium, is amphibole. Amphibole is a group of silicate minerals that have a complex structure and are known for their composition of various metal ions such as sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg), along with silica and other elements. This makes amphibole a valuable index mineral in geological studies, particularly in metamorphic and igneous rocks. In contrast, quartz is a single-element mineral made primarily of silicon and oxygen (SiO2) and does not contain sodium, calcium, or magnesium. Feldspar, while it includes potassium, sodium, and calcium in its composition, does not typically include magnesium as a primary element. Calcite, primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), does not include sodium or magnesium in its structure. Thus, amphibole stands out as the mineral that fits the criteria specified in the question.

The mineral composed of multiple elements, including sodium, calcium, and magnesium, is amphibole. Amphibole is a group of silicate minerals that have a complex structure and are known for their composition of various metal ions such as sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg), along with silica and other elements. This makes amphibole a valuable index mineral in geological studies, particularly in metamorphic and igneous rocks.

In contrast, quartz is a single-element mineral made primarily of silicon and oxygen (SiO2) and does not contain sodium, calcium, or magnesium. Feldspar, while it includes potassium, sodium, and calcium in its composition, does not typically include magnesium as a primary element. Calcite, primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), does not include sodium or magnesium in its structure. Thus, amphibole stands out as the mineral that fits the criteria specified in the question.