MCQ Detailed View

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals found on Earth and is widely known for its hardness, transparency, and glass-like appearance. Its chemical name is Silicon Dioxide, and its chemical formula is SiO₂. This compound is made of one atom of silicon (Si) bonded with two atoms of oxygen (O).

Quartz forms naturally in the Earth's crust and is a primary component of many rocks, especially igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary types. It crystallizes in a hexagonal structure and can appear in many colors, including clear (rock crystal), purple (amethyst), pink (rose quartz), and yellow (citrine), depending on trace impurities present in the mineral.

Silicon dioxide is a covalent compound, meaning the atoms are held together by shared electrons. The strong Si–O bonds make quartz extremely hard and resistant to weathering, ranking 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. This durability is why quartz is commonly used in making glass, ceramics, watches, electronics, and construction materials.

The other options are incorrect:

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  Stannous oxide (SnO) is a compound of tin and oxygen, unrelated to quartz.

  
  


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  Aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) is found in corundum and sapphire, not quartz.

  
  


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  "None" is incorrect because quartz has a well-defined chemical name and formula.

  
  

Quartz plays an important role in geology, chemistry, and industrial applications, making it a vital mineral for both natural processes and human use. Its chemical identity as silicon dioxide is a fundamental concept in mineral chemistry, highlighting how elements combine to form the natural substances we see around us.

Thus, the chemical name of quartz is Silicon Dioxide, making option A the correct answer.