Q. Consider the following statements:
1.Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue sedimentary rock primarily composed of quartz.
2.The intense blue colour of Lapis Lazuli comes mainly from Lazurite.
3.Lapis Lazuli rock is mostly found in Afghanistan.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanations –
Statement 1 is incorrect. Lapis Lazuli is not a sedimentary rock; it is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of lazurite, along with other minerals such as calcite, pyrite, and sodalite.
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The vivid blue colour of Lapis Lazuli is primarily due to lazurite, which contains sulphur radicals that produce the characteristic blue hue. Afghanistan, particularly the Sar-e-Sang mines in Badakhshan Province, is the world’s leading source of high-quality Lapis Lazuli. It has been mined there for thousands of years and remains the primary commercial source.
Source: Forum IAS
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