Zircon and tourmaline are dense, highly insoluble, physically tough, chemically stable, minor minerals of igneous and metamorphic rocks. In which sedimentary rock might you expect to find these minerals concentrated?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Zircon and tourmaline are resistant to weathering and erosion due to their physical toughness and chemical stability. They are not easily dissolved in water, making them unlikely to be found in significant quantities in evaporite deposits or limestone, which are formed from chemical precipitation and biological processes, respectively. These minerals are also not typically associated with fine-grained sedimentary rocks like mudstone. Instead, they are more likely to be found in sandstone, especially those formed from quartz-rich beach sand, where their density and resistance to weathering allow them to concentrate.

Zircon and Tourmaline Are Dense, Highly Insoluble, Physically Tough, Chemically