How do mineral substitutions occur?
A) If minerals deep within the Earth's surface melt, elements may mix together and substitute within mineral structures.
B) If minerals in water dissolve, elements may mix together and substitute within mineral structures.
C) Elements that do not have similar ionic charge or size often attract each other and substitute within mineral structures.
D) Elements with similar ionic charge, size, or both substitute for each other within mineral structures.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mineral substitutions occur when elements with similar ionic charge, size, or both substitute for each other within mineral structures. This happens due to the similarities in the chemical properties of the elements, allowing for substitution to occur without disrupting the overall crystal structure of the mineral.

How Do Mineral Substitutions Occur