How do we determine if some metal will undergo passivation under suitable environment? The passivity of certain metal fall in order:
$\ce{Ti-&gt;Al-&gt;Cr-&gt;Be-&gt;Mo-&gt;Mg-&gt;Ni-&gt;Co-&gt;Fe-&gt;Mn-&gt;Zn-&gt;Cd-&gt;Sn-&gt;Pb-&gt;Cu}$

Can we predict the order of passivation theoretically?
There is not much we can do. It is certainly not a property that is explained by a rigorously established single measurable parameter like oxidation potential. Passivation is a delicate interplay of multiple factors, some of which are not even related to the metal itself (remember, a metal may be passive in some environments, but not in the others).

However some trends can be observed. Surely, having a hard, high-melting, and chemically inert oxide does help a lot.