Minerals Short Notes
Minerals Short Notes
Minerals have become an important part of our lives. From the smallest articles such as pins
to the biggest products such as aeroplanes and railways are made of minerals. Most minerals
are found in the Earth’s crust.
Occurrence of Minerals
Minerals are naturally occurring, homogeneous substances with a definite chemical
composition. Minerals occur in the following forms:
• In metamorphic and igneous rocks, minerals are obtained from cracks, faults and joints.
The smaller cracks where minerals occur are called veins, while bigger fissures, crevices
or joints are called lodes. When minerals in liquid and gaseous forms are forced upwards
through cracks and fissures of the rocks, they cool and solidify. Examples: Copper, zinc,
tin, lead
• Minerals occur in the layers of sedimentary rocks. They are formed as a result of
deposition and concentration in horizontal layers under extreme heat and pressure.
Examples: Coal and iron ore. Minerals such as sodium salt and gypsum are formed as a
result of evaporation in dry regions.
• When the surface of the rocks decomposes, weathered materials are left behind resulting
in the formation of minerals. Example: Bauxite
• Some minerals occur as alluvial deposits at the base of hills or on the valley floor.
Examples: Gold, silver, platinum
• Many minerals are found in the oceans. Examples: Magnesium, bromine, common
salt India is rich in minerals, and varieties of minerals are found here. Types of Minerals
There are ferrous, non-ferrous, metallic and non-metallic minerals. Ferrous minerals
contain iron and have a tendency to corrode. Non-ferrous minerals do not contain iron, are
not magnetic and are resistant to corrosion.
Differences between metallic and non-metallic minerals:
Metallic Minerals Non-metallic Minerals
Metallic minerals contain metal in raw form. Non-metallic minerals do not contain metals.
These metals are associated with igneous These metals are associated with sedimentary
rocks. rocks.
They are usually hard and have a shine of They are not usually hard and have no shine of
their own. their own.
Examples: Iron, copper, bauxite, tin Examples: Salt, coal, mica, clay
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Metallic minerals
Metallic minerals are composed of metals in their original form and possess a very
crystalline atomic arrangement. Metallic minerals are composed of ferrous minerals and
non-ferrous minerals.
Ferrous Minerals: Metallic minerals containing iron are called ferrous minerals and they are
generally hard and sturdy. They are mainly found in solid form except for Hg(mercury).
Non-Ferrous Minerals: These minerals, which include copper, bauxite, lead, zinc and gold
play a vital role in a number of metallurgical, engineering and electrical industries. Let us
study the distribution of copper and bauxite.
Non-Metallic minerals
Nonmetallic minerals are a special group of chemical elements from which no new product
can be generated if they are melted. Nonmetallic minerals are, for example, sand, gravel,
limestone, clay, and marble.
Major Minerals and their Occurrence in India
Names of Properties Importance Occurrence
Minerals
Iron Ore Ferrous, heavy Magnetite is of the finest Odisha–Jharkhand Belt
metal quality. It is used in electrical Durg–Bastar–Chandrapur belt in
industries.
Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra
Hematite ore is the most
Bellary–Chitradurga–
important industrial iron ore. Chikmaglur–Tumkur belt in
Karnataka
Manganese Ferrous It is used in the manufacturing Odisha is the largest producer of
mineral of steel and ferro-manganese manganese ore in India.
alloy. It is also used in the
manufacturing of bleaching
powder, insecticides and
paints.
Copper Non-ferrous It is used in electrical cables, Balaghat mines in Madhya
mineral, electronics and chemical Pradesh, Khetri Mines in
ductile and industries. Rajasthan and Singbhum district
good of Jharkhand
conductor of
electricity
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• The Krishna-Godavari Basin has large reserves of natural gas. Mumbai High, Gulf of
Khambhat and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also have large reserves of natural gas.
Electricity produced by using coal, petroleum and natural gas is known as thermal
electricity. Electricity produced by using fast-flowing water is known as hydroelectricity.
Non-Conventional Energy Resources: Renewable energy sources, often known as
nonconventional energy, are sources that are renewed by natural processes on a continual
basis.
Nuclear Energy
• It is produced by altering the atoms in an atomic reactor.
• Uranium and thorium used for the production of nuclear energy are found in Jharkhand,
Aravalli ranges of Rajasthan and Monazite sands of Kerala.
• Nuclear energy comes from splitting atoms in a reactor to heat water into steam, turn a
turbine and generate electricity. 93 nuclear reactors in 28 states generate nearly 20
percent of the nation's electricity, all without carbon emissions because reactors use
uranium, not fossil fuels.
Solar Energy
• Because India is a tropical country, there are immense possibilities to harness solar
energy. Solar plants are being set up in various parts of the country.
• Various residential apartments have also installed solar cell panels on their roofs for
generating electricity.
• Solar energy is the radiation from the Sun capable of producing heat, causing
chemical reactions, or generating electricity. The total amount of solar energy
received on Earth is vastly more than the world's current and anticipated energy
requirements.
Wind Power
• Windmills are used for generating electricity. India has a
great potential of becoming a wind power.
• Windmills are located from Nagercoil to Madurai in Tamil
Nadu. Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh,
Kerala, Maharashtra and Lakshadweep Islands have
important wind farms.
• Nagercoil and Jaisalmer have made effective use of wind
energy.
• wind power, form of energy conversion in which turbines convert the kinetic energy of
wind into mechanical or electrical energy that can be used for power.
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Biogas
• Farm wastes, shrubs and animal wastes are used to produce biogas. Biogas is used for the
production of electricity.
• Many biogas plants have been set up at municipal and village levels. Many plants use
cattle dung to produce electricity.
Tidal Energy
• When energy of the oceanic tides is used for the generation of electricity, it is known as
tidal energy.
• Floodgates are built across inlets. When water flows in during high tides, it gets trapped.
After the gated are closed, this water goes back to the sea through pipes passing through
power-generating turbines.
• Gulf of Khambhat and Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat and the Gangetic delta in the Sundarban
region in West Bengal can be used for the generation of electricity.
Geo-thermal Energy
• When heat emanating from the interior of the Earth is used for the generation of
electricity, it is called geo-thermal energy.
• When groundwater under the surface of the Earth becomes hot because of the existence
of high temperature, hot water rises on the surface of the Earth in the form of steam. This
steam is then used to generate electricity.
• Two geothermal projects have been started in India-one in Manikarn in Himachal Pradesh
and the other in Puga Valley in Ladakh.
Differences between Conventional and Non-conventional Sources of energy
Conventional Sources Non-conventional Sources
Conventional sources of energy such as Non-conventional sources of energy such as solar
coal, petroleum and natural gas are non- and wind energy are renewable sources of
renewable sources of energy. energy.
They have been in use since a long time. These sources have been recently developed and
Examples: Firewood, coal are still developing. Example: Technology for
producing electricity from solar panels
Most of these energy sources cause They do not cause any pollution. Examples: Solar
pollution when used. Examples: Firewood, energy, geothermal energy
coal, petrol
They are common and widely used They are comparatively new sources of energy
sources. Example: Thermal power and hence are not widely used. Examples: Solar
panels, windmills
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Conservation of Minerals
• Conservation of mineral resources is essential because they are a country’s valuable
possession. They are used as raw materials in many industries and help in the economic
development of a nation. Some methods by which we can conserve minerals are
• Minerals should be used in a planned and sustainable manner.
• Technology should be upgraded to allow the use of low-grade ore at low costs.
• Recycling of metals also results in the conservation of mineral resources.
• Non-conventional sources of energy should be harnessed for the generation of
electricity.
• Small steps should be taken by every individual such as using public transport, car
pooling and switching off lights and fans when not in use. Using power-saving devices
also go a long way in conserving minerals and energy resources.
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Important Questions
Multiple Choice questions-
Question 1. The mineral used in the manufacture of steel is:
(a) Copper
(b) Lead
(c) Magnesium
(d) Manganese
(a) Bauxite
(b) Lead
(c) Copper
(d) Mica
Question 6. Nellore mica belt is in the state of:
(a) Orrisa
(b) Bihar
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Andhra Pradesh
Question 7. The basic raw material for the cement industry and essential for
smelting iron ore in the blast furnace is:
(a) Iron
(b) Mica
(c) Limestone
(d) Sodium chloride
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(a) 63
(b) 73
(c) 83
(d) 93
Question 12. Large reserves of natural gas have been discovered in the:
(a) Ganga – Godavari Basin
(b) Ganga – Yamuna Basi
(c) Ganga – Brahmaputra Basin
(d) Krishna – Godavari Basin
Question 13. The number of thermal power plants in India is:
(a) 110
(b) 210
(c) 310
(d) 410
Question 14. Nuclear energy is obtained by altering the:
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Short Questions-
1. How minerals are formed in sedimentary rocks? Name any two mineral formed
due to evaporation especially in arid region.
2. Explain with an example that aluminum was widely used by the emperors of
France.
3. Name any one rock mineral. Write about its formation. Name the industry in
which it is used?
4. Can you illustrate some suggestions to conserve minerals?
5. Study the given chart carefully and answer the following questions: A. Which
state is the largest producer of manganese in India?
B. What is the use of manganese?
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2. Write a short note on Bauxite, its formation, features and distribution in India.
3. Why there is a need of conservation of minerals?
4. How would you classify the types of coal depending on the degrees of
compression?
5. Name the non metallic mineral, which can be easily splits into thin sheets. What
are the properties of this mineral and it is found in which areas?
6. Explain the different forms of occurrence of minerals.
7. Distinguish between conventional and non conventional sources of energy.
8. Explain any five types of non-conventional sources of energy developed in India.
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Map Question:
1. On an outline map of India, locate and label the following power plants with
appropriate symbols:
• Thermal: Namrup, Talcher, Singrauli, Harduaganj, Korba, Uran,
Ramagundam, Vijayawada, Tuticorin.
• Nuclear: Narora, Rawat Bhata, Kakrapara, Tarapur, Kaiga, Kalpakkam
MCQ Answers-
1. Answer: (d) Manganese
2. Answer: (d) Orissa
3. Answer: (c) Balaghat
4. Answer: (d) Koraput
5. Answer: (d) Mica
6. Answer: (d) Andhra Pradesh
7. Answer: (c) Limestone
8. Answer: (c) Lignite
9. Answer: (b) Anthracite
10. Answer: (c) Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland
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5. Answer: Geographers study minerals as part of the earth’s crust for a better
understanding of landforms.
6. Answer: A geologist is interested in the formation of minerals, their age and
physical and chemical composition.
7. Answer: Non-metallic minerals are mica, salt, potash, sulphur, granite,
limestone, marble sand stone etc.
8. Answer: Coal, petroleum and natural gas are energy minerals.
9. Answer: Copper is a metallic mineral.
10. Answer: Minerals are found in ores.
Short Answers-
1. Ans.
A. In sedimentary rocks a number of minerals occur in beds and layers.
B. They have been formed as a result of deposition, accumulation and
concentration in horizontal strata.
C. Coal and some forms of iron ore have been concentrated as a result of
long periods under great heat and pressure.
D. Another group of sedimentary minerals include gypsum, potash salt and
sodium salt. These are formed as a result of evaporation especially in
arid region.
2. Ans.
A. After the discovery of aluminium Emperor Napoleon III wore buttons
and hooks on his clothes made of aluminium.
B. Food was served to his more illustrious guests in aluminium utensils and
the less honorable ones were served in gold and silver utensils.
C. Thirty years after this incident aluminium bowls were most common
with the beggars in Paris.
3. Ans.
A. Limestone is a rock mineral.
B. It is found in association with rocks composed of calcium carbonate or
calcium and magnesium carbonates.
C. It is found in sedimentary rocks of most geological formations.
D. Limestone is the basic raw material for cement industry and essential
for smelting iron ore in the blast furnaces.
4. Ans.
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Long Answers-
1. Ans. Resources which we can use again and again and which are renewable in
nature are non-conventional resources of energy. Due to the following reasons
they have bright future in India.
Resources which we can use again and again and which are renewable in nature
are non-conventional resources of energy. Due to the following reasons they have
bright future in India.
A. India is blessed with an abundance of sunlight, water, wind and bio mass.
B. India is tropical country. It has enormous possibilities of tapping solar
energy.
C. India now ranks a wind super power in the world. States like Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, and
Lakshadweep have important wind farms
D. In India the Gulf of Kichchh, provides ideal conditions for utilizing tidal
energy.
E. There are several hundred hot spot springs in India, which could be uded to
generate Geo Thermal Energy.
2. Ans. Bauxite is a clay-like substance from which alumina and later aluminium is
obtained. Aluminium is an important metal because it combines the strength of
metals such as iron, with extreme lightness and also with good conductivity and
great malleable ability.
Formation: Bauxite deposits are formed by the decomposition of a wide variety of
rocks rich in aluminium silicates.
Distribution:
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A. It is found in the Amarkantak Plateau, Maikal Hills and the plateau region of
Bilaspur-Katni.
B. Odisha is the largest bauxite producing state in India.
C. Panchpatmali deposits in Koraput District are the most important bauxite
deposits in the state.
D. 45% of the country’s total production in 2000-01 was in Odisha.
3. Ans.
A. The total Volume of workable mineral deposits in an insignificant fraction
i.e. one percent of the earth’s crust.
B. We are rapidly consuming mineral resources that required millions of years
to be created and concentrated.
C. The geological processes of mineral formation are so slow that the rates of
replenishment are infinitely small in comparison to the present rates of
consumption.
D. Mineral resources are finite and non renewable.
E. Mining of minerals causes great threat to the environment and health of the
human beings.Due to the above discussed reasons it is necessary to
conserve the minerals and use them in a judicious way.
4. Ans. Following are the types of coal on the degree of compression:
A. Peat: Decaying plants in swamps produced peat, which has a low carbon and
high moisture contents. It has very heating capacity.
B. Lignite: Lignite is a low grade brown coal, which is soft with high moisture
content. The principal lignite reserves are in Neyveli in Tamil Nadu and used
for generation of electricity.
C. Bituminous: Coal that has been buried deep and subjected to increased
temperature is bituminous coal. It is the most popular coal in commercial
use. Metallurgical coal is high grade bituminous coal which has a special
value foe smelting iron in blast furnace.
D. Anthracite: It is highest quality hard coal.
5. Ans. Mica is the mineral made up of a series of plates or leaves. It splits easily
into thin sheets.
Properties:
A. Mica sheets can be so thin that a thousand can be layered in to mica sheet
of a few centimeters high.
B. Mica can be clear, black, green, red, yellow or brown, Due to its excellent
di-electric strength, low power loss factor, insulating properties and resistance
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to high voltage, mica is one of the most indispensable minerals used in electric
and electronic industries.
Mica producing areas:
A. Mica is found in the northern edge of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. Koderma
Gaya- Hazaribhag belt of Jharkhand is the leading producers.
B. In Rajasthan the major mica producing area is around Ajmer.
C. Nellore mica belt of Andhra Pradesh is also an important producer in the
country.
6. Ans.
A. Occurrence of Minerals in Igneous and Metamorphic rocks: In igneous and
metamorphic rocks minerals may occur in cracks, crevices, faults and joints.
The smaller occurrence is called veins and the larger are called lodes. Major
metallic minerals like tin, copper, zinc and lead etc are obtained from veins and
lodes.
B. Occurrence of minerals in sedimentary rocks: In sedimentary rocks a
number of minerals occur in beds and layers. They have been formed as a
result of deposition, accumulation and concentration in horizontal strata. Coal
and some forms of iron ore have been concentrated as a result of long periods.
C. Occurrence of minerals through Decomposition of surface rocks: Another
mode of formation involves the decomposition of surface rocks, and the
removal of soluble constituents, leaving a residual mass of weathered material
containing ores. Bauxite is formed this way.
D. Alluvial deposits: Certain minerals may occur as alluvial deposits in sands
of valley floors and the base of hills. These deposits are called placer deposits.
E. Minerals in ocean water and ocean beds: The ocean water contains vast
quantities of minerals. Common salt, magnesium and bromine are largely
derived from ocean water. The ocean beds too are rich in manganese nodules
7. Ans.
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4. These causes large scale pollution. 4. These are environment friendly resources.
5. For example: Solar energy, wind energy,
5. For example : Coal, petroleum, diesel, etc.
tidal energy etc.
8. Ans.
A. Solar energy: India is a tropical country. It has enormous possibilities of
tapping solar energy. Photovoltaic technology converts sunlight directly into
electricity. Solar energy is fast becoming popular in rural and remote areas.
The largest solar plant of India is located at Madhapur, near Bhuj, where solar
energy is used to sterilize milk cans.
B. Wind power: India now ranks as a wind super power in the world. The
largest wind farm cluster is located in Tamil Nadu from Nagarcoil to Madurai.
C. Bio Gas: Shrubs, farm waste, animal and human waste are used to produce
bio gas for domestic purpose in rural area. Decomposition of organic matter
yields gas, which has higher thermal efficiency in comparison to kerosene,
dung cake and charcoal.
D. Tidal energy: Oceanic tides can be used to generate electricity. Floodgate
dams are built across inlet. During high tide water flows into the inlet and gets
trapped when the gate is closed. From that stored water electricity is
generated.
E. Geo thermal Energy: Geothermal energy refers to the heat and electricity
produced by using the heat from the interior of the earth
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