General Awareness · Geography

Minerals and Ores

1,167 Questions

Minerals and ores encompass the extraction, identification, and economic significance of naturally occurring crystalline substances. Topics cover specific ores like cinnabar and bauxite, alongside global mineral resource distribution. Candidates preparing for general awareness and geography sections should review these questions to master regional and global mineral reserves.

Ore identificationMineral extractionGlobal mineral reservesIndustrial minerals

Minerals and Ores Questions

Multiple choice

What is the main application of the minerals pitchblende or uraninite?

  1. They are a source of cheap alkali.

  2. They act as insulators in electrical appliances.

  3. They are used in making jewellery.

  4. They are used as raw materials for cement.

  5. They are used as nuclear fuels in atomic reactors.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Pitchblende also known by the name uraninite is a mineral comprised mainly of oxides of the element uranium. It is the primary source of uranium. The basic fuel for a nuclear power reactor is uranium, a heavy metal able to release abundant concentrated energy. So, it can be used in atomic reactors to generate electricity. The nuclear power plants use the heat given off during fission as fuel. Fission takes place inside the reactor of a nuclear power plant. At the center of the reactor, the core is present, which contains the uranium fuel.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is/are correct? P. Carborundum is used as a refractory material. Q. Blast furnace is used for the smelting of lead ore. R. Calamine and zincite are the ore of zinc.

  1. P and Q

  2. Q and R

  3. P and R

  4. All are the correct statements

  5. Only P
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The substances which are capable of withstanding very high temperatures without melting or becoming soft are called refractory materials like- SiC (carborundum), Al2O3, SiO2, etc.  Blast furnace is used or the smelting of iron, copper and lead ores. Calamine (ZnCO3) and zincite (ZnO) are the ore of zinc.

Multiple choice

From where do we get minerals?

  1. Forests

  2. Deep from within the earth

  3. From general stores

  4. From medical stores
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Minerals can be obtained from deep under the earth's crust.

Multiple choice

Which of the following matches of ‘metal: ores’ is incorrect?

  1. Cu – malachite, chalcopyrite, azurite

  2. Fe – magnetite, hematite, siderite

  3. Mg – dolomite, brucite, magnesite

  4. Zn – calamine, sphalerite, smithsonite

  5. Al – bauxite, cryolite, chalcocite
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Bauxite, Al2O3.2H2O and cryolite, Na3AlF6 are ores of aluminium. Chalcocite (Cu2S) is an ore of copper.

Multiple choice

The ores of titanium is/are

  1. ilmenite
  2. hausmannite
  3. linnaeite

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Only 3

  4. 1 and 2

  5. 2 and 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Ilmenite (Fe.TiO3) is the oxide ore of titanium. Hausmannite (Mn3O4) is the oxide ore of manganese. Linnaeite (Co3S4) is the sulphide ore of cobalt. Hence, only ilmenite (Fe.TiO3) is the oxide ore of titanium.

Multiple choice

Which of the following sets represents carbonate ores only?

  1. Dolomite, Azurite, Chalcopyrite, Malachite

  2. Cassiterite, Pyrolusite, Azurite, Galena

  3. Pyrolusite, Magnetite, Siderite, Malachite

  4. Dolomite, Azurite, Siderite, Malachite

  5. Magnetite, Chalcopyrite, Malachite, Galena
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Dolomite: CaCO3.MgCO3 (Carbonate ore) Azurite: 2[CuCO3].Cu(OH)2 (Carbonate ore) Siderite: FeCO3 (Carbonate ore) Malachite: CuCO3.Cu(OH)2 (Carbonate ore)