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

Which of the following order of minerals is correct with regards to their hardness?

  1. talc < flourite < calcite < gypsum < apatite < feldspar < quartz < topaz < corundum < diamond

  2. talc < gypsum < calcite < flourite < apatite < feldspar < topaz < quartz< corundum < diamond

  3. talc < gypsum < calcite < apatite < flourite < feldspar < quartz < topaz < corundum < diamond

  4. talc < gypsum < calcite < flourite < apatite < feldspar < quartz < topaz < corundum < diamond

  5. talc < gypsum < calcite < flourite < apatite < quartz < feldspar < topaz < corundum < diamond
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
  1. talc, 2. gypsum, 3. calcite, 4. flourite, 5. apatite, 6. feldspar, 7. quartz, 8. topaz, 9. corundum, 10. diamond.
Multiple choice

Arrange the following ores in increasing iron content.

Consider the following Iron ores.
1. Siderite
2. Magnetite
3. Limonite
4. Haematite

  1. 1, 2, 3, 4

  2. 2, 3, 4, 1

  3. 4, 2, 3, 1

  4. 4, 3, 2, 1

  5. 3, 4, 2, 1
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Haematite- 60 to 70 percent also known as red ochre. Magnetite- 60 to 65 percent also known as black ore. Limonite- 35 to 50 percent also known as hydrated ore. Siderite- 10 to 40 percent also known as Iron carbonate.

Multiple choice

Which among the following is a non-metallic mineral?

  1. Vanadium

  2. Corundum

  3. Beryllium

  4. Zirconium
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Corundum is an aluminum oxide mineral (Al2O3) classified as a non-metallic mineral. It's used as an abrasive and in gemstones (ruby, sapphire). Vanadium, Beryllium, and Zirconium are metallic elements extracted from their ores. The question asks specifically for a non-metallic mineral.

Multiple choice

Rhine valley in France is known for mineral deposits of

  1. Bauxite

  2. copper

  3. Nickel

  4. Zinc
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Rhine valley in France (Alsace region) is known for bauxite deposits, which are the primary ore of aluminum. This region has significant bauxite reserves that have been mined historically.

Multiple choice

Which of the following minerals is used in nuclear reactors?

  1. Zircon

  2. Manganese ore

  3. Mica

  4. Bauxite
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Zircon (zirconium) is used in nuclear reactors because zirconium alloys have very low neutron absorption cross-sections, allowing neutrons to pass through and sustain the nuclear fission chain reaction. Zirconium cladding also provides excellent corrosion resistance in high-temperature reactor environments, making it ideal for fuel rod casing.

Multiple choice

Monazite is an ore of

  1. zirconium

  2. thorium

  3. titanium

  4. iron
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Monazite is a phosphate mineral that serves as the primary ore of thorium. It contains rare earth elements and is an important source of thorium for nuclear applications.