UPSC Prelims 2020 · Question 52 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2020 question on Major Minerals India
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2020
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicIndian Geography
- DifficultyHard
- TypeStatement
Consider the following minerals:
1. Bentonite
2. Chromite
3. Kyanite
4. Sillimanite
In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?
Show answer
Answer: D. 2, 3 and 4 only
Verdict
Correct answer: 2, 3 and 4 → Option (d).
Analysis
Bentonite is essentially a highly plastic clay containing not less than 85% clay mineral, montmorillonite. It gets its name from the place where its presence and usages were first discovered, Fort Benton, America. As per Govt. of India Notification S.O. 423(E) dated 10th February 2015, Bentonite has been declared as a 'Minor Mineral'.
Chromite (Cr) is the single commercially viable ore of chromium which is chemically known as iron chromium oxide (Fe Cr2O4). Chromite is a Major Mineral.
Kyanite, Sillimanite and andalusite are unhydrous aluminosilicate minerals that have the same chemical formula Al2O3 but differ in crystal structure and physical properties. Kyanite and Sillimanite are Major Minerals.
So among the given options:
- Bentonite → Minor Mineral (not major)
- Chromite → Major Mineral
- Kyanite → Major Mineral
- Sillimanite → Major Mineral