chapter minerals and energy resources
Answers
Minerals are homogeneous naturally occurring substances normally found in solid, liquid and gaseous state.
Types of Minerals
Minerals are classified into two types: Metallic and non-metallic.
Metallic Minerals: They are further sub-divided into ferrous and non-ferrous.
Ferrous minerals: They contain iron.
Examples are iron ore, manganese ore, chromite, pyrite, nickel, and cobalt.
Non-ferrous minerals: They contain metals other than iron.
Examples include gold, silver, copper, lead, bauxite, tin and magnesium.
Non-metallic Minerals: They are limestone, nitrate, potash, mica, gypsum, coal, petroleum.
Distribution of Minerals
In this section, we will look at the distribution of various minerals.
Iron Ore
Iron ore is the basic mineral. It forms the backbone of industrial development. There are four varieties of iron ore :
Limonite
Haematite (contains 60% to 70% iron) – Most important industrial iron ore.
Magnetite (contains 70% iron) — Finest quality, with magnetic properties.
Siderite (contains 40% to 50% iron)
Manganese Ore
Manganese ore is used for making iron and steel. It is also used in preparing alloys. It is used to manufacture bleaching powder, insecticides, paints, and batteries.
Bauxite
Aluminium is obtained from bauxite. It is used in the manufacturing of aeroplanes, utensils and other household goods. Bauxite is mainly found in Jharkhand, Orissa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh.
Limestone
Limestone is composed of calcium carbonate or calcium and magnesium carbonates. Hence, it is used in the cement industry, smelting of iron and in chemical industries.
Conservation of Minerals
Minerals are non-renewable. Hence, they must be conserved. Therefore, we must reduce the wastage of mining and processing.
In addition to this, the government must minimize the export of minerals. Hence, extra care must be given to reduce the wastage of mineral resources.
Metals are hard substances and are good conductors of heat and electricity. Therefore, they conduct heat and electricity and have lustre or shine. For example, iron ore and bauxite. Metallic minerals are of two types: Ferrous minerals contain iron ore, manganese, and chromites.