Mineral is a homogeneous, naturally occurring substance having a defined internal structure. Mineral mixtures result in rocks.Various minerals are present in varying amounts in some rocks.Physical and chemical factors that influence the creation of minerals result in a wide range of hues, hardness, crystal shapes, lustre, and density for a given mineral.Natural minerals come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the softest talc to the hardest diamond.
Geographers investigate the minerals that make up the Earth’s crust in order to better comprehend the landforms on the planet. Geologists investigate how minerals develop, evolve, and change over time.
Minerals are used to make everyday items like toothpaste, which contains silica, limestone, phosphate, and other minerals. Our bodies require minerals, and they are also the foundation of all human and economic activity. In order to understand the formation, age, and composition of the earth, they are also investigated.
Mineral Distribution in India
There are significant variations in the occurrence of minerals in India. It is as a result of variations in the methods, timing, and geological structure involved in mineral creation.
Mineral distribution in India is as follows:
- Peninsular Plateau-The majority of the reserves of coal, metallic minerals, mica, non-ferrous minerals, and non-metallic minerals are found in peninsular rocks.
- Gujarat and Assam-The majority of the petroleum resources are discovered in sedimentary rocks on the western and eastern flanks of the Peninsula, which are located in Gujarat and Assam.
- Rajasthan-The peninsular rock systems in Rajasthan include significant non-ferrous mineral reserves.
- Northern Plains-In extensive alluvial plains of North India, there are either extremely few or no economically valuable minerals.
Mineral Classification
On the basis of their chemistry and crystal shape, minerals are categorized. Minerals can be categorized as metallic, non-metallic, or energy minerals.
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Metallic minerals are made up chemically of metals and have a sheen to them. These minerals are mineable and could serve as a supply of metal. Manganese, iron ore, and bauxite are a few examples of metallic minerals. These minerals can be further classified as ferrous and non-ferrous metallic minerals. Non-ferrous minerals are those that do not contain iron, whereas ferrous minerals do.
- Non-metallic minerals are those that have a gloss or luster that is not metallic. They don’t contain any elements that can be extracted. Minerals that are not metallic include gypsum, limestone, and mica. The majority of bauxite ore is found in heavily worn rocks. Bauxite deposits can be found in various volcanic rocks. produced from iron ore is iron metal. It must always be recovered from iron ore by removing impurities because it never exists in pure form. The oldest and most valuable element ever discovered is gold. Manganese ore is a metallic ore that can be found in many different forms and is silvery brittle or grey-white in colour.
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Energy resources are resources that provide the fuel for industries. Electricity can be produced using fuel minerals such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, uranium, and electricity. There are two types of energy resources: conventional sources and non-conventional sources.
Firewood, cattle dung cake, coal, oil, natural gas, and electricity (both hydel and thermal) are some well-known energy sources.
Recently, unconventional energy sources have been used. These include biogas energy, wind energy, solar energy, tidal energy, geothermal energy, and nuclear energy. They are typically limitless, renewable, and easily accessible.
What are the hazards of mining to the miners and environment?
The mining industry is dangerous. It is referred to as a killer industry for the following reasons:
- Risk to life from roof collapses, water overflows, and constant fire in the mines.
- Regarding the environment, mining in the area causes the water sources to become contaminated.
- Land degradation, soil erosion, and increased stream and river pollution are all caused by the disposal of garbage and slurry.
- Mining leads to lung disorders and respiratory illnesses in miners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Que 1. Identify and describe two different mineral formation types.
Ans- The two primary categories of mineral formations are-
- veins and lodes, with veins being the smaller and lodes being the larger. Minerals may be present in joints, faults, fissures, or igneous or metamorphic rock.
- Minerals appear in layers or beds in sedimentary rocks. Deposition, accumulation, and concentration in horizontal strata (layers) are what cause them to form.
Que 2. What applications does limestone have?
Ans- Limestone has the following uses:
- It is used in the production of cement. It is because it serves as cement’s primary raw material.
- It is necessary for melting iron ore in a steel plant’s blast furnace.
Que 3. Why is aluminium such a valuable metal?
Ans-Because it combines the strength of metals like iron with extreme lightness, superb conductivity, and considerable malleability, aluminium metal is extremely important. Steel can be swapped out for it.
Que 4. Mention any three properties of the Indian ferrous mineral group.
Ans- Ferrous minerals are those that include iron and are metallic. Iron ore, manganese, nickel, cobalt, etc. are a few examples.
The following three traits apply to the ferrous group of minerals found in India:
- Ferrous minerals make up about three-fourths of the value of all metallic mineral production.
- They offer a solid foundation for the growth of metallurgical industry.
- After satisfying her own needs, India exports significant amounts of ferrous minerals to Japan and South Korea.
Que 4. Describe what a mineral is.
Ans- The term “mineral” is used by geologists to describe a “homogeneous, naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure.” They can be recognized by their physical and chemical characteristics.