Q80. Which of the following is NOT one of the belts of iron ore deposits in India?
[SSC Selection Post (Graduate Level), 18 September 2026, Shift 1]
(A) Durg–Bastar–Chandrapur belt
(B) Bellary–Chitradurga–Tumkur belt
(C) Maharashtra–Goa belt
(D) Ludhiana–Delhi–Kanpur belt
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) Ludhiana–Delhi–Kanpur belt
Explanation: The Ludhiana–Delhi–Kanpur region is an industrial and urban corridor, not a principal iron-ore mining belt. Major iron-ore belts occur in the peninsular shield, including Odisha–Jharkhand, Durg–Bastar–Chandrapur, Karnataka and Maharashtra–Goa.
Q79. Magnetite is the finest iron ore with a very high content of iron up to ___ per cent.
[SSC GD Constable, 7 May 2026, Shift 3]
(A) 25
(B) 45
(C) 55
(D) 70
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) 70
Explanation: Magnetite is an iron oxide with the formula Fe₃O₄. Pure magnetite contains approximately 72.4% iron by mass, commonly rounded to about 70% in textbooks. It is strongly magnetic and serves as an important iron ore.
Q78. Which mineral is commonly referred to as the “key metal of industrial development”?
[SSC GD Constable, 29 May 2026, Shift 3]
(A) Copper
(B) Iron
(C) Aluminium
(D) Manganese
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Iron
Explanation: Iron forms the foundation of the steel industry, supplying material for machinery, railways, buildings, bridges and tools. Industrialization greatly expanded its consumption. Steel is produced by refining iron and carefully controlling the amount of carbon and other alloying elements.
Q77. Identify the correct pairing between mineral resource and major producing region in India.
[UPHESC Assistant Professor (Geography), 19 April 2026]
(A) Iron ore – Thar Desert
(B) Petroleum – Chotanagpur Plateau
(C) Manganese – Indo-Gangetic Plain
(D) Bauxite – Koraput Plateau
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) Bauxite – Koraput Plateau
Explanation: The Koraput Plateau in Odisha contains important bauxite deposits, especially around Panchpatmali. Bauxite is the principal raw material for aluminium production. The other pairs associate resources with regions that are not their principal producing areas.
Q76. Match the minerals with mining areas in Rajasthan:
A. Emerald; B. Fluorite; C. Garnet; D. Calcite.
Areas: i. Rajmahal; ii. Belka Pahar; iii. Kalaguman; iv. Mando-ki-Pal.
[Rajasthan Police Sub-Inspector (GK & GS), 6 April 2026]
(A) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i
(B) A-iv, B-ii, C-iii, D-i
(C) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii
(D) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii
Explanation: Kalaguman is associated with emerald, Mando-ki-Pal with fluorite, Rajmahal with garnet and Belka Pahar with calcite. Matching regional deposits is important in Rajasthan geography, where commercially useful gemstones and industrial minerals occur in different geological zones.
Q75. India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission in 2025. Which of the following minerals is NOT part of its critical list?
[MP Police Sub-Inspector, 19 January 2026, Shift 1]
(A) Graphite
(B) Lithium
(C) Cobalt
(D) Gold
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) Gold
Explanation: Graphite, lithium and cobalt are strategically important inputs for batteries, energy storage and advanced manufacturing. Gold is a valuable precious metal, but it is not included among the specified critical minerals in the mission’s list referred to by this examination.
Q74. Which of the following is an ore of mercury?
[SSC MTS 2025 examination, 6 February 2026, Shift 2]
(A) Bauxite
(B) Magnetite
(C) Cinnabar
(D) Malachite
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Cinnabar
Explanation: Cinnabar is mercury(II) sulphide, HgS, and is the best-known primary ore of mercury. Roasting it in air releases mercury vapour, which is condensed to obtain the metal. Bauxite yields aluminium, magnetite yields iron and malachite contains copper.
Q73. Which country has the largest reserve of iron ore in Asia?
[SSC MTS 2025 examination, 10 February 2026, Shift 2]
(A) India
(B) China
(C) Russia
(D) Iran
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) India
Explanation: The answer recorded in this SSC paper is India. India possesses important high-grade hematite and magnetite deposits, particularly across the peninsular plateau. Resource rankings depend on the reference year and definitions; the question reflects the examination’s stated classification.
Q72. The principal minerals produced in _______ are gold ore, iron ore, limestone, manganese ore, minor minerals and vermiculite.
[SSC MTS 2025 examination, 5 February 2026, Shift 3]
(A) Andhra Pradesh
(B) Gujarat
(C) Assam
(D) Rajasthan
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Andhra Pradesh has varied geological formations yielding limestone, iron ore, manganese and several industrial minerals. Vermiculite is used in insulation and horticulture, whereas limestone is a major cement raw material. The combined mineral list identifies Andhra Pradesh.
Q71. Which plateau region is known as the “mineral heartland” or “storehouse of minerals” in India?
[Delhi Police Constable (Executive), 2 January 2026, Shift 3]
(A) Deccan Plateau
(B) Chota Nagpur Plateau
(C) Malwa Plateau
(D) Shillong Plateau
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Chota Nagpur Plateau
Explanation: The Chota Nagpur Plateau and neighbouring eastern plateau areas contain substantial coal, iron ore, mica, bauxite and other minerals. Their concentration encouraged the establishment of mining, steel and engineering industries, giving the region its well-known mineral-heartland description.
Q70. Which of the following pairs of minerals and their leading producing states in India is correctly matched?
[SSC CGL 2025 Tier II, 19 January 2026]
(A) Bauxite – Odisha
(B) Limestone – Jharkhand
(C) Mica – Rajasthan
(D) Copper – Uttar Pradesh
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Bauxite – Odisha
Explanation: Odisha is a leading producer of bauxite and has important deposits in Koraput, Kalahandi and Rayagada. The ore is refined to alumina before electrolysis produces aluminium. The other pairings do not correctly identify the leading producing states in this paper.
Q69. Regarding the management of minor minerals in India, consider:
1. Sand is a minor mineral.
2. States grant leases, but only the Centre frames lease rules.
3. States can frame rules against illegal mining.
Which statements are correct?
[SSC JE (Mechanical Engineering), 4 December 2025, Shift 2]
(A) 1 and 3
(B) 2 and 3
(C) 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) 1 and 3
Explanation: Ordinary sand is treated as a minor mineral. State governments can regulate concessions and frame relevant rules, including measures against illegal mining. Therefore, the second statement incorrectly assigns rule-making power solely to the Central Government.
Q68. Which of the following is an example of a non-ferrous metallic mineral?
[SSC CHSL Tier I, 26 November 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Manganese
(B) Iron ore
(C) Bauxite
(D) Chromite
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Bauxite
Explanation: Bauxite is the main ore of aluminium, a non-ferrous metal because it does not contain iron as its defining metallic constituent. Manganese and chromite are generally grouped with ferrous metallurgy because of their importance in steelmaking.
Q67. Which mineral is found in the Himalayan mineral belt of India: I. Copper; II. Tungsten?
[SSC CHSL Tier I, 29 November 2025, Shift 3]
(A) Only I
(B) Only II
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Both I and II
Explanation: The Himalayan mineral belt includes occurrences of both copper and tungsten. Copper is used extensively in electrical systems owing to its conductivity, whereas tungsten is important in hard tools and high-temperature applications. Both statements identify minerals associated with this belt.
Q66. Which one of the following Indian states accounts for the maximum amount of bauxite and chromite?
[UPSC NDA II (General Ability Test), 14 September 2025]
(A) Andhra Pradesh
(B) Madhya Pradesh
(C) Jharkhand
(D) Odisha
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) Odisha
Explanation: Odisha has abundant bauxite reserves as well as major chromite deposits, particularly in the Sukinda region. Bauxite supplies aluminium and chromite supplies chromium, an important alloying element in stainless steel. These resources underpin the state’s mineral industries.
Q65. The Vindhyan system of rocks is known for the production of which of the following?
[SSC CGL, 20 September 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Manganese
(B) Iron ore and coal
(C) Limestones
(D) Bauxite
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Limestones
Explanation: Vindhyan sedimentary formations contain extensive limestone beds. Limestone consists mainly of calcium carbonate and serves as the key raw material in cement manufacturing. Its other uses include lime production, metallurgy and soil-treatment applications.
Q64. Which of the following statements regarding iron ore in India is INCORRECT?
[SSC CGL, 19 September 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Only the hematite ore of iron occurs in India.
(B) In Odisha, iron ore occurs in hill ranges in Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj and Jhar.
(C) India consists of the largest reserves of iron ore in Asia.
(D) More than 90% of iron ore reserves are found in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Goa.
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Only the hematite ore of iron occurs in India.
Explanation: Both hematite (Fe₂O₃) and magnetite (Fe₃O₄) are found in India, so hematite is not the only iron ore present. Siderite and other iron-bearing minerals also occur. Hematite is particularly significant in eastern Indian deposits.
Q63. Consider the following statements on bauxite:
1. India’s largest deposits are in Dharwar rocks.
2. Jharkhand is the largest producer.
3. Most bauxite occurs in laterite rocks on peninsular plateaux.
Which statements are INCORRECT?
[SSC CGL, 24 September 2025, Shift 3]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) 3 only
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Bauxite commonly forms through prolonged chemical weathering and leaching, often producing lateritic deposits on tropical plateaux. Odisha, not Jharkhand, is the leading producing state. Hence both statements 1 and 2 are incorrect; statement 3 is broadly correct.
Q62. Which state among the following is a major contributor to India’s iron-ore reserves?
[SSC CGL, 17 September 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Maharashtra
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Karnataka
(D) Tamil Nadu
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Karnataka
Explanation: Karnataka contains important iron-ore deposits around Ballari, Chitradurga and Chikkamagaluru. Both hematite and magnetite occur in the state, supplying steel and pellet industries. Among the listed states, Karnataka is the prominent major contributor.
Q61. Which district–state combination is correctly matched for iron-ore reserves in India?
[SSC CGL, 15 September 2025, Shift 1]
(A) Singhbhum – Jharkhand
(B) Mayurbhanj – Uttar Pradesh
(C) Sundargarh – Meghalaya
(D) Keonjhar – Rajasthan
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Singhbhum – Jharkhand
Explanation: Singhbhum in Jharkhand is famous for iron ore, including deposits in and around Noamundi and Gua. Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh and Keonjhar are associated with Odisha rather than the incorrect states shown in the other options.
Q60. The Kudremukh mines in Karnataka are primarily known for the extraction of which mineral?
[SSC CGL, 18 September 2025, Shift 1]
(A) Bauxite
(B) Limestone
(C) Iron ore
(D) Copper
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Iron ore
Explanation: Kudremukh in Karnataka is known for magnetite-rich iron-ore deposits. The ore was historically concentrated and transported for pellet production and export. Magnetite has the formula Fe₃O₄ and is notable for its magnetic properties.
Q59. Which one of the following metals is widely extracted by electrolysis of its molten compound?
[UPSC CDS II (General Knowledge), 14 September 2025]
(A) Cu
(B) Au
(C) Sn
(D) Na
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) Na
Explanation: Sodium is highly reactive, so ordinary carbon reduction is unsuitable for its industrial extraction. In the Downs process, molten sodium chloride is electrolysed to yield sodium metal at the cathode and chlorine gas at the anode.
Q58. Which of the following minerals are found in Kerala?
[SSC Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level), 2 August 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Monazite, thorium and bauxite clay
(B) Iron ore, coal and gold
(C) Copper, limestone and gypsum
(D) Uranium, petroleum and mica
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Monazite, thorium and bauxite clay
Explanation: Kerala’s coastal placer sands are well known for monazite, a phosphate mineral containing rare-earth elements and often thorium. Such heavy-mineral sands are concentrated along specific coastal stretches, where wave action sorts the denser mineral grains.
Q57. Match the ore formulas with names:
a. Al₂O₃·2H₂O;
b. MnO₂;
c. Fe₃O₄;
d. HgS.
Names:
i. Magnetite;
ii. Cinnabar;
iii. Carnallite;
iv. Pyrolusite;
v. Bauxite.
[AP Police Constable (Mains), 1 June 2025]
(A) a-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-v
(B) a-v, b-iv, c-i, d-ii
(C) a-v, b-iv, c-ii, d-iii
(D) a-iii, b-i, c-ii, d-iv
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) a-v, b-iv, c-i, d-ii
Explanation: Hydrated aluminium oxide represents bauxite in this conventional ore-formula exercise. MnO₂ is pyrolusite, Fe₃O₄ is magnetite and HgS is cinnabar. Matching chemical compositions with mineral names helps identify the metals extracted from each ore.
Q56. In which of the following districts is the mineral beryl found?
[CGPSC Prelims, 9 February 2025]
(A) Korba
(B) Raigarh
(C) Jashpur
(D) Raipur
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Jashpur
Explanation: Jashpur in Chhattisgarh has reported beryl occurrences, commonly associated with pegmatite formations. Beryl is a beryllium aluminium silicate, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈, and is an important natural source of beryllium used in specialized lightweight alloys.
Q55. Which one among the following oxides has the highest melting point?
[UPSC NDA I (General Ability Test), 21 April 2024]
(A) Na₂O
(B) MgO
(C) Fe₂O₃
(D) CuO
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) MgO
Explanation: Magnesium oxide has a very high melting point, approximately 2,850°C, because the electrostatic attraction between Mg²⁺ and O²⁻ ions is strong. It is therefore used as a refractory lining in kilns, furnaces and other high-temperature equipment.
Q54. Which one of the following is primarily responsible for conduction of current in a metal?
[UPSC NDA I (General Ability Test), 21 April 2024]
(A) Bound electrons
(B) Free electrons
(C) Both bound and free electrons
(D) Ions
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Free electrons
Explanation: In metals, some outer electrons are delocalized and can move through the crystal lattice. When an electric field is applied, their net drift constitutes electric current. The metal ions remain largely fixed in their lattice positions.
Q53. The district of Shivamogga, famous for iron ore and manganese minerals, is located in which Indian state?
[SSC CHSL Tier I, 5 July 2024, Shift 3]
(A) Karnataka
(B) Rajasthan
(C) Jharkhand
(D) Maharashtra
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Karnataka
Explanation: Shivamogga is a district of Karnataka, a state with noteworthy iron-ore and manganese resources. Manganese is frequently added to steel to improve its properties and assist in removing oxygen and sulphur during steelmaking.
Q52. Which of the following is a precious mineral?
[SSC MTS, 18 October 2024, Shift 2]
(A) Hematite
(B) Mica
(C) Bauxite
(D) Platinum
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) Platinum
Explanation: Platinum is a rare, valuable and corrosion-resistant noble metal. It is used in jewellery, industrial catalysts and vehicle catalytic converters. Hematite is an iron ore, bauxite is an aluminium ore and mica is an industrial silicate mineral.
Q51. Which two properties of metals are exploited to make very thin sheets of silver for decorating sweets?
[SSC MTS, 5 November 2024, Shift 3]
(A) Ductility and lustre
(B) Malleability and sonorousness
(C) Lustre and sonorousness
(D) Malleability and lustre
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) Malleability and lustre
Explanation: Malleability permits silver to be hammered into extremely thin sheets without breaking, while metallic lustre provides the reflective decorative finish. Ductility, by contrast, is the ability to draw a metal into wires rather than sheets.
Q50. Identify the INCORRECT statement about stainless steel.
[SSC JE (Mechanical Engineering), 6 November 2024]
(A) Stainless steels are alloy steels.
(B) Stainless steel contains chromium.
(C) Stainless steels are non-ferrous steels.
(D) Stainless steels resist corrosion.
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Stainless steels are non-ferrous steels.
Explanation: Stainless steel is a ferrous alloy because iron is its principal constituent. Chromium, usually at least about 10.5%, allows a protective oxide film to form on its surface. This passive layer gives stainless steel useful corrosion resistance.
Q49. According to Ministry of Mines data, the largest resources of primary gold ore are located in which Indian state?
[SSC GD Constable, 24 February 2024, Shift 2]
(A) West Bengal
(B) Bihar
(C) Rajasthan
(D) Karnataka
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Bihar
Explanation: In the resource inventory referred to by the examination, Bihar had the largest estimated primary gold-ore resources. This concerns geological resource estimates rather than actual gold production; Karnataka has historically dominated primary gold mining in India.
Q48. Which is the reducing agent in the thermite reaction used for repairing railway tracks?
[WBCS (Executive) Preliminary Examination, 2023]
(A) Iron oxide
(B) Aluminium metal
(C) Aluminium oxide
(D) Iron metal
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Aluminium metal
Explanation: Aluminium removes oxygen from iron(III) oxide in the highly exothermic thermite reaction: Fe₂O₃ + 2Al → 2Fe + Al₂O₃. The reaction releases enough heat to produce molten iron, which can be used to weld railway rails.
Q47. The most important ore of aluminium is
[SSC CGL, 19 July 2023, Shift 1 (memory-based)]
(A) Bauxite
(B) Calamine
(C) Calcite
(D) Galena
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Bauxite
Explanation: Bauxite consists mainly of aluminium hydroxide minerals with other impurities. Industrial processing separates alumina from the ore, and electrolysis then yields aluminium metal. Calamine is associated with zinc; galena with lead; calcite is calcium carbonate.
Q46. Which s-block element is a silvery metal used in alloys with copper or nickel for gyroscopes, springs, electrical contacts and non-sparking equipment?
[SSC CHSL Tier I, 2 August 2023, Shift 4]
(A) Beryllium
(B) Rubidium
(C) Francium
(D) Caesium
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Beryllium
Explanation: Beryllium is a light, stiff metal. Copper–beryllium alloys combine strength, springiness and non-sparking performance, making them useful in precision components and some specialist tools. Beryllium dust is hazardous, so its industrial handling requires strict safeguards.
Q45. Match the approximate mass percentages in Earth’s crust:
i. Oxygen;
ii. Silicon;
iii. Aluminium;
iv. Iron,
with
a. 8%;
b. 28%;
c. 47%;
d. 5%.
[SSC Stenographer, 12 October 2023, Shift 1]
(A) i-a, ii-b, iii-c, iv-d
(B) i-c, ii-a, iii-b, iv-d
(C) i-c, ii-b, iii-a, iv-d
(D) i-b, ii-a, iii-c, iv-d
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) i-c, ii-b, iii-a, iv-d
Explanation: Oxygen makes up approximately 47% of the Earth’s crust by mass, followed by silicon at 28%, aluminium at 8% and iron at 5%. Aluminium is consequently the most abundant metallic element in the crust.
Q44. According to the Indian Minerals Yearbook 2020, which state had the highest manganese production in India?
[SSC CHSL Tier I, 3 August 2023, Shift 1]
(A) Karnataka
(B) Madhya Pradesh
(C) Odisha
(D) Maharashtra
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The cited Indian Minerals Yearbook identifies Madhya Pradesh as the leading manganese producer for the reference period. Manganese is essential in steelmaking as an alloying and deoxidizing element, and it is also used in battery chemistry.
Q43. Which Indian region has high-grade iron-ore deposits?
[SSC CHSL Tier I, 17 August 2023, Shift 3]
(A) Western Rajasthan
(B) Southern Punjab
(C) Eastern Uttar Pradesh
(D) Northern Odisha
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) Northern Odisha
Explanation: Northern Odisha contains extensive high-grade hematite deposits, especially near Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Sundargarh. Hematite is iron(III) oxide, Fe₂O₃. Ore from this belt has long supplied blast furnaces and steel plants in eastern India.
Q42. Which of the following has the highest electrical resistivity?
[SSC CGL Tier I, 17 July 2023, Shift 1]
(A) Silver
(B) Nichrome
(C) Chromium
(D) Iron
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Nichrome
Explanation: Nichrome is an alloy, mainly of nickel and chromium, with much higher electrical resistivity than silver and common structural metals. Its resistance to oxidation and heat makes it suitable for electric heating coils and resistance wires.
Q41. Which metal is always a component of an amalgam?
[SSC MTS 2022 examination, 15 June 2023, Shift 1]
(A) Strontium
(B) Mercury
(C) Zinc
(D) Aluminium
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Mercury
Explanation: An amalgam is an alloy containing mercury combined with another metal. Traditional dental amalgam, for example, mixes mercury with powdered silver, tin and copper alloys. Mercury distinguishes amalgams from other common industrial metal mixtures.
Q40. Which of the following materials is a conductor of electricity?
[SSC MTS 2022 examination, 8 May 2023, Shift 2]
(A) Glass
(B) Mica
(C) Silver
(D) Ebonite
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Silver
Explanation: Silver has very high electrical conductivity because its mobile electrons readily carry current. Glass, mica and ebonite are generally electrical insulators under ordinary conditions. The choice demonstrates the contrast between metallic and non-metallic materials.
Q39. Which of the following is NOT an alkali metal and does not belong to Group 1 of the periodic table?
[SSC MTS 2022 examination, 16 May 2023, Shift 3]
(A) Calcium
(B) Lithium
(C) Sodium
(D) Potassium
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Calcium
Explanation: Calcium belongs to Group 2 and is classified as an alkaline-earth metal. Lithium, sodium and potassium are Group 1 alkali metals, each having one valence electron. Calcium typically loses two outer electrons to form Ca²⁺.
Q38. Which statement regarding iron ore in India is NOT correct?
[MPPSC State Services Prelims 2022, held 21 May 2023]
(A) India has mainly hematite and magnetite iron-ore reserves.
(B) About 80% of India’s iron-ore reserves are located in Jharkhand and Odisha.
(C) Ballari is a major iron-ore mining area in Karnataka.
(D) Mayurbhanj is important for iron ore in Odisha.
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) About 80% of India’s iron-ore reserves are located in Jharkhand and Odisha.
Explanation: India’s iron resources are distributed across several states, including Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Goa. The asserted 80% concentration in only Jharkhand and Odisha is inaccurate. Ballari and Mayurbhanj are genuine iron-ore districts.
Q37. With reference to India, consider:
1. Monazite is a source of rare earths.
2. It contains thorium.
3. It occurs in the entire Indian coastal sands.
4. Only government bodies can process or export it.
Which are correct?
[UPSC CSE Preliminary Examination (General Studies), 5 June 2022]
(A) 1, 2 and 3 only
(B) 1, 2 and 4 only
(C) 3 and 4 only
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation: Monazite is a phosphate mineral bearing rare-earth elements and thorium. It occurs in selected coastal placer deposits, not uniformly along all Indian coasts. Because of its radioactive constituents, processing and exports were subject to the government controls specified in the question.
Q36. Which of the following is an ore of aluminium?
[RRB Group D, 24 August 2022, Shift 1]
(A) Siderite
(B) Monazite
(C) Bauxite
(D) Hematite
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Bauxite
Explanation: Bauxite is the principal commercial ore of aluminium and consists largely of hydrated aluminium oxides. Siderite and hematite contain iron; monazite is associated with rare-earth elements and thorium. Aluminium is produced industrially after refining bauxite to alumina.
Q35. Deposits of which mineral ore are formed by decomposition of rocks rich in aluminium silicates?
[RRB Group D, 28 September 2022, Shift 3]
(A) Alumina
(B) Manganese
(C) Bauxite
(D) Iron
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Bauxite
Explanation: Bauxite commonly forms through intense weathering of aluminium-rich silicate rocks in warm, humid climates. Soluble components are removed by leaching, leaving aluminium hydroxides enriched near the surface. These lateritic deposits supply much of the world’s aluminium.
Q34. Which of the following is a non-metallic mineral?
[RRB Group D, 26 August 2022, Shift 3]
(A) Silver
(B) Lead
(C) Bauxite
(D) Mica
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) Mica
Explanation: Mica is a group of sheet silicate minerals valued for excellent electrical insulation and heat resistance. Silver and lead are metallic elements, while bauxite is a metal-bearing ore. Mica’s layered structure allows it to split into thin sheets.
Q33. The Gua mines of Jharkhand are associated with which mineral?
[RRB Group D, 22 August 2022, Shift 3]
(A) Iron ore
(B) Zinc
(C) Bauxite
(D) Coal
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Iron ore
Explanation: Gua, in the Singhbhum region of Jharkhand, is known for deposits of iron ore. The eastern Indian iron-ore belt has long supported nearby integrated steelworks. Hematite is one of the chief iron-bearing minerals mined in the region.
Q32. Which state produced the most bauxite in 2018–19 according to Indian Minerals Yearbook 2019?
[RRB NTPC CBT 2 (Level 3), 17 June 2022, Shift 1]
(A) Gujarat
(B) Rajasthan
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) Odisha
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) Odisha
Explanation: Odisha led bauxite production during the specified 2018–19 reference year. Deposits occur in districts including Koraput and Kalahandi. Bauxite is refined into alumina before aluminium is extracted through the Hall–Héroult electrolytic process.
Q31. Which of the following is an example of a non-metallic mineral?
[RRB NTPC CBT 2 (Level 5), 15 June 2022, Shift 3]
(A) Pyrite
(B) Hematite
(C) Limestone
(D) Bauxite
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Limestone
Explanation: Limestone is a non-metallic mineral resource composed predominantly of calcium carbonate. It is extensively used for cement, lime and as a flux. Hematite is an iron ore; bauxite is an aluminium ore; pyrite is an iron sulphide.
Q30. Which of the following places is known for copper mines in India?
[RRB NTPC CBT 2 (Level 5), 15 June 2022, Shift 1]
(A) Khetri
(B) Ratnagiri
(C) Kudremukh
(D) Kolar
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Khetri
Explanation: Khetri in Rajasthan is famous for copper deposits in the Aravalli geological belt. Kudremukh is associated with iron ore, Kolar with historical gold mining and Ratnagiri with other mineral resources. Copper is widely used in electrical conductors.
Q29. Which state produced the most iron ore in 2019–20 according to Indian Minerals Yearbook 2020?
[RRB NTPC CBT 2 (Level 3), 17 June 2022, Shift 2]
(A) Karnataka
(B) Odisha
(C) Chhattisgarh
(D) Jharkhand
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Odisha
Explanation: Odisha was the leading iron-ore producing state during the specified year. Its ore-bearing formations include extensive hematite deposits in Keonjhar and adjoining districts. Iron-ore production supplies domestic steelmaking and associated industrial supply chains.
Q28. Match minerals and areas in Chhattisgarh:
a. Diamond; b. Limestone; c. Manganese; d. Garnet.
Areas: i. Latapara; ii. Jangda; iii. Jhipan; iv. Gariyaband.
[CGPSC 2021 Preliminary Examination, held 13 February 2022]
(A) a-iv, b-iii, c-ii, d-i
(B) a-iii, b-iv, c-i, d-ii
(C) a-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-i
(D) a-i, b-ii, c-iv, d-iii
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) a-iv, b-iii, c-ii, d-i
Explanation: The examination associates diamond with Gariyaband, limestone with Jhipan, manganese with Jangda and garnet with Latapara. Chhattisgarh’s geological diversity supports gemstones, ferrous minerals and industrial minerals at different locations.
Q27. Solder used for joining metal parts together is an alloy of
[WBCS Preliminary Examination, 22 August 2021]
(A) Fe and Cu
(B) Fe and Zn
(C) Sn and Cu
(D) Sn and Pb
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) Sn and Pb
Explanation: Traditional soft solder contains tin and lead. Its relatively low melting temperature allows it to join metal components without melting the base metals. Because lead is toxic, lead-free tin-based solders are increasingly used for modern electronics.
Q26. The mineral carnotite is an important source of
[SSC MTS 2020 examination, 22 October 2021, Shift 1]
(A) Copper
(B) Zinc
(C) Uranium
(D) Iron
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Uranium
Explanation: Carnotite is a yellow potassium uranium vanadate mineral and an important secondary uranium ore. It occurs in some sandstone-hosted deposits. Uranium extracted from suitable ores can be processed for nuclear-fuel applications under stringent regulatory controls.
Q25. The mineral named calaverite is a telluride mineral containing
[SSC MTS 2020 examination, 20 October 2021, Shift 1]
(A) Silver
(B) Zinc
(C) Copper
(D) Gold
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) Gold
Explanation: Calaverite is a gold telluride mineral with chemical formula AuTe₂. It may contain small amounts of silver substituting for gold. The mineral is a recognized gold ore and differs chemically from native gold or simple copper sulphide minerals.
Q24. What is the common name of a natural admixture of zinc carbonate and hydrous zinc silicate?
[SSC CGL 2020 Tier I, 24 August 2021, Shift 2]
(A) Borax
(B) Calamine
(C) Chalk
(D) Benzol
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Calamine
Explanation: Calamine was historically used for naturally associated zinc carbonate and hydrated zinc silicate minerals. The distinct species are commonly called smithsonite and hemimorphite. Both are zinc-bearing minerals; the name also survives in calamine preparations.
Q23. Which of the following is NOT used to make toothpaste?
[SSC CGL 2020 Tier I, 13 August 2021, Shift 2]
(A) Galena
(B) Silica
(C) Limestone
(D) Aluminium oxide
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Galena
Explanation: Galena is lead(II) sulphide, PbS, and a major ore of lead. Lead compounds are inappropriate as toothpaste ingredients because of toxicity. In contrast, suitably processed silica and calcium carbonate can serve as abrasive ingredients in dentifrices.
Q22. Which of the following is NOT a non-ferrous metallic mineral?
[RRB NTPC CBT I, 4 March 2021, Shift 2]
(A) Lead
(B) Mica
(C) Bauxite
(D) Copper
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Mica
Explanation: Mica is a non-metallic sheet silicate, not a metal-bearing non-ferrous ore. Lead and copper are non-ferrous metals, while bauxite is the principal ore of non-ferrous aluminium. Mica is useful as an electrical insulator.
Q21. Which metal is used to coat iron to protect it from corrosion and rust?
[RRB NTPC CBT I, 4 March 2021, Shift 1]
(A) Rhodium
(B) Zinc
(C) Chromium
(D) Tin
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Zinc
Explanation: Zinc is used in galvanizing iron and steel. Its coating limits contact with air and moisture; zinc also corrodes preferentially to iron, offering sacrificial protection even at small scratches. Galvanized steel is used outdoors and in construction.
Q20. Which of the following minerals produces green colour in fireworks?
[SSC CGL 2020 Tier I, 20 August 2021, Shift 1]
(A) Sodium
(B) Copper
(C) Barium
(D) Zinc
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Barium
Explanation: Barium compounds emit a characteristic green colour under suitable flame conditions, so they are used in pyrotechnic colour formulations. Sodium produces strong yellow emission, while copper compounds can produce blue or blue-green effects.
Q19. Consider the minerals:
1. Bentonite;
2. Chromite;
3. Kyanite;
4. Sillimanite.
Which are officially designated as major minerals in India?
[UPSC CSE Preliminary Examination (General Studies), 2020]
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 4 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 2, 3 and 4 only
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Explanation: Chromite, kyanite and sillimanite were treated as major minerals in the relevant classification, whereas bentonite was notified as a minor mineral. The distinction concerns India’s legal regulation of mineral resources rather than merely their chemical composition.
Q18. Which of the following is NOT an iron ore?
[SSC CGL, 5 March 2020, Shift 2]
(A) Siderite
(B) Haematite
(C) Cuprite
(D) Magnetite
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Cuprite
Explanation: Cuprite is copper(I) oxide, Cu₂O, and is an ore of copper. Siderite is iron carbonate, hematite is iron(III) oxide and magnetite is mixed-valence iron oxide. The question tests whether an ore is correctly matched with its metal.
Q17. Which of these mineral–mining town pairs is NOT correctly matched:
1. Copper–Chitradurga;
2. Iron ore–Ballari;
3. Manganese–Bhilwara;
4. Lime–Katni?
[UPPSC Civil Services (General Studies) Paper I, 2020]
(A) 1 and 2
(B) 2 and 3
(C) 3 only
(D) 2 and 4
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) 3 only
Explanation: The paper identifies manganese–Bhilwara as the incorrect match. Ballari is a prominent Karnataka iron-ore centre and Katni is associated with limestone. Regional mineral questions require distinguishing actual mining districts from plausible-looking but incorrect associations.
Q16. Which mineral of Chhattisgarh has the largest deposit in the country?
[CGPSC Civil Services (General Studies) Paper I, 2019]
(A) Coal
(B) Iron ore
(C) Tin ore
(D) Limestone
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Tin ore
Explanation: The examination identifies tin ore, particularly associated with Bastar and Dantewada in Chhattisgarh. The principal ore of tin is cassiterite, SnO₂. Tin is used for tinplate coatings, solders and bronze alloys with copper.
Q15. Which one of the following materials contains calcium?
[UPPSC Civil Services (General Studies) Paper I, 2019]
(A) China clay
(B) Corundum
(C) Gypsum
(D) Talc
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Gypsum
Explanation: Gypsum is calcium sulphate dihydrate, CaSO₄·2H₂O, and is used in plaster, cement and soil treatment. China clay is an aluminium silicate, corundum is aluminium oxide, and talc is a hydrated magnesium silicate.
Q14. Which of the following metals is the most reactive?
[SSC CGL, 6 June 2019, Shift 1]
(A) Copper
(B) Calcium
(C) Iron
(D) Zinc
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Calcium
Explanation: Calcium stands above zinc, iron and copper in the usual school-level reactivity series. It readily loses electrons to form Ca²⁺ and can react with water to produce calcium hydroxide and hydrogen. Copper is much less reactive.
Q13. Which of the following elements is a metalloid?
[SSC CGL, 4 June 2019, Shift 1]
(A) Silicon
(B) Tin
(C) Bismuth
(D) Phosphorus
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Silicon
Explanation: Silicon has properties intermediate between typical metals and non-metals. It behaves as a semiconductor and forms predominantly covalent structures. Tin and bismuth are metals, while phosphorus is a non-metal; silicon is therefore the metalloid.
Q12. Which metal is generally used for coating brass utensils to prevent copper contamination?
[RPSC RAS Preliminary Examination, 2018]
(A) Tin
(B) Zinc
(C) Aluminium
(D) Lead
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Tin
Explanation: Tin lining, traditionally called kalai, creates a protective inner surface on certain copper and brass utensils. The coating reduces direct contact between food and the underlying copper alloy. Tin is relatively corrosion-resistant under ordinary kitchen conditions.
Q11. Which metal interferes with the development and maturation of red blood cells?
[RPSC Senior Teacher Grade II (Science), 1 November 2018]
(A) Mercury
(B) Lead
(C) Cadmium
(D) Arsenic
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Lead
Explanation: Lead is a toxic heavy metal that interferes with enzymes used in haem synthesis, impairing haemoglobin production. Significant exposure may cause anaemia and neurological injury. This toxicological property differentiates lead from metals used for beneficial biological functions.
Q10. Heating ores in the absence of oxygen is called
[RRB Group D, 6 December 2018, Shift 1]
(A) Extraction
(B) Calcination
(C) Roasting
(D) Corrosion
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Calcination
Explanation: Calcination involves strong heating with little or no supply of air, commonly converting carbonate ores into oxides while driving off carbon dioxide or water. Roasting, by contrast, heats ores in the presence of oxygen, especially sulphide ores.
Q9. Which metal is used for making filaments of electric bulbs?
[RRB Group D, 28 September 2018, Shift 2]
(A) Iron
(B) Tungsten
(C) Silver
(D) Nickel
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Tungsten
Explanation: Tungsten has an exceptionally high melting point, making it suitable for incandescent lamp filaments that operate at very high temperatures. Although efficient modern lamps use other technologies, tungsten remains the classic incandescent-filament metal.
Q8. Which of the following is an ore of iron?
[SSC CGL, 12 August 2017, Shift 2]
(A) Dolomite
(B) Epsom salt
(C) Siderite
(D) Galena
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (C) Siderite
Explanation: Siderite is iron(II) carbonate, FeCO₃, and can be used as an iron ore. Galena is lead sulphide, dolomite is calcium magnesium carbonate, and Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate heptahydrate.
Q7. Which mineral is responsible for the red colour in bricks?
[SSC JE (Civil Engineering), 3 March 2017, Morning]
(A) Iron oxide
(B) Lime
(C) Magnesia
(D) Silica
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Iron oxide
Explanation: Iron oxides in clay are responsible for the typical reddish colour of fired bricks. During firing, iron-bearing compounds transform into coloured oxides. Silica contributes structure and stability, while alumina provides plasticity to mouldable brick earth.
Q6. Of the following types of iron ore, which has the largest reserves in India?
[CGPSC Civil Services (General Studies) Paper I, 2017]
(A) Hematite
(B) Magnetite
(C) Siderite
(D) Limonite
(E) None of these
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) Hematite
Explanation: The examination identifies hematite as the leading category of iron-ore reserves in India. Its chemical formula is Fe₂O₃, and prominent deposits occur in Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Magnetite is another important iron ore.
Q5. Which metal is present in chlorophyll?
[WBCS Preliminary Examination, 2016]
(A) Iron
(B) Zinc
(C) Aluminium
(D) Magnesium
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) Magnesium
Explanation: A magnesium ion occupies the centre of the chlorophyll molecular structure. Chlorophyll absorbs light for photosynthesis in plants and other photosynthetic organisms. Iron is important in many biological processes, but it is not chlorophyll’s central metal.
Q4. Which among the following is the largest mechanized mine in India?
[UPPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 10 May 2015]
(A) Ratnagiri mine
(B) Jaipur mine
(C) Sundergarh mine
(D) Bailadila mine
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (D) Bailadila mine
Explanation: The Bailadila iron-ore mining complex in Chhattisgarh includes large mechanized operations developed by NMDC. The deposits contain high-grade hematite. Mining and ore-handling systems there supply iron ore to domestic industry and export markets.
Q3. Which one of the following minerals is not found in Uttar Pradesh?
[UPPSC Civil Services (General Studies) Paper I, 2014]
(A) Limestone
(B) Mica
(C) Bauxite
(D) Gypsum
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Mica
Explanation: The question’s state-mineral inventory identifies mica as the exception. Uttar Pradesh has occurrences of limestone and other industrial minerals, while major mica-bearing zones are associated with states such as Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jharkhand.
Q2. Which is the correct decreasing sequence in value (rupees) of minerals produced in India during 2002–03?
[UPSC CSE Preliminary Examination (General Studies), 2004]
(A) Metallic minerals – Fuel minerals – Non-metallic minerals
(B) Fuel minerals – Metallic minerals – Non-metallic minerals
(C) Metallic minerals – Non-metallic minerals – Fuel minerals
(D) Fuel minerals – Non-metallic minerals – Metallic minerals
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (B) Fuel minerals – Metallic minerals – Non-metallic minerals
Explanation: The 2002–03 production-value ordering placed fuel minerals first, followed by metallic minerals and then non-metallic minerals. The question concerns the value of mineral output in that historical year, not present-day mining quantities or prices.
Q1. Match oxidation numbers
A. +2;
B. +3;
C. +4;
D. +6
with:
1. Mn in MnO₂;
2. S in H₂S₂O₇;
3. Ca in CaO₂;
4. Al in NaAlH₄.
[UPSC CSE Preliminary Examination (General Studies), 2002]
(A) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
(B) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
(C) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
(D) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: (A) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
Explanation: Calcium in CaO₂ has oxidation state +2; aluminium in NaAlH₄ is +3; manganese in MnO₂ is +4; and sulphur in H₂S₂O₇ averages +6. Charge balance and standard oxidation-number conventions give the required matching.