Q100. Mica is classified under which mineral category?
[SSC MTS, 7 October 2024, Shift 2]
(A) Energy mineral
(B) Non-metallic mineral
(C) Ferrous mineral
(D) Non-ferrous metallic mineral
Answer: (B) Non-metallic mineral
Explanation: Mica is a non-metallic mineral valued for electrical insulation, heat resistance and its ability to split into thin sheets. Ferrous minerals contain iron, while non-ferrous metallic minerals include copper and aluminium ores. Mica’s applications do not involve extracting a metal.
Q99. Which of the following is a precious mineral?
[SSC MTS, 18 October 2024, Shift 2]
(A) Haematite
(B) Mica
(C) Bauxite
(D) Platinum
Answer: (D) Platinum
Explanation: Platinum is a precious metallic mineral prized for corrosion resistance and catalytic properties. Haematite is an iron ore, mica is non-metallic, and bauxite is aluminium’s principal ore. Precious-metal deposits are distinguished by scarcity, value and specialised industrial uses.
Q98. The Maikal Hills are known for deposits of which mineral?
[SSC MTS, 14 November 2024, Shift 2]
(A) Copper
(B) Iron
(C) Bauxite
(D) Coal
Answer: (C) Bauxite
Explanation: The Maikal Hills form part of central India’s highlands and contain bauxite-bearing areas. Bauxite commonly forms through prolonged weathering under tropical conditions, especially on elevated plateaus. The mineral is subsequently processed to obtain alumina and then aluminium metal.
Q97. Shivamogga district, associated with iron and manganese resources, belongs to which state?
[SSC CHSL, 5 July 2024, Shift 3]
(A) Karnataka
(B) Rajasthan
(C) Jharkhand
(D) Maharashtra
Answer: (A) Karnataka
Explanation: Shivamogga lies in Karnataka’s Western Ghats and adjoining uplands. Karnataka possesses important iron and manganese deposits associated with ancient geological formations. The state’s mineral geography also includes the Ballari–Hospet and Chitradurga belts and the Kudremukh iron-ore area.
Q96. Which of the following is a mineral rather than a rock?
[SSC Junior Engineer Civil, 6 June 2024, Shift 1]
(A) Limestone
(B) Granite
(C) Marble
(D) Quartz
Answer: (D) Quartz
Explanation: Quartz is a mineral composed mainly of silicon dioxide. Granite is an igneous rock, marble a metamorphic rock and limestone a sedimentary rock. A rock consists of one or more minerals, whereas a mineral has a characteristic composition and structure.
Q95. Jharia and Raniganj are famous for which resource?
[SSC MTS, 4 November 2024, Shift 3]
(A) Marble
(B) Coal
(C) Copper
(D) Gold
Answer: (B) Coal
Explanation: Jharia in Jharkhand and Raniganj in West Bengal are important coalfields of the Damodar Valley. Jharia is especially known for coking coal, which supports steelmaking. Both belong to the extensive Gondwana coal system of eastern India.
Q94. Which type of coal is commonly found in the Damodar Valley coalfields?
[SSC MTS, 14 November 2024, Shift 1]
(A) Anthracite
(B) Lignite
(C) Bituminous
(D) Peat
Answer: (C) Bituminous
Explanation: The Damodar Valley contains major Gondwana coalfields, including Jharia and Raniganj. Much of their coal is bituminous, a widely used fuel and industrial raw material. Some coal from this basin is particularly important for producing metallurgical coke.
Q93. In which state are the Gua and Noamundi iron-ore mining areas located?
[SSC MTS, 22 October 2024, Shift 2]
(A) Maharashtra
(B) Jharkhand
(C) Chhattisgarh
(D) Karnataka
Answer: (B) Jharkhand
Explanation: Gua and Noamundi are well-known iron-ore areas in Jharkhand’s Singhbhum belt. The deposits form part of the wider Odisha–Jharkhand iron-ore region. Their ore has supported mining and steel manufacturing in eastern India for decades.
Q92. Which pair correctly names two Indian coalfields?
[SSC Selection Post Matriculation, 26 June 2024, Shift 1]
(A) Jharia and Raniganj
(B) Jhunjhunu and Alwar
(C) Satara and Pune
(D) Coimbatore and Madurai
Answer: (A) Jharia and Raniganj
Explanation: Jharia and Raniganj are coalfields in the Damodar basin, respectively situated in Jharkhand and West Bengal. The remaining pairs refer to districts not collectively famous as coalfields. This eastern belt has historically supplied power stations and iron-and-steel industries.
Q91. Consider these statements:
(I) Coal is not one of India’s eight core industries.
(II) Crude oil is not one of India’s eight core industries.
Which statement is correct?
[SSC GD Constable, 29 February 2024, Shift 1]
(A) Only II
(B) Both I and II
(C) Only I
(D) Neither I nor II
Answer: (D) Neither I nor II
Explanation: Both coal and crude oil are included among India’s eight core industries. Others include natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement and electricity. The core industries index tracks infrastructure-linked sectors that influence broad industrial production.
