CBSE Class 10 Geography Minerals And Energy Resources Worksheet Set A

MCQ Questions for Class 10 Social Science Minerals and Energy Resources

Question : Where are minerals generally found ?
(a) Cracks
(b) Crevices
(c) Faults or Joints
(d) All of these 
Answer : A

Question : In which rocks are potash salt and sodium salt formed ?
(a) Sedimentary rocks
(b) Igneous rocks
(c) Metamorphic rocks
(d) None of the above 
Answer : A

Question : _____________ is a mineral made up of a series of plates or leaves and splits into thin sheets.
(a) Mica
(b) Copper
(c) Bauxite
(d) Aluminium 
Answer : A

Question : The largest solar plant of India is located at :
(a) Kumuthi
(b) Mahapur
(a) Jodhpur
(a) Jaisalmer 
Answer : A

Question : Which mineral may occur as alluvial deposits ?
(a) Steel
(b) Silver
(c) Iron
(d) Aluminium 
Answer : B

Question : Common salt, magnesium and bromine are derived from _______________ .
(a) Sea
(b) Mountains
(c) Ocean water
(d) Rivers 
Answer : C

Question : What occurs naturally inside the earth’s crust and has a definable internal structure ?
(a) Metals
(b) Minerals
(c) Chemicals
(d) Coal 
Answer : B

Question : Mineral resources are :
(a) Finite
(b) Non-renewable
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of these 
Answer : C

Assertion and Reasoning Based Questions

Mark the option which is most suitable:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.

Question : Assertion : Minerals are an indispensable part of our lives.
Reason : Minerals have a universal use, they are used to manufacture everything we use in our day to day lives.
Answer : (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Question : Assertion : Uranium found in Ladakh is an example of potential resources that could be used in future.
Reason : Ladakh is a technologically advanced region.
Answer : (c) A is true but R is false.

Question : Assertion : Natural gas is referred as an environment friendly fuel.
Reason : Natural gas contains low carbon dioxide emissions.
Answer : (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Question : Assertion : Mining activity is often called a 'Killer Industry'.
Reason : Mining helps in agriculture.
Answer : (c) A is true but R is false.

Very Short Questions for Class 10 Social Science Minerals and Energy Resources

Question : Which quality of limestone is important for the cement industry ?
Answer : Limestone is found in association with rocks composed of calcium carbonates or calcium and magnesium carbonates. Thus, it is important for the cement industry and essential for smelting iron ore in the blast furnace. 

Question : What are energy resources ?
Answer : The resources which are used for generating energy are known as energy resources. 

Question : What is Rat-hole mining ?
Answer : In India, most of the mineral extraction is done by the tribal communities or individuals in the form of a long narrow tunnel known as Rat-hole minning. 

Question : What is an ore ?
Answer : The term ore is used to describe an accumulation of any mineral mixed with other elements. 

Question : How are beds or layers formed ?
Answer : Beds and layers are formed as a result of deposition, accumulation and concentration in horizontal strata. 

Question : What are ‘placer deposits’ ?
Answer : Placer deposits are alluvial deposits found in sands of valley floors and the base of hills. They generally contain minerals, which are not corroded by water. 

Question. What is placer deposits?
Answer : Certain minerals may occur as alluvial deposits in Sands of Valley floors and the base of hills. These deposits are called Placer Deposits.

Question. Where are minerals found?
Answer : Minerals are found in ores.

Question. What is Hydro electricity?
Answer : Electricity is generated by running water

Question. Which minerals are formed as a result of evaporation? Name any two.
Answer : Potash salt and sodium salt.

Question. What is geothermal energy?
Answer : Geo Thermal energy refers to the heat and electricity produced by using the heat from the interior of the earth.

Question : How are minerals classified for general and commercial purpose ?
Answer : For general and commercial purpose, minerals can be classified as metallic, non-metallic and energy minerals. 

Question : What are rocks made up of ?
Answer : (Rocks like limestone consist of a single mineral only, but a majority of rocks consists of several minerals in varying proportions. 

Question : Give some examples of important placer deposits.
Answer : Gold, silver, tin and platinum are a few important minerals which are not corroded by water. 

Question : Why is natural gas considered as an environment friendly fuel ?
Answer : Natural gas is considered as an environment friendly fuel because of low carbon dioxide emission and is, therefore, the fuel for the present century. 

Question : Which reserves of natural gas have been discovered ?
Answer : Large reserves of natural gas have been discovered in Krishna-Godavari basin. Along the west coast the reserves of the Mumbai high and allied fields are supplemented by findings in the Gulf of Cambay. Andaman and Nicobar islands are also important areas having large reserves of natural gas.

Short Questions for Class 10 Social Science Minerals and Energy Resources   

Question : Why is conservation of minerals important? How can we conserve minerals?

Answer : Conservation of minerals is important for the following reasons. 

(i) Minerals are exhaustible. 

(ii) They are limited in availability. 

(iii) Minerals have manifold uses. 

(iv) Growth of industrialisation has accelerated the extraction of minerals. We can conserve minerals by making an efficient use of them and using recyclable sources of energy wherever possible. 

 

Question : Why is it necessary to conserve mineral resources? Explain any four ways to conserve mineral resources.

Answer : The various reasons for Conservation are – 

(i) Strong dependence of industry and agriculture upon minerals. 

(ii) Process of mineral formation is slow. 

(iii) They are non-renewable. Methods to conserve : 

(i) Minerals should be used in a planned and sustainable manner. 

(ii) Improved technology needs to be constantly evolved to allow use of low grade ore at low cost. 

(iii). Recycling of minerals must be practiced. 

Question. What are the chief characteristics of bauxite?
Answer : i)Though several ores contain aluminium, it is from bauxite that a clay-like substance alumina and later aluminium are obtained. Ii) Bauxite deposits are formed by the decomposition of a wide variety of rocks rich in aluminium silicates. iii) Aluminium is an important metal because it combines the strength of metals such as iron with extreme lightness and also with good conductivity and great malleability.

Question. Where do we find limestone and what are its uses?
Answer : (i) It is found in association with rocks composed of calcium carbonates or calcium and magnesium carbonates. (ii) It is found in sedimentary rocks of most geological formations. (iii) Limestone is the basic raw material for the cement industry. It is essential for smelting iron ore in the blast furnace.

Question. What are the uses or importance of natural gas as a fuel?
Answer : (i) It is an important and clean energy resource found in association with or without petroleum. (ii) It is used as a source of energy as well as an industrial raw material in the petrochemical industry. (iii) As a source of energy, it is used in vehicles as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). For cooking purposes, it is used as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). (iv) It is considered an environment friendly fuel because of low carbon-dioxide emissions.

Question. What are the various uses of coal?
Answer : (i) In India, coal is the most abundantly available fossil fuel. (ii) It provides a substantial part of the nation’s energy needs. (iii) It is used for power generation, to supply energy to industry as well as for domestic needs. India is highly dependent on coal for meeting its commercial energy requirements

Question. Why do we need to conserve mineral resources?
Answer : (i) Mineral resources are basic requirements for economic development.

Question : "Minerals are indispensible part of our lives." Support the statement with examples.

Answer : Minerals are important part of our lives. 

(i) Almost everything we use, from a tiny pin to built a towering building or a big ship, all are made from minerals. 

(ii) The railway lines and the roads, our implements and machine are all made from minerals. 

(iii) Cars, buses, trains, aeroplanes are manufactured from minerals and run on power resources derived from minerals. 

(iv) Even the food that we eat contains minerals. 

(v) In all stages of development, human being have use minerals for their livelihood, decoration, festivities, religious and ceremonial rites. 

 

Question : Study the given chart carefully and answer the following questions:

i. What does this picture shows?

ii. Which states of India have important wind farms?

iii. Name the places which are well known for effective use of wind energy. 

 

Answer : i. This pictures shows the wind mills, which help in generating wind energy.

ii. Tamil Nadu followed by Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra and Lakshadweep have important wind farms.

iii. Nagarcoil and Jaisalmer are well known for effective use of wind energy in the country. 

 

 

Question : i. Two features A and B are marked in the given political map of India. Identify these features with the help of the following information and write their correct names on the lines marked on the map.

a. Iron ore mine

b. Manganese mine

ii. Locate and Label Ajmer Mica mine with appropriate symbols on the same map given for identification. 

 

Answer :

 

 

 

Question : Explain Rat-Hole mining in the tribal areas.
Answer : (i) In most of the tribal areas of north-east India, minerals are owned by individuals or communities.
(ii) In Meghalaya, there are large deposits of coal, iron-ore, limestone, dolomite etc.
(iii) Coal mining in Jowai and Cherapunjee is done by family members in the form of a long narrow tunnel known as ‘Rat-Hole Mining’.

 

Question : Iron ore is the basic mineral of India. How? Which values are associated with it?
Answer : (i) Iron ore is considered the backbone of India’s industrial development.
(ii) They provide a strong base for the development of metallurgical industries in India.

 

Question :  Why do we need to conserve mineral resources?
Answer : We need to conserve mineral resources because they are finite and nonrenewable. Rich mineral deposits are our country’s most valuable but short-lived possessions. Continued extraction of ores leads to increasing costs as mineral extraction comes from greater depths along with decrease in quality.

 

Question : How are minerals formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks?
Answer : In igneous and metamorphic rocks, minerals may occur in the cracks, crevices, faults or joints. The smaller occurrences are known as veins and the larger are known as lodes. In most cases, they are formed when minerals in liquid/molten and gaseous forms are forced upwards through cavities towards the earth’s surface. They cool and solidify as they rise.

 

Question : Suggest some ways to conserve minerals.
Answer : Conservation of minerals is essential ways to conserve them are given below:
(i) All natural resources including minerals should be used judiciously so that future generations may also avail their benefits.
(ii) Recycling of metals should be done.
(iii) Scrap metals and other substitutes should be used.
(iv) Minerals resources should be used in a planned and sustainable manner.
(v) Wastage of minerals should be stopped.

 

Question : What are the different varieties of iron one? How will you differentiate between them? Give any two points.
Answer : Iron-ore is the backbone of India’s industrial development. The different varieties of iron-ore are-Magnetite, hematite, Limonite and Siderite.
• Magnetite is the finest iron-ore with a very high content of iron up to 70%. It has excellent magnetic qualities. it is valuable for electrical industry.
• Hematite is the most important industrial iron-ore in term of quantity used. It has a slightly lower iron content than 50-60%.
• Limonite has 40-60% iron content.
• Siderite has 40-50% iron content.

 

Question : Mention three properties of mica.
Answer : (i) Mica is a mineral made up of a series of plates or leaves.
(ii) It splits easily into thin sheets. These sheets can be so thin that a thousand can be layered into a mica sheet of a few centimeters high.
(iii) Mica can be clear, black, green, red-yellow or brown.
(iv) Due to its excellent di-electric strength, low power loss factor, insulating properties and resistance to high voltage, mica is considered an important mineral used in electric and electronic industries. 

 Question : Which are the potential sources of biogas? State any four benefits of biogas.

Answer : Potential sources of biogas are : Shrubs, farm wastes, animal human waste, etc. Four benefits of biogas are :

(i) Its calorific value is high.

(ii) It burns without smoke, causing no pollution.

(iii) It is the cheapest gaseous fuel.

(iv) Its plants provide twin benefits to the farmer in the form of energy and improved quality of manure. 

 

Question : Which minerals are used to obtain nuclear energy? Name all the six nuclear power stations of India.

Answer : The minerals which are used to obtain nuclear energy are Uranium, Thorium.

(i) Narora nuclear power station.

(ii) Kakrapara nuclear power station. 
(iii) Tarapur nuclear power station.

(iv) Kaiga nuclear power station.

(vi) Rawat Bhata nuclear power station. 

 

Question : Describe any three characteristics of the Durg- Bastar-Chandrapur Iron-ore belt in India. 

Answer : Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt lies in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

(a) It provides very high grade hematite from the famous Bailadila range of hills in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.

(b) The range of hills comprise of 14 deposits of super high-grade hematite iron ore. It has the best physical properties needed for steel making.

(c) Iron ore from these mines is exported to Japan and South Korea via Vishakhapatnam port.

Question : Explain Rat-Hole mining in the tribal areas.
Answer : (i) In most of the tribal areas of north-east India, minerals are owned by individuals or communities.
(ii) In Meghalaya, there are large deposits of coal, iron-ore, limestone, dolomite etc.
(iii) Coal mining in Jowai and Cherapunjee is done by family members in the form of a long narrow tunnel known as ‘Rat-Hole Mining’. 

Question : Give a brief description of the petroleum occurrences in India.
Answer : The petroleum occurrences in India are usually associated with anticlines and fault trap in rock formations of the tertiary age. In regions of folding, anticlines or domes, it occurs where oil is trapped in the crest of the up fold. The oil bearing layer is a porous limestone or sandstone through which oil may flow. The oil is prevented from rising or sinking by interviewing non-porous layers.
Petroleum is also found in fault traps between porous and non-porous rocks. Gas, being lighter, usually occurs above the oil. 

Question : Describe any two facts regarding the importance of manganese in our daily life. Also name the four states which are known for its production.
Answer : Manganese is mainly used in the manufacturing of steel and ferro-manganese alloy. Nearly 10 kg of manganese is required to manufacture one tonne of steel. It is also used in manufacturing bleaching powder, insecticides and paints. Orissa is the largest producer of manganese ores in India. It accounted for onethird of the country’s total production in 2000-01. Other manganese-producing states are Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

Question : Differentiate between metallic and non metallic minerals with examples.
Answer :

Question : Why do minerals have a wide range ?
Answer : Minerals are found in varied forms in nature, ranging from the hardest diamond to the softest talc. They are homogenous, naturally occurring substances with a definable internal structure. Over 2,000 minerals have been identified, only a few are abundantly found in most of the rocks. A particular mineral that will be formed from a certain combination of elements depends upon the physical and chemical conditions. Thus in turn, results in a wide range of colours, hardness, crystal forms, lustre and density that a particular mineral possess.

Question : Why is energy required and how can it be generated ?
Answer : Energy is required for all activities. It is needed to cook, to provide light and heat, to propel vehicles and to drive machinery in industries.
Energy can be generated from fuel minerals like coal, petroleum, natural gas, uraniums and from electricity. The energy resources can be classified into two types :
Conventional sources and Non-Conventional sources.
Conventional sources include coal, petroleum, natural gas, firewood, cattle dung, natural gas and electricity.
Non-Conventional sources include wind, tidal, solar, geothermal,biogas and atomic energy.

Question : Name different types of iron ore. Which is considered as the best ore ?
Answer : Magnetite, hematite, siderite and limonite are the four different types of iron ore. Magnetite and hematite are the two best ores.

Question : Explain the importance of energy.
Answer : In today's life, energy is very important to us. Energy is required for almost all activites. It is required for cooking, to provide light and heat, to propel vehicles and to drive machinery in industries. It is the basic requirement for economic development. Every sector of national economy - agriculture, industry, transport and commerce needs greater inputs of energy. Energy demands, in the form of electricity, are growing because of increasing use of electrical gadgets and appliances.

Question : Coal is an important source of energy. Explain.
Answer : Coal is an important source of energy in India :
(i) It fulfils a significant part of the nation's energy needs as it is available in abundance.
(ii) Coal is used to generate electricity. This electricity is then supplied to the industries and for domestic use.
(iii) As stated earlier, coal is an important source of energy in India. India is highly dependent on coal for meeting its commercial needs.
(iv) Coal is also important because it can be converted into other forms of energy like electricity, gas, oil, etc.

Question : What are the major iron ore belts ?
Answer : There are four major iron ore belts :
(i) Odisha - Jharkhand belt
(ii) Durg - Bastar - Chandrapur belt.
(iii) Ballari - Chitradurga - Chikkamagaluru - Tumakuru belt
(iv) Maharashtra - Goa belt. 

Question : Explain the different types of non-conventional sources of energy.
Answer : The different types of non-conventional energy are :
(i) Solar Energy : The sun provides us enormous amounts of enrgy in the form of solar radiation. Solar energy can be used in the production of heat, electricity, bio-energy, etc. There are some simple devices using solar energy like solar cooker, solar water heater, solar desalinator, solar air heaters, solar space conditioner, solar refrigerator, solar cells and modules.
(ii) Bio Energy : It includes those processes where biological forms of matter such as plants, vegetables, bacteria, enzymes, etc. The widest use of bio-energy is the traditional way where wood plants and agricultural matters are burnt to provide heat. Bio-mass includes both terrestrial as well as aquatic matter and can be grouped into new plant growth, residues and wastes.
(iii) Wind Energy : It is the kinetic energy associated with movement of large masses of air resulting from differential heating of the atmosphere by the sun.
(iv) Ocean Energy : The sea, which is constantly receiving solar radiations and acts as the world's largest utilisable renewable energy. It is available not only in the form of ocean but also available in several forms such as, ocean thermal energy, wave, tidal, ocean current, ocean wind and biomass.
(v) Geothermal Energy : Geothermal energy is the heat energy that we get from hot rocks present in the earth's crust. So, geo thermal wells these emissions which are much lower per energy unit than the fossil fuels. This energy involves low running costs since it saves 80% on fossil fuels. Due to this, there is an increase in the use of geothermal energy. It helps in reducing global warming and does not create pollution.

Question : What are the uses of copper? Give distribution of copper in India.
Answer : 1) India is critically deficient in the reserve and production of copper.
(ii) Being malleable, ductile and a good conductor, copper is mainly used in electrical cables, electronics and chemical industries.
(iii) The Balaghat mines in Madhya Pradesh produce 52 per cent of India’s copper.
(iv) The Singhbhum district of Jharkhand is also a leading producer of copper.
(v) The Khetri mines in Rajasthan are also famous for copper reserves.

Question : ‘Minerals are unevenly distributed in India.’’ Support the statement with examples.
Answer : i) Minerals are unevenly distributed in various regions of India.
ii) Peninsular rocks contain most of the reserves of coal, metallic minerals, mica and many other non-metallic minerals.
iii) Sedimentary rocks on the western and eastern flanks of the peninsula, in Gujarat and Assam have most of the petroleum deposits.
iv) Rajasthan with the rock systems of the peninsula, has reserves of many non-ferrous minerals.
v) The vast alluvial plains of North India are almost devoid of economic minerals.

Question : In what forms do minerals occur?
Answer : I) Igneous and metamorphic rocks: Minerals may occur in the cracks, crevices, faults or joints. The smaller occurrences are called veins or lodes. In most cases, they are formed when minerals in liquid, molten and gaseous forms are forced upward through cavities towards the earth’s surface. They cool and solidify as they rise.
ii) In sedimentary rocks: A number of minerals occur in beds or layers. They have been formed as a result of deposition, accumulation and concentration in horizontal strata. Coal and some forms of iron ore and sedimentary minerals include gypsum, potash salt and sodium salt.
(iii) Another mode of formation involves the decomposition of surface rocks, and the removal of soluble constituents, leaving a residual mass of weathered material containing ores. Bauxite is formed in this way.
(iv) Certain minerals may occur as alluvial deposits in the sands of valley floors and the base of hills. These deposits are called ‘placer deposits’ and generally contain minerals which are not corroded by water.
(v) The ocean waters contain vast quantities of minerals, but most of these are too widely diffused to be of economic significance.

Question : Distinguish between Biogas and Natural Gas.
Answer : Bio Gas
I. Biogas is the man-made energy resource.
II. It is prepared by using shrubs, farm waste, animal and human waste.
III. It is produced for domestic uses.
IV. Biogas is the most efficient use of cow dung, farm waste and animal waste.
Natural Gas
I. Natural gas is a natural resource.
II. It is found beneath the earth usually above the oil.
III. It is basically used in Industries as raw material.
IV. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is used as environment friendly fuel and is gaining popularity in India.

Question : Why should we use renewable energy resources?
Answer : We should use renewable energy resources because of the:
(i) Exhaustibility of non-renewable resources.
(ii) Long years of geological formation of non-renewable resources.
(iii) Causes less pollution.
(iv) Available in abundance.
(v) Environmentally friendly.
(vi) Strong dependence on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas is a threat to our environment.
(vii) Rising prices of oil and gas and their potential shortages.
(viii) Uncertainties about the security of energy supply in future.

Question : Why is it necessary to conserve mineral resources? Explain any four ways to conserve mineral resources.
Answer : The formation of minerals is a very slow process, while the consumption of mineral is taking palce at a very high rate. This may result in the depletion of mineral resources. Thus, it is necessary to conserve mineral resources.
Some of the ways through which we can conserve mineral resources are as follows :
(i) We should use the mineral resources in an efficient way.
(ii) It is important that new and improved technologies should be evolved for using the low grade ores at low costs.
(iii) Minerals should be recycled so that they can be used again.
(iv) We shuld use scrap metals as well.

Question : Locate the 6 nuclear power stations and find out the state in which they are located.
Answer : Nuclear Power Station Location
(i) Tarapur Atomic Power Station : Maharashtra.
(ii) Rajasthan Atomic Power Station : Rajasthan.
(iii) Kakrapar Atomic Power Station : Gujarat.
(iv) Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant : Tamil Nadu.
(v) Kaiga Nuclear Power Plant : Karnataka.
(vi) Gorakhpur Atomic Power Station : Haryana.

Question : What is the difference between an Open Pit mine, a Quarry and an Underground mine with shafts ?
Answer : 

Question : What are the different advantages of using biogas as a fuel source of energy ?
Answer : Biogas is counted among the renewable sources of energy and has various advantages like :
(i) Shrubs, farm waste, animal and human waste are used to produce biogas for domestic consumption in rural areas.
(ii) Decomposition of organic matter yield gas, which has higher thermal efficiency in comparison to kerosene, dung cake and charcoal.
(iii) Biogas plants are set up at municipal, cooperative and individual levels. The plants using cattle dung are known as 'Gobar gas' plants in rural areas.
(iv) The Gobar gas plants provide twin benefits to the farmers in the form of energy and improved quality of manure.
(v) Biogas is by far the most efficient use of cattle dung. It improves the quality of manure and also prevents the loss of trees and manure due to burning of fuelwood and cow dung cakes.

Question : Collect information about newly established solar power plants in India.
Answer : India is one of the few countries in the world with highest solar electricity production per watt installed. Solar power in India is the fastest growing industry and continues to develop the electricity with solar power projects in Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Newly established solar plants across all major states in India are :
(i) Andhra Pradesh : In October 2017, 1000 MW was commissioned at Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, which has become the world's largest solar power plant.
(ii) Rajasthan : The Bhadla Solar Park, with a total capacity of 2,255 MW, was developed in a four phase plan, out of which 260 MW capacity was commissioned by NTPC Limited. Total installed capacity on September 17, in the park is 690 MW.
(iii) Tamil Nadu : On 1 January, 2018, NLC India Limited (NCIL) commissioned a new 130 MW solar power project in Neyveli in Tamil Nadu.
(iv) Gujarat : Gujarat is one of India's most solar-developed states, with its total photovoltaic capacity reaching 1,262 MW by the end of July 2017. The state has commissioned Asia's largest solar park near the village of Charanka in Patan district. The park is generating 2 MW of its total planned capacity of 500 MW, and has been cited as an innovative and environmentally-friendly project by the Confederation of Indian Industry.
(v) Maharashtra : The Osmanabad region in Maharashtra has abundant sunlight, and is ranked the third best region in India for solar insulation. A 10 MW solar power plant in Osmanabad was commissioned in 2013.
(vi) Madhya Pradesh : A 130 MW solar power plant project at Bhagwanpura, a village in Neemach district, was launched by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi in 2015. It is the largest solar producer. The Welspun Energy is one of the top three companies in India's renewable energy sector.
(vii) Kerala : India's largest floating solar power plant was set up at the Banasura Sagar reservoir in Wayanad, Kerala. The 500 kW (kilowatt peak) solar plants of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) floats on 1.25 acres of the water surface of the reservoir. The solar plant has 1,938 solar panels, which have been installed on 18 Ferro cement floaters with hollow insides.

Question : What are the different forms in which minerals occur in nature ?
Answer : Minerals generally occur in nature in the following forms :
(i) In igneous and metamorphic rocks : Minerals may occur in cracks, crevices, faults or joints in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The smaller occurrences are called 'veins' and the larger occurrences are called 'lodes'. In most cases, they are formed when minerals in liquid/molten and gaseous forms are forced upwards through cavities towards the earth's surface. They cool and solidify as they rise. Major metallic minerals like tin, copper, zinc, etc., are obtained from veins and lodes.
(ii) In sedimentary rocks : In sedimentary rocks, a number of minerals occur in beds or layers. They have been formed as a result of deposition, accumulation and concentration in horizontal strata. Coal and some forms of iron ore have been concentrated as a result of long periods under great heat and pressure.
(iii) In decomposed rocks : Another mode of formation involves the decomposition of surface rocks and the removal of soluble constituents, leaving a residual mass of weathered material.
(iv) Minerals in alluvial deposits : Certain minerals may occur as alluvial deposits in sands of valley floors and the base of hills. These deposits are called 'placer deposits'. Gold, Silver, Tin and Platinum are among such minerals.
(iv) Minerals in ocean water : The ocean water contains vast quantities of minerals, but most of these are too widely diffused to be of economic significance. Common salt, magnesium and bromine are largely derived from ocean water.

Question : What are the different categories in which minerals are classified ?
Answer : Minerals are classified according to their use for general and commercial purposes. The classification is as follows :
(i) Metallic minerals :
(a) Ferrous minerals which contain iron. Examples of such minerals are iron ore, manganese, nickel, cobalt, etc.
(b) Non-ferrous minerals which do not contain iron contents.
Examples of such minerals are copper, lead, tin, bauxite, etc.
(c) Precious minerals which have high economic value.
Examples of precious minerals are gold, silver and platinum.
(ii) Non-metallic minerals : Examples of non-metallic minerals are mica, salt, potash, sulphur, granite, limestone, marble, sandstone, etc.
(iii) Energy minerals : These minerals provide energy. Examples of energy minerals are coal, petroleum and natural gas.

Source/Case Based Questions

Question : Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow : 

India is fortunate to have fairly rich and varied mineral resources. However, these are unevenly distributed. Broadly speaking, peninsular rocks contain most of the reserves of coal, metallic minerals, mica and many other non-metallic minerals. Sedimentary rocks on the western and eastern flanks of the peninsula, in Gujarat and Assam have most of the petroleum deposits. Rajasthan with the rock systems of the peninsula, has reserves of many non-ferrous minerals. The vast alluvial plains of North India are almost devoid of economic minerals. These variations exist largely because of the differences in the geological structure, processes and time involved in the formation of minerals. 

(i) The abundance of mica in _______ and crude oil in ________ shows geological diversity of India.
(a) eastern flanks of the peninsula, Rajasthan
(b) Rajasthan, Assam
(c) Sedimentary rocks, North India
(d) Gujarat, Eastern flanks of the peninsula 

Answer : (b) Rajasthan, Assam 

(ii) India is fortunate to have fairly rich and varied mineral resources. Identify which category these minerals belong to

Choose the correct option :
(a) 1-b, 2-d, 3-a, 4-c
(b) 1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b
(c) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d
(d) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d 

Answer : (a) 1-b, 2-d, 3-a, 4-c 

(iii) Which of the following is a reason that northern part of India lacks mineral reserves ?

(a) Northern plains are old landforms.
(b) Northern plains have dense network of rivers.
(c) Northern plains were formed by alluvial deposits.
(d) Northern plains are fit for agriculture. 

Answer : (c) Northern plains were formed by alluvial deposits. 

(iv) _________ justify the variations in availability of minerals in India.
(a) Land formation process
(b) Geological structure
(c) Time taken by the natural process
(d) All of the above 

Answer : (d) All of the above.