The Minerals Archives

1. About three-fourths of world’s cobalt, a metal required for the manufa

About three-fourths of world’s cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by

Argentina

Botswana

the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kazakhstan

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2023

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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the world’s dominant producer of cobalt. It accounts for over 70% of the global supply, making it the primary source for this metal crucial for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and electronics.

– Cobalt is a key component in many types of rechargeable batteries.
– Global supply of cobalt is highly concentrated.
– The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the largest producer by a significant margin.

The high concentration of cobalt production in the DRC raises concerns about supply chain security, ethical sourcing (due to issues like child labor in artisanal mining), and political stability in the region.

2. Arrange the following substances in their order of increasing hardness

Arrange the following substances in their order of increasing hardness :

Gypsum
Topaz
Fluorite
Feldspar

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

4-3-2-1

1-3-4-2

3-4-2-1

1-4-3-2

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct answer is B) 1-3-4-2.

– The hardness of minerals is commonly measured using the Mohs Hardness Scale, which ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest) based on their ability to scratch one another.
– The Mohs scale values for the given substances are:
– Gypsum: Mohs Hardness = 2
– Topaz: Mohs Hardness = 8
– Fluorite: Mohs Hardness = 4
– Feldspar (usually Orthoclase): Mohs Hardness = 6
– Arranging these substances in order of increasing hardness (from softest to hardest):
1. Gypsum (2)
2. Fluorite (4)
3. Feldspar (6)
4. Topaz (8)
– The correct order using the list numbers is 1-3-4-2.

The full Mohs scale is: 1. Talc, 2. Gypsum, 3. Calcite, 4. Fluorite, 5. Apatite, 6. Feldspar, 7. Quartz, 8. Topaz, 9. Corundum, 10. Diamond. Each mineral on the scale can scratch the ones below it. For example, Fluorite (4) can scratch Gypsum (2) and Calcite (3), but cannot scratch Apatite (5) or Feldspar (6).

3. Which one of the following is a non-metallic mineral ?

Which one of the following is a non-metallic mineral ?

Iron

Mica

Copper

Bauxite

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

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Minerals are broadly classified into metallic and non-metallic minerals. Metallic minerals contain one or more metallic elements, while non-metallic minerals do not. Iron, Copper, and Bauxite (an ore of aluminum) are metallic minerals. Mica is a silicate mineral that does not contain metallic elements and is classified as a non-metallic mineral.

Metallic minerals are sources of metals (e.g., iron ore, copper ore, bauxite), while non-metallic minerals are used for various purposes other than obtaining metals (e.g., building materials, chemicals, fertilizers, gemstones).

Examples of metallic minerals include hematite, magnetite, bauxite, chalcopyrite, chromite, gold, silver, etc. Examples of non-metallic minerals include mica, limestone, gypsum, dolomite, feldspar, quartz, diamond, coal, petroleum, etc.

4. Which of the following statements about magnetite ore of iron is/are c

Which of the following statements about magnetite ore of iron is/are correct ?

1. It is known as black ore.
2. It contains 60% to 70% of pure iron.
3. It possesses magnetic properties.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2017

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All three statements regarding magnetite ore of iron are correct. Magnetite is known as black ore, it has a high iron content ranging typically from 60% to 70% in good quality ores, and it possesses strong magnetic properties.

Magnetite (Fe3O4) is one of the main iron ores and is characterized by its dark color and magnetic properties, often being the highest quality iron ore due to its high iron content.

– Hematite (Fe2O3) is another major iron ore, typically reddish-brown and not magnetic. It usually has a lower iron content than high-grade magnetite.
– Magnetite is a ferrimagnetic mineral, meaning it is strongly attracted to magnets and can even become a permanent magnet itself (lodestone).

5. Climax mine, the largest producer of molybdenum, is located in

Climax mine, the largest producer of molybdenum, is located in

Canada

USA

Australia

South Africa

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2020

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The Climax mine, a major producer of molybdenum, is located in the USA.

The Climax mine is situated in Colorado, United States, and historically has been one of the world’s largest primary molybdenum mines.

Molybdenum is a metallic element used in alloys to increase strength, toughness, electrical conductivity, and resistance to corrosion and wear. While molybdenum is mined in various countries including Canada, Chile, and China, the Climax mine in the US is particularly famous for its significant production capacity.