Minerals of Rajasthan: Metallic and Non-Metallic: RAS Prelims MCQs
56 RAS Prelims MCQs on the minerals of Rajasthan test which mineral comes from which district and why it matters. Makrana marble, Khetri copper, Zawar zinc, Jamsar gypsum, rock phosphate and sandstone are asked as pairs, sequences and statements, and the explanations give the mineral’s use.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 41–50 of 56 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Minerals of Rajasthan: Metallic and Non-Metallic
Q41. Consider the following statements about Gypsum deposits in Rajasthan: I. Rajasthan produces over 80% of India’s total gypsum output. II. The Got-Manglod area in Nagaur is a prominent site for gypsum mining. III. Gypsum is heavily utilized in the manufacturing of Plaster of Paris and Portland cement. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rajasthan dominates India’s gypsum production, contributing over 80% of the total output. The Got-Manglod area in Nagaur is a well-known mining site for this mineral. Gypsum’s industrial utility is vast, serving as a primary component in manufacturing Plaster of Paris and as a retarder in cement production. Its agricultural use for soil reclamation further enhances its economic and strategic significance.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Minerals of Rajasthan: Metallic and Non-Metallic
Q42. Identify the odd one out concerning the typical spatial distribution of these minerals in Rajasthan:
Explanation
Copper, iron ore, and lead-zinc deposits in Rajasthan are primarily found in the Aravalli range and its associated hard-rock geological formations. These are typically metallic minerals formed through igneous or metamorphic processes. In contrast, the gypsum deposits in the Bikaner-Nagaur basin are marine evaporite deposits found in western sedimentary basins, making their geological setting and spatial distribution entirely distinct.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Minerals of Rajasthan: Metallic and Non-Metallic
Q43. Consider the following statements about the physical and chemical properties of Mica found in Bhilwara and Ajmer: I. It has excellent basal cleavage, allowing it to be split into very thin, flexible sheets. II. It is a highly efficient conductor of electricity. III. It can withstand very high temperatures without significantly degrading. IV. It is completely soluble in ordinary water. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Mica is renowned for its perfect basal cleavage, which allows it to be split into extremely thin, flexible sheets. It also has high thermal stability, enabling it to withstand high temperatures. However, it is an excellent electrical insulator, not a conductor, which is why it is used in electronics. Additionally, mica is chemically inert and insoluble in water, making other statements incorrect.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Minerals of Rajasthan: Metallic and Non-Metallic
Q44. The strategic utility of Tungsten extracted from the Degana mines stems directly from which physical effect when alloyed with steel?
Explanation
The strategic value of tungsten lies in its incredible hardness and high melting point. When alloyed with steel, it creates "high-speed steel" that retains its hardness and structural integrity even at very high temperatures. This property is crucial for manufacturing cutting tools, drill bits, and specialized military equipment that must endure extreme heat and friction without failure, justifying the mineral’s strategic importance.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Minerals of Rajasthan: Metallic and Non-Metallic
Q45. Consider the following statements regarding the characteristics of Iron Ore in Rajasthan: I. The deposits are heavily concentrated and are the largest single unbroken iron ore belt in India. II. Hematite is the most commonly extracted form of iron ore in the Jaipur-Dausa regions. III. The scattered and limited nature of deposits restricts the establishment of massive integrated steel plants in the state. IV. Micaceous hematite is found in some southern districts. V. The overall quality of most deposits is of medium to low grade. Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Iron ore deposits in Rajasthan are actually scattered and relatively small compared to the massive, unbroken belts found in states like Odisha. This fragmented nature is a primary reason why the state lacks large integrated steel plants. While hematite is the main ore and the quality is generally medium-grade, the claim that Rajasthan has the largest unbroken iron ore belt is false.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Minerals of Rajasthan: Metallic and Non-Metallic
Q46. Which of the following districts is NOT generally associated with significant commercial production of Granite in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Jalore, Barmer, and Sirohi are all major centers for commercial granite production in Rajasthan, with Jalore being the most famous. Jaisalmer, however, is better known for its vast deposits of yellow limestone, sandstone, and gypsum. While some granite may exist in the region, Jaisalmer is not categorized as a significant commercial hub for granite production compared to the mentioned districts.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Minerals of Rajasthan: Metallic and Non-Metallic
Q47. Read the given statements and select the correct answer from the options provided: Statement I: The mineral policy emphasizes the creation of employment through minor mineral sectors like dimensional stones (marble, granite, sandstone). Statement II: The policy mandates the complete nationalization of all dimensional stone quarries, banning private ownership.
Explanation
The Rajasthan Mineral Policy recognizes the dimensional stone sector as a major source of local employment and economic growth. However, the policy does not mandate the nationalization of these quarries. Instead, it encourages private sector investment and participation through a regulated leasing system, aiming to modernize the industry while maintaining a competitive and diverse market for these valuable stone resources.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Minerals of Rajasthan: Metallic and Non-Metallic
Q48. Identify the correctly matched pair of the minor copper deposit and its respective district in Rajasthan:
Explanation
Kho-Dariba is a well-known copper mining area located in the Alwar district. In contrast, the Pur- Banera belt is in Bhilwara, and Bidasar is located in the Churu district. Bhagot-ka-Bas is situated in Sikar. These smaller deposits supplement the major production from the Khetri belt, highlighting the widespread but localized occurrence of copper mineralization across different geological terrains in Rajasthan.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Minerals of Rajasthan: Metallic and Non-Metallic
Q49. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer using the options provided:
Type of Dimensional Stone
Prominent Region
A. White Marble
i. Jalore
B. Red Sandstone
ii. Makrana
C. Yellow Limestone
iii. Dholpur
D. Granite
iv. Jaisalmer
Explanation
White marble is the signature product of Makrana. Red sandstone is famously extracted from the Dholpur region for monumental buildings. Yellow limestone is the characteristic building stone of Jaisalmer, often seen in its historic fort and architecture. Jalore is the primary center for the granite industry. These regional associations define the visual character of Rajasthan’s diverse and world-renowned industry.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Minerals of Rajasthan: Metallic and Non-Metallic
Q50. The headquarters and major historical smelting facilities of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) in Rajasthan are situated at which location?
Explanation
The Khetri Copper Complex in Jhunjhunu is the primary site for Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) in Rajasthan. It houses the major mining operations, concentration plants, and smelting facilities for copper. While other locations like Zawar and Debari are important for lead and zinc, Khetri remains the historical and administrative heart of the public sector’s copper production efforts within the state.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
41
(d) I, II and III
42
(a) Marine Gypsum (Bikaner-Nagaur basin)
43
(a) I and III only
44
(d) It increases the steel’s hardness and resistance to high-temperature wear and structural stress
45
(a) I only
46
(b) Jaisalmer
47
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
48
(a) Kho-Dariba -- Alwar
49
(a) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i
50
(a) Khetri
Key facts from Minerals of Rajasthan: Metallic and Non-Metallic
Makrana in Nagaur supplied the white marble of the Taj Mahal and the Victoria Memorial.
Red sandstone for famous buildings comes from Dholpur and Bharatpur.
Jamsar is a large gypsum deposit; Bikaner has the largest gypsum deposits.
The Degana mines in Nagaur are on Rewat Hill; rock phosphate is mined at Jhamarkotra (Udaipur) and Birmania and Fatehgarh (Jaisalmer).
Copper: Khetri-Singhana in Jhunjhunu, Kho-Dariba in Alwar, Pur-Dariba in Bhilwara, Bhagot-ka-Bas in Sikar.
From north to south, mining centres run Khetri, Rampura-Agucha, Rajpura-Dariba and Zawar.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Minerals of Rajasthan: Metallic and Non-Metallic?
This page has 56 practice MCQs on Minerals of Rajasthan: Metallic and Non-Metallic (Rajasthan Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Where did the Taj Mahal’s marble come from?
From Makrana in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan. Makrana marble is white and fine-grained, and it was also used for the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, and Makrana is still a major centre of the marble trade.
Where is rock phosphate mined in Rajasthan?
At Jhamarkotra in Udaipur district, the largest deposit in India, and at Birmania and Fatehgarh in Jaisalmer. It is used to make phosphatic fertilisers like SSP and DAP.
What is Jamsar known for?
Jamsar, near Bikaner, is a large gypsum mine. Gypsum is used in cement, plaster and as a soil amendment to reclaim alkaline and saline land, and Rajasthan dominates India’s gypsum production.
