Identify the characteristics of minerals.
(A) These are unevenly distributed over space.
(B) There is an inverse relationship in the quality and quantity of minerals.
(C) All minerals are exhaustible over time.
(D) Non-metallic minerals are always organic in nature.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → (A), (B) and (C) only
A mineral is a natural substance with definite chemical and physical properties. It forms inside the earth over a very long time. Minerals are of two main types: metallic (such as iron ore and copper) and non-metallic (such as coal, mica and limestone).
(A) These are unevenly distributed over space. — Correct. Minerals are not found everywhere. Some areas have rich deposits while others have almost none. For example, most of India’s metallic minerals lie in the old rocks of the peninsular plateau, while the vast alluvial plain of north India has few useful minerals.
(B) There is an inverse relationship in the quality and quantity of minerals. — Correct. ‘Inverse’ means that when one goes up, the other goes down. Good quality minerals are found in small amounts, and poor quality minerals in large amounts.
(C) All minerals are exhaustible over time. — Correct. Minerals take a very long time to form, so they cannot be replaced quickly once they are used up. That is why they must be used carefully and conserved.
(D) Non-metallic minerals are always organic in nature. — Incorrect. Non-metallic minerals can be organic or inorganic. Coal and petroleum are organic, because they formed from buried plants and animals. Mica, limestone and graphite are inorganic. So the word ‘always’ makes this statement false.
NCERT (2026-27): “Types of Mineral Resources … Non-metallic minerals are either organic in origin such as fossil fuels also known as mineral fuels which are derived from the buried animal and plant life such as coal and petroleum. Other type of non-metallic minerals are inorganic in origin such as mica, limestone and graphite, etc.” “Minerals have certain characteristics. These are unevenly distributed over space. There is inverse relationship in quality and quantity of minerals i.e. good quality minerals are less in quantity as compared to low quality minerals. The third main characteristic is that all minerals are exhaustible over time. These take long to develop geologically and they cannot be replenished immediately at the time of need.” |