Indian Geography
2020
Mineral Resources India

Consider the following minerals:

  1. Bentonite
  2. Chromite
  3. Kyanite
  4. Sillimanite In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?

C.1 and 3 only
B.4 only
D.2, 3 and 4 only
A.1 and 2 only

Correct Answer: Option D

Bentonite is a highly plastic clay, primarily composed of montmorillonite.

According to the Government of India Notification S.O. 423(E) dated 10th February 2015, Bentonite is classified as a 'Minor Mineral'.

Chromite (Cr) is the main commercial ore of chromium, chemically known as iron chromium oxide (Fe Cr2O4).

Kyanite, Sillimanite, and Andalusite are aluminosilicate minerals sharing the chemical formula Al2O3 but differing in crystal structure and physical properties.

Therefore, Chromite, Kyanite, and Sillimanite are designated as major minerals while Bentonite is a minor mineral.

Hence, option d is the correct answer.