Mineral Groups and Examples Mentioned in the Syllabus


The UPSC syllabus covers a wide range of topics related to minerals, including their types, classification, and examples. Understanding the different mineral groups and their examples is essential for aspirants preparing for the UPSC examination. Here are some of the mineral groups and examples mentioned in the syllabus:


- Native elements are minerals that are composed of a single element.
- Examples: Gold, silver, copper, sulfur, diamond, graphite, etc.


- Sulfides are compounds formed by the combination of sulfur with a metal.
- Examples: Pyrite (FeS2), galena (PbS), sphalerite (ZnS), chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), etc.


- Oxides are minerals composed of oxygen and one or more metal elements.
- Examples: Hematite (Fe2O3), magnetite (Fe3O4), rutile (TiO2), corundum (Al2O3), etc.


- Carbonates are minerals that contain the carbonate ion (CO3^2-) combined with a metal.
- Examples: Calcite (CaCO3), dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), malachite (Cu2CO3(OH)2), etc.


- Sulfates are minerals that contain the sulfate ion (SO4^2-) combined with a metal.
- Examples: Gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O), barite (BaSO4), anhydrite (CaSO4), etc.


- Halides are minerals that contain halogen elements (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine) combined with a metal.
- Examples: Halite (NaCl), fluorite (CaF2), sylvite (KCl), etc.


- Phosphates are minerals that contain the phosphate ion (PO4^3-) combined with a metal.
- Examples: Apatite (Ca5(PO4)3(OH,F,Cl)), monazite (CePO4), wavellite (Al3(PO4)2(OH,F)3·5H2O), etc.


- Silicates are the most abundant mineral group and are composed of silicon and oxygen, along with other elements.
- Examples: Quartz (SiO2), feldspar (KAlSi3O8), mica (KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2), etc.


Familiarizing yourself with the different mineral groups and their examples mentioned in the UPSC syllabus is crucial for scoring well in the examination. Understanding the properties, uses, and occurrences of these minerals will provide a comprehensive knowledge base for answering questions related to minerals and their significance in various fields.