UPSC Prelims 2006 Q120: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography
Which of the following substances are found in the beach sands of many parts of Kerala?
1. Ilmenite
2. Zircon
3. Sillimanite
4. Tungsten
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1 and 2 only
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Minerals in the beach sands of Kerala
| Substance | Found in Kerala's beach sands? |
|---|---|
| 1. Ilmenite | Yes |
| 2. Zircon | Yes |
| 3. Sillimanite | Yes |
| 4. Tungsten | No, it occurs in hard-rock deposits, not beach sands |
The monazite-rich beach sands of Kerala contain ilmenite, rutile, zircon and sillimanite, but not tungsten.
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Tungsten is not found in Kerala's beach sands.
- (b) CORRECT. Ilmenite, zircon and sillimanite occur in Kerala's beach sands; tungsten does not.
- (c) Incorrect. Sillimanite occurs there, but tungsten does not.
- (d) Incorrect. Sillimanite is also found, so '1 and 2 only' is incomplete.
Key point
Kerala's beach sands hold ilmenite, zircon and sillimanite (with rutile and monazite) but no tungsten.
Remember
Kerala beach sands: ilmenite, zircon and sillimanite, but not tungsten.
Common mistakes
- Adding tungsten because it is a heavy mineral.
- Forgetting sillimanite as a beach sand mineral.
- Not knowing that monazite and thorium also occur there.
Exam tip
Beach sand minerals: ilmenite, rutile, zircon, monazite, sillimanite, garnet.
Sources
- Geological Survey of India — Mineral resources: heavy mineral beach sands of Kerala (ilmenite, rutile, zircon, sillimanite, monazite)
- Indian Bureau of Mines — Indian Minerals Yearbook (Titanium minerals; Zircon)