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UPSC MainsGEOLOGY-PAPER-II201510 Marks
Q18.

What are the placer minerals produced from beach sands in India? Describe the properties and uses of any two of these minerals.

How to Approach

This question requires a descriptive answer focusing on the placer minerals found in Indian beach sands. The approach should involve first defining placer minerals and outlining the major ones found in India. Then, select two minerals, providing detailed information on their properties (physical and chemical) and diverse uses. A geographical distribution of these minerals within India would also strengthen the answer. The answer should be structured with an introduction, a body detailing the minerals, and a conclusion summarizing the key points.

Model Answer

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Introduction

Placer minerals are valuable minerals concentrated by natural processes, typically through hydraulic action, in alluvial or beach sand deposits. These deposits form due to the weathering and erosion of rocks containing valuable minerals, which are then transported and concentrated by water currents. India’s coastline, particularly along the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, is rich in such placer deposits. These beach sand minerals are economically significant due to their industrial and technological applications. The atomic minerals division under the Department of Atomic Energy plays a crucial role in the exploration and exploitation of these resources.

Placer Minerals Found in Indian Beach Sands

Several placer minerals are found along the Indian coastline. The most important ones include:

  • Ilmenite (FeTiO3): A primary source of titanium.
  • Rutile (TiO2): Another important titanium ore, often found in higher concentrations than ilmenite in some deposits.
  • Zircon (ZrSiO4): Used in ceramics, refractories, and as a source of zirconium.
  • Garnet (X3Y2(SiO4)3): Used as an abrasive and in industrial applications.
  • Sillimanite (Al2SiO5): A high-alumina mineral used in refractories.
  • Monazite ((Ce,La,Nd,Th)PO4): A phosphate mineral containing rare earth elements and thorium.
  • Leucoxene (TiO2): Altered ilmenite, a source of titanium.

Properties and Uses of Ilmenite and Zircon

Ilmenite (FeTiO3)

Properties:

  • Physical Properties: Ilmenite is a black to steel-gray, opaque mineral with a metallic luster. It has a Mohs hardness of 5-6 and a specific gravity of 4.7-4.8. It exhibits weak magnetism.
  • Chemical Properties: It is chemically resistant but can be altered to leucoxene. It is insoluble in hydrochloric acid.

Uses:

  • Titanium Dioxide Production: The primary use of ilmenite is as a feedstock for the production of titanium dioxide (TiO2), a widely used white pigment in paints, plastics, paper, and cosmetics.
  • Titanium Metal Production: Ilmenite can also be used to produce titanium metal, known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, used in aerospace and other high-tech applications.
  • Welding Rods: Used in the production of welding rods.

Zircon (ZrSiO4)

Properties:

  • Physical Properties: Zircon is typically found as small, prismatic crystals. It can be colorless, but is often brown, yellow, or green due to trace element impurities. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7.5 and a specific gravity of 4.6-4.7.
  • Chemical Properties: Zircon is highly resistant to weathering and chemical attack, making it a durable mineral. It is insoluble in most acids.

Uses:

  • Ceramics Industry: Zircon is extensively used in the ceramics industry as an opacifier, providing whiteness and brightness to ceramic products like tiles, sanitary ware, and tableware.
  • Refractories: Due to its high melting point, zircon is used in the production of refractories for high-temperature applications, such as furnace linings.
  • Foundry Industry: Used as a facing sand in foundries to prevent metal penetration.
  • Zirconium Metal Production: Zircon is a source of zirconium metal, used in nuclear reactors and other specialized applications.
  • Gemstones: High-quality, transparent zircon crystals are used as gemstones.

Geographical Distribution

Ilmenite and zircon are found in varying concentrations along the Indian coastline. Major occurrences include:

  • Kerala: Chavara, Neendakara, and Varkala are known for rich ilmenite and zircon deposits.
  • Tamil Nadu: Manavalakurichi and Tuticorin are significant producers.
  • Odisha: Gopalpur and Puri districts contain substantial placer deposits.
  • Andhra Pradesh: Srikurmam and Bheemunipatnam are important locations.
  • Maharashtra: Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts have placer deposits.

Conclusion

India’s beach sand mineral resources are strategically important, providing crucial raw materials for various industries. Ilmenite and zircon, as discussed, are prime examples of these valuable placer deposits. Sustainable exploitation of these resources, coupled with responsible environmental practices, is essential to ensure long-term economic benefits and minimize ecological impact. Further exploration and technological advancements in mineral processing will be key to unlocking the full potential of India’s placer mineral wealth.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Placer Deposit
An accumulation of valuable minerals concentrated by gravity in alluvial or beach sands. These deposits are formed by the weathering and erosion of rocks containing valuable minerals, followed by their transport and concentration by water currents.
Specific Gravity
The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, usually water. It is a dimensionless quantity and is used to characterize the heaviness of minerals.

Key Statistics

India holds approximately 23% of the world’s total heavy mineral sand resources, estimated at around 28.4 million tonnes of ilmenite, 1.3 million tonnes of rutile, 1.8 million tonnes of zircon, and 0.7 million tonnes of monazite (as of 2015, National Mineral Inventory).

Source: National Mineral Inventory, 2015

India's production of ilmenite and rutile combined was approximately 1.4 million tonnes in 2022-23 (provisional data). (Ministry of Mines Annual Report)

Source: Ministry of Mines Annual Report, 2022-23

Examples

Chavara Beach Sands, Kerala

Chavara beach in Kerala is one of the most significant sources of ilmenite in India. The extensive beach placers have been exploited for decades, contributing significantly to the country’s titanium dioxide production. However, the mining activities have also raised environmental concerns regarding coastal erosion and ecosystem disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between ilmenite and rutile?

Both are titanium-bearing minerals, but rutile (TiO<sub>2</sub>) has a higher titanium content and is generally found in smaller concentrations than ilmenite (FeTiO<sub>3</sub>). Rutile is often considered a more desirable source of titanium due to its higher purity.

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