Question

Which one of the following is NOT a characteristic of minerals?

• A. They are created by natural processes.
• B. They have a definite chemical composition
• C. They are inexhaustible
• D. Their distribution is uneven.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

They are inexhaustible

Answer: The correct answer is option (C) – They are inexhaustible.

• Minerals occur in different types of rocks. Some of the minerals are found in sedimentary rock, some are present in metamorphic rocks and some of them are found in igneous rocks.
• There are more than three thousand different minerals.
• The Minerals are classified as non-metallic minerals and metallic minerals based on the composition.
• Metallic minerals may be non-ferrous or ferrous minerals.
• Some of the examples of non-ferrous minerals are lead, copper, silver, gold. They do not contain iron.
• Ferrous minerals contain iron and the examples are manganese, iron ore and chromites.
• Metals are not present in non-metallic minerals.
• Examples of such non-metallic minerals are gypsum, mica and limestone.
• Some of the examples of other non-metallic minerals are petroleum and coal which are known as mineral fuels.
• Ores are nothing but the rocks from which minerals are mined.
• Only about 100 are considered ore minerals, although more than 2,800 types of minerals have been identified.
• A rock is an aggregate of one or more minerals but without definite composition of constituents of minerals.
• Usually, metallic minerals are found in metamorphic and igneous rock formations that form large plateaus.