UPSC Physical Geography – Chapter 6: Minerals, Rocks and the Rock Cycle (21 MCQs)

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UPSC Physical Geography – Chapter 6: Minerals, Rocks and the Rock Cycle (21 MCQs) – 21 questions, subject: Geography. Every question has the correct answer with a one-line explanation; tap "Show Answer". Free practice for TNPSC, UPSC, SSC, Bank and RRB exams – Shanmugam IAS Academy, Coimbatore.

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1.  

According to NCERT, feldspar makes up about what share of the Earth's crust?

Correct Answer: A [Half]

Explanation:

NCERT states that half of the Earth's crust is composed of feldspar, the most abundant mineral group.

2.  

The hardest mineral on the Mohs scale is:

Correct Answer: A [diamond]

Explanation:

10.

3.  

According to NCERT, the mineral group used in radio and radar is:

Correct Answer: C [quartz]

Explanation:

NCERT lists radio and radar as uses of quartz, a hard silica mineral found in sand and granite.

4.  

The asbestos industry uses minerals of the:

Correct Answer: D [amphibole group]

Explanation:

(d) Correct (NCERT).

5.  

Granite is an example of:

Correct Answer: D [an intrusive igneous rock]

Explanation:

coarse-grained.

6.  

Basalt is fine-grained because the lava:

Correct Answer: B [cooled quickly at the surface]

Explanation:

Lava that cools quickly at the surface has no time to grow large crystals, so basalt is fine-grained.

7.  

Marble is the metamorphic form of:

Correct Answer: D [limestone]

Explanation:

Heat and pressure recrystallise the calcite of limestone into marble.

8.  

Slate is formed by the metamorphism of:

Correct Answer: B [shale]

Explanation:

Low-grade metamorphism of fine-grained shale produces slate; with more heat and pressure it becomes schist.

9.  

Coal, according to NCERT, is a sedimentary rock formed:

Correct Answer: D [organically]

Explanation:

Coal forms from accumulated plant remains, so NCERT lists it among organically formed sedimentary rocks.

10.  

Consider the following statements:

1. Sedimentary rocks cover about 75 per cent of the Earth's surface.
2. Sedimentary rocks make up only about 5 per cent of the Earth's crust.
3. Fossils are most commonly found in igneous rocks.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: B [1 and 2 only]

Explanation:

Sedimentary rocks cover 75 per cent of the surface but only 5 per cent of the crust; igneous rocks do not hold fossils.

11.  

Assertion (A): Igneous rocks are called primary rocks.

Reason (R): Igneous rocks are formed directly from magma and lava, and other rocks are formed from them.

Correct Answer: A [Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A]

Explanation:

Igneous rocks form first, directly from magma and lava, and the other rocks derive from them, which is why they are called primary.

12.  

The "streak" of a mineral is the:

Correct Answer: A [colour of its ground powder]

Explanation:

Streak is the colour of a mineral's ground powder, which may differ from the colour of the mineral itself.

13.  

Lustre of a mineral refers to its:

Correct Answer: D [appearance in light, without regard to colour]

Explanation:

NCERT defines lustre as the appearance of a material without regard to colour, such as metallic, silky or glossy.

14.  

The tendency of a mineral to break along predetermined planes is called:

Correct Answer: A [cleavage]

Explanation:

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along predetermined directions, giving relatively plane surfaces.

15.  

On the Mohs scale, gypsum has a hardness of:

Correct Answer: C [2]

Explanation:

Gypsum is number 2 on the Mohs scale, between talc (1) and calcite (3).

16.  

The arrangement of minerals in layers or lines in metamorphic rocks is called:

Correct Answer: A [foliation]

Explanation:

Minerals arranged in layers or lines in metamorphic rocks give foliation or lineation.

17.  

Arrange the following stages in the formation of a sedimentary rock in the correct sequence:

1. Deposition of fragments in layers
2. Weathering of existing rocks
3. Compaction and cementation (lithification)
4. Transport by wind, water or ice

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: C [2-4-1-3]

Explanation:

Rocks are first weathered, the fragments are transported, then deposited in layers, and finally compacted and cemented.

18.  

Petrology is the science of:

Correct Answer: D [rocks]

Explanation:

Petrology, from the Greek petra meaning rock, is the science of rocks.

19.  

Which of the following rocks is porous and highly permeable?

Correct Answer: B [Chalk]

Explanation:

Chalk has many connected pores, so it absorbs water and lets it pass through easily.

20.  

Quartzite is formed by the metamorphism of:

Correct Answer: C [sandstone]

Explanation:

Heat and pressure recrystallise the quartz grains of sandstone into hard, interlocking quartzite.

21.  
UPSC Prelims 2025

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: In the context of effect of water on rocks, chalk is known as a very permeable rock whereas clay is known as quite an impermeable or least permeable rock.

Statement II: Chalk is porous and hence can absorb water.

Statement III: Clay is not at all porous.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Correct Answer: C [Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I]

Explanation:

only Statement II is correct and it explains Statement I; clay is porous but its tiny pores make it nearly impermeable.

➤ Full notes, maps, tables, a reason for every option and Mains PYQs – U08 · Physical Geography (UPSC book, ₹249): www.shanmugamiasacademy.in/study-materials/upsc-physical-geography

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