Non Metallic Minerals: Distribution in India

Mica

• Occurrence: Found in metamorphic rocks and some igneous rocks.
• Properties: Elastic, tough, flexible, transparent, and a good insulator.
• Uses: Electrical and electronics industries, toothpaste, cosmetics, and as a mild abrasive.
• Major Reserves:
  • Andhra Pradesh: Largest producer (41% of India’s reserves).
  • Rajasthan: Second-largest (21%).
  • Jharkhand: Third-largest (20%).
• Important Mining Areas: Nellore (Andhra Pradesh), Jaipur-Bhilwara belt (Rajasthan), and Kodarma-Giridih belt (Jharkhand).
• Exports: India is the largest exporter, with major buyers from Japan, USA, and UK.

Limestone

• Composition: Mainly calcium carbonate, with small amounts of other minerals like magnesium carbonate.
• Uses: Cement industry, iron & steel industry, chemical industries, and others.
• Production: 75% of limestone in India is used for cement production.
• Major States:
  • Karnataka: 28% of total resources.
  • Rajasthan: Leading producer (21% of total production).
  • Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat: Other major producers.

Dolomite

• Composition: Calcium magnesium carbonate.
• Uses: Refractory bricks, fertilizers, glass, and as a flux in iron and steel industries.
• Major States:
  • Chhattisgarh: Leading producer (39%).
  • Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha.

Asbestos

• Type: Group of fibrous silicate minerals.
• Uses: Fireproof materials, brake linings, insulation, and construction products.
• Major States:
  • Rajasthan: 61% of the total resources.
  • Karnataka: 37% of the resources.
  • Other States: Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttarakhand.

Magnesite

• Composition: Magnesium carbonate.
• Uses: Refractory materials, abrasives, cement, and for extraction of magnesium.
• Major States:
  • Tamil Nadu: Largest producer (78% of total production).
  • Uttarakhand: Second-largest (19%).
  • Karnataka: Minor producer.

Kyanite

• Composition: Aluminous mineral used in high-temperature applications.
• Uses: Refractories, ceramics, and as a component in spark plugs.
• Major States: Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

Sillimanite

• Occurrence: Similar to kyanite, used in refractories and ceramics.
• Major States:
  • Tamil Nadu: 26% of resources.
  • Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.

Gypsum

• Composition: Hydrated sulfate of calcium.
• Uses: Cement production, fertilizers, plaster of Paris, and agriculture.
• Major States:
  • Rajasthan: Dominates production (81%).
  • Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh.