Non-metallic Minerals: Mica, Limestone, Gypsum, Diamond in India

Non-metallic minerals play important roles in various industries, with mica being a standout in India. Alongside mica, minerals like limestone, gypsum, and diamond contribute significantly to the country’s economy. Heavy mineral sands and titanium minerals found along India’s coastline add to its mineral wealth.

Overview of India’s Diverse Non-metallic Minerals

1. Mica

• Formation: Mica is a naturally occurring non-metallic mineral that is based on a collection of silicates.
• Nature: Natural, non-metallic mineral; silicate-based.

• Insulation: Due to its excellent di-electric strength, low power loss factor, insulating properties and resistance to high voltage, mica is one of the most indispensable minerals used in electric and electronic industries. Excellent insulator; widely used in electronics.
• Major Producers in India: Jharkhand, Odisha (Kodarma – the world’s largest),  Bihar (Munger), Andhra Pradesh (best quality in Nellore district), Telangana, Rajasthan (Jaipur to Bhilwara, around Udaipur), Karnataka (Mysore, Hasan districts), Tamil Nadu (Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Kanyakumari), Kerala (Alleppey), West Bengal (Purulia, Bankura) and Madhya Pradesh(Balaghat).

2. Limestone

• Composition: Limestone comprises calcium carbonate or a mix with magnesium carbonate.
• Origin: Sedimentary rocks, found in geological sequences from Pre-Cambrian to Recent, excluding Gondwana.
• Uses: 75% in cement, 16% in iron and steel (as flux), 4% in chemicals; rest in paper, sugar, fertilizers, etc.
• Production Centers: Mainly Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu.
• Top Producer: Madhya Pradesh leads with 16% of India’s limestone, found in districts like Jabalpur, Satna, Betul, etc.

3. Gypsum

• Hydrated sulphate of calcium; white opaque or transparent.

• Occurrence: In sedimentary formations like limestones, sandstones, and shales.
• Uses: Mainly used in ammonia sulphate fertilizer, cement industry (4-5% of cement);  plaster of Paris, ceramics, tiles, plastics; applied as surface plaster in agriculture.
• Production: Rajasthan leads India’s production (99%), deposits in Jodhpur, Nagaur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Barmer.

4. Diamond

• Formation: The hardest naturally occurring substance; Formed in the mantle, brought to the Earth’s crust through volcanism.
• Major Uses: ornaments, polishing, gem cutting, and industrial cutting edges.
• Important diamond regions in India: Panna belt in Madhya Pradesh, 
  • Wajrakarur kimberlite pipe in Andhra Pradesh (Anantpur); 
  • Krishna river basin gravels.
• Russia: has the world’s largest diamond resources; 
• Botswana:is a leadingg diamond-producing country.

Conclusion

India’s non-metallic mineral resources, including mica, limestone, gypsum, and diamond, play crucial roles in sustaining diverse industries.  With abundant reserves and widespread production centers, these minerals contribute significantly to the country’s economic development.