Question

Which one of the following is a non-metallic mineral?
A) Copper
B) Lead
C) Limestone
D) Tin

Answer 1

Hint: This substance is an essential component of concrete and is used in the construction of buildings. It works as an aggregate for the base of roads and also as a white pigment or a filler for paints and toothpaste.

Complete answer:
Minerals are naturally occurring substances in the environment that are made up of one or more elements. They are found in the earth’s crust and serve as sources for various metals and non-metals that we need in our daily lives.

Let us analyze the given options:
Option A) Copper – It is a relatively soft metal and is used in the form of alloys to make coins, jewellery, strain gauge etc. It is also a very good conductor of heat and electricity and is hence used for making utensils and electrical wires. This element is a metal, therefore, this option is incorrect.
Option B) Lead – It is a silver-coloured, soft metal with a hint of blue. It has a relatively low melting point and low reactivity with oxygen. Both these qualities make it very useful for making batteries, bullets, alloys, paints, etc. However, in the 19th century, it was recognized as harmful to the human body and its use has been very selective ever since. This option is also incorrect.
Option C) Limestone – It is an inorganic crystalline material that is made up of different forms of calcium carbonate. This substance is basically a compound of two non-metallic elements, Calcium and Carbon. Hence, it is a non-metallic element. Therefore, this is the correct option.
Option D) Tin – Tin is a soft silvery metal with a hint of yellow hue. It is used for making the alloy ‘bronze’ which has been done since 3000 BC. Tin has the least toxic inorganic form and is hence used for packing food items in tin cans. This is also a metal and therefore this option is wrong.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (C) Limestone.

Note: In India, Rajasthan is the leading producer of limestone. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in southern India are also large producers of limestone in the country. In the world, India is the third-largest producer of limestone. China and the United States are the largest and the second-largest producers respectively.