NCERT Class 10 Social Science Contemporary India: Chapter 5 — Minerals and Energy Resources
This chapter, "Minerals and Energy Resources," from NCERT Class 10 Social Science (Contemporary India), explores the indispensable role of minerals in our daily lives and the various forms they take. It begins with an anecdote illustrating how minerals are integral to everyday objects, from toothpaste and toothbrushes to vehicles like buses and trains. The chapter defines minerals as naturally occurring substances with a definable internal structure, found embedded in rocks. It explains that while geologists study their formation and composition, geographers are interested in their distribution and economic impact. The text details different modes of mineral occurrence, including in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, and through the decomposition of surface rocks. It highlights that minerals are typically found in ores, and their extraction viability depends on concentration and ease of mining. The chapter emphasizes that all living things need minerals for life processes, and they constitute a vital part of human development and utilization.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Contemporary India |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — Minerals and Energy Resources |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 673 |
Learning outcomes
- Define minerals and understand their geological and geographical significance.
- Identify different modes of mineral occurrence in various rock types.
- Recognize the importance of minerals in daily life and human development.
- Understand the concept of mineral ores and factors affecting extraction viability.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mineral | A homogenous, naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure. |
| Ore | An accumulation of any mineral mixed with other elements, where the mineral content is in sufficient concentration for viable extraction. |
| Veins | Minerals occurring in cracks, crevices, faults, or joints in igneous and metamorphic rocks, formed when molten/gaseous minerals are forced upward. |
| Lodes | Larger occurrences of minerals in cracks, crevices, faults, or joints, similar to veins. |
| Strata | Horizontal layers or beds in which minerals occur in sedimentary rocks. |
| Bauxite | A mineral formed by the decomposition of surface rocks, with soluble constituents removed. |
| Silica | A mineral compound often used as an abrasive in toothpaste. |
| Fluorite | A mineral source of fluoride, used to reduce cavities in toothpaste. |
| Titanium oxide | A mineral compound used to make toothpaste white. |
| Mica | A mineral that provides sparkle in some toothpastes. |
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Practice questions
- What is the geological definition of a mineral? Answer: A homogenous, naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure.
- In which types of rocks are minerals found in beds or layers? Answer: Sedimentary rocks.
- What is the term used for an accumulation of any mineral mixed with other elements? Answer: Ore.
- Name two minerals used to make toothpaste white. Answer: Titanium oxide (from rutile, ilmenite, anatase).
- How are minerals found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, in smaller occurrences? Answer: In cracks, crevices, faults, or joints, called veins.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mineral according to geologists?
Geologists define a mineral as a homogenous, naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure.
Why are minerals important for life processes?
Minerals are essential for life processes; although they represent a small percentage of nutrient intake, they are potent and enable the utilization of other foodstuffs.
Where are minerals generally found?
Minerals are generally found in ores, which are accumulations of minerals mixed with other elements.
How do minerals occur in igneous and metamorphic rocks?
In igneous and metamorphic rocks, minerals occur in cracks, crevices, faults, or joints, forming veins and lodes.
How are minerals found in sedimentary rocks?
In sedimentary rocks, minerals occur in beds or layers, formed by deposition, accumulation, and concentration.
What is an example of a mineral formed by the decomposition of surface rocks?
Bauxite is an example of a mineral formed by the decomposition of surface rocks.
What determines the relative ease and cost of mineral extraction?
The type of formation or structure in which minerals are found determines the ease and cost of mining and extraction.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 10 Social Science — Contemporary India — Chapter 5 — Minerals and Energy Resources. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.