Mineral resources MCQs With Answer are essential for B.Pharm students to master the pharmaceutical roles of minerals, excipients, trace elements and assay standards. This concise, SEO-friendly guide covers mineral classification, sources, pharmaceutical applications (e.g., talc, kaolin, magnesium stearate, silica, calcium carbonate), toxicity of heavy metals, pharmacopeial limits and analytical techniques like AAS and ICP-OES. It emphasizes practical knowledge for formulation, quality control and regulatory compliance. Ideal for exam prep and revision, these targeted questions deepen understanding of mineral-based excipients, therapeutic salts and contamination issues relevant to drug development. Now let’s test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. What defines a mineral resource in the context of pharmaceuticals?
- A biologically derived compound used in drugs
- A naturally occurring inorganic substance with definite chemical composition
- A synthetic excipient produced in a lab
- A processed drug intermediate
Correct Answer: A naturally occurring inorganic substance with definite chemical composition
Q2. Which classification separates minerals based on their origin (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic)?
- Chemical classification
- Genetic classification
- Physical classification
- Pharmacopoeial classification
Correct Answer: Genetic classification
Q3. Which of the following is an example of an ore important for extracting iron used in pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment?
- Bauxite
- Hematite
- Gypsum
- Talc
Correct Answer: Hematite
Q4. Talc, used as a glidant and lubricant in tablets, is primarily composed of which mineral?
- Magnesium silicate
- Calcium carbonate
- Sodium sulfate
- Aluminium oxide
Correct Answer: Magnesium silicate
Q5. Kaolin (china clay) is commonly used in pharmaceuticals as:
- An anticoagulant
- An adsorbent and diluent
- A bactericide
- A flavoring agent
Correct Answer: An adsorbent and diluent
Q6. Which mineral is widely used as a lubricant/excipient: magnesium stearate is a salt of magnesium and which acid?
- Stearic acid
- Oleic acid
- Acetic acid
- Citric acid
Correct Answer: Stearic acid
Q7. Silicon dioxide (colloidal silica) functions in tablet formulations primarily as a:
- Binder
- Glidant and adsorbent
- Colorant
- Sweetener
Correct Answer: Glidant and adsorbent
Q8. Calcium carbonate used as an antacid is chemically a form of which mineral?
- Calcite
- Dolomite
- Gypsum
- Kaolinite
Correct Answer: Calcite
Q9. Bentonite, used as a suspending agent, is primarily composed of which clay mineral?
- Smectite (montmorillonite)
- Illite
- Kaolinite
- Chlorite
Correct Answer: Smectite (montmorillonite)
Q10. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is added to tablets and capsules mainly as a:
- Preservative
- Opacifier and pigment
- Buoyancy agent
- Sweetening agent
Correct Answer: Opacifier and pigment
Q11. Which trace mineral is essential for hemoglobin synthesis and often supplemented as ferrous sulfate?
- Zinc
- Iron
- Copper
- Magnesium
Correct Answer: Iron
Q12. Zinc salts (e.g., zinc sulfate) in pharmaceutical use are primarily for:
- Analgesia
- Antioxidant and micronutrient supplementation
- Anticoagulation
- Anesthesia
Correct Answer: Antioxidant and micronutrient supplementation
Q13. Which mineral-derived ion is the main extracellular cation crucial for fluid balance and used in oral rehydration salts?
- Potassium (K+)
- Calcium (Ca2+)
- Sodium (Na+)
- Magnesium (Mg2+)
Correct Answer: Sodium (Na+)
Q14. Magnesium hydroxide, derived from magnesium minerals, is used as:
- An antacid and laxative
- An anti-inflammatory
- A sedative
- A diuretic
Correct Answer: An antacid and laxative
Q15. Which mineral source is commonly used to derive pharmaceutical-grade calcium for supplements?
- Quartz
- Calcite (limestone)
- Hematite
- Bauxite
Correct Answer: Calcite (limestone)
Q16. Silver and silver salts extracted from mineral sources are used in pharma primarily for:
- Antiseptic and antimicrobial applications
- Analgesic effects
- Hormone therapy
- Anticoagulation
Correct Answer: Antiseptic and antimicrobial applications
Q17. Which heavy metal is most associated with neurotoxicity and is monitored in pharmaceutics as a contaminant?
- Lead (Pb)
- Iron (Fe)
- Calcium (Ca)
- Potassium (K)
Correct Answer: Lead (Pb)
Q18. Pharmacopeias set limits for heavy metal contaminants in excipients. Which analytical technique is most sensitive for multi-element detection?
- UV-Vis spectrophotometry
- Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)
- Gas chromatography
- Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
Correct Answer: Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
Q19. Which mineral-derived excipient can act as a disintegrant due to its swelling properties?
- Magnesium stearate
- Starch (from botanical source)
- Bentonite
- Silica gel
Correct Answer: Bentonite
Q20. Gypsum (calcium sulfate) is used pharmaceutically in which application?
- Tablet coating
- Plaster for orthopedic casts and dental molds
- Primary active ingredient in antacids
- Parenteral infusion
Correct Answer: Plaster for orthopedic casts and dental molds
Q21. Which mineral impurity is frequently tested in talc used for pharmaceuticals because of carcinogenic concerns?
- Quartz (crystalline silica)
- Calcite
- Hematite
- Gypsum
Correct Answer: Quartz (crystalline silica)
Q22. Dolomite is a mineral composed mainly of which ions?
- Calcium and magnesium carbonates
- Sodium and potassium chlorides
- Aluminium silicates
- Iron oxides
Correct Answer: Calcium and magnesium carbonates
Q23. Which mineral-derived salt is commonly used as a buffering agent in oral formulations?
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Potassium iodide
- Magnesium sulfate
- Calcium chloride
Correct Answer: Sodium bicarbonate
Q24. In quality control, lead content in mineral excipients is commonly measured by:
- Microbial assays
- Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)
- Thin-layer chromatography
- Refractive index
Correct Answer: Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)
Q25. Which mineral is a primary source of aluminium used in pharmaceutical packaging and equipment?
- Bauxite
- Magnetite
- Gypsum
- Halite
Correct Answer: Bauxite
Q26. Which mineral is commonly used as an anti-caking agent and flow enhancer in powdered formulations?
- Magnesium stearate
- Silicon dioxide (colloidal)
- Calcium carbonate
- Gypsum
Correct Answer: Silicon dioxide (colloidal)
Q27. Which process describes converting mined ore into a purified mineral suitable for pharmaceutical use?
- Formulation
- Beneficiation and purification
- Lyophilization
- Tablet compression
Correct Answer: Beneficiation and purification
Q28. Which mineral-derived excipient is a common filler/diluent in tablets and capsules due to its compressibility?
- Lactose
- Quartz
- Hematite
- Graphite
Correct Answer: Lactose
Q29. Which mineral contaminant from processing equipment is a concern because it may cause iron-related discoloration in products?
- Copper particles
- Silica fragments
- Iron (Fe) particles
- Zinc dust
Correct Answer: Iron (Fe) particles
Q30. Which naturally occurring mineral provides ionic calcium and is used to neutralize gastric acid?
- Silica
- Calcite (calcium carbonate)
- Mica
- Bauxite
Correct Answer: Calcite (calcium carbonate)
Q31. Which mineral-derived salt is used to treat magnesium deficiency?
- Ferrous sulfate
- Magnesium sulfate
- Calcium carbonate
- Zinc oxide
Correct Answer: Magnesium sulfate
Q32. Copper sulfate, derived from copper ores, is used pharmaceutically mainly as:
- An expectorant
- An antimicrobial and emetic in some contexts
- A systemic anticancer agent
- A local anesthetic
Correct Answer: An antimicrobial and emetic in some contexts
Q33. Which mineral is a common source of iodine in iodized salts and pharmacy supplies?
- Halite with added iodide
- Hematite
- Gypsum
- Bentonite
Correct Answer: Halite with added iodide
Q34. Chelation therapy uses agents to bind metal ions. Which mineral-derived metal is treated by chelation in lead poisoning?
- Iron
- Lead
- Potassium
- Calcium
Correct Answer: Lead
Q35. Which pharmaceutical concern arises from asbestos contamination historically associated with certain mineral deposits?
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Carcinogenicity and pulmonary fibrosis
- Excessive solubility
- Light sensitivity
Correct Answer: Carcinogenicity and pulmonary fibrosis
Q36. Which mineral-based excipient can strongly adsorb bile acids and is used in gastrointestinal formulations?
- Activated charcoal
- Magnesium stearate
- Cellulose
- Lactose
Correct Answer: Activated charcoal
Q37. Which of the following is a pharmacopeial test specifically relevant to mineral excipients like talc and kaolin?
- Microbial limit tests only
- Particle size distribution, heavy metal content and loss on drying
- Sterility only
- Viscosity at 100°C
Correct Answer: Particle size distribution, heavy metal content and loss on drying
Q38. Which mining-related environmental issue is most relevant to pharmaceutical raw material sourcing?
- Electromagnetic interference
- Heavy metal contamination of water and soil
- Noise pollution only
- Ozone depletion
Correct Answer: Heavy metal contamination of water and soil
Q39. Which salt derived from mineral resources is commonly used as a laxative due to its osmotic effect?
- Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt)
- Calcium carbonate
- Lead acetate
- Silver nitrate
Correct Answer: Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt)
Q40. Which mineral is commonly evaluated for crystalline silica content due to regulatory concerns in excipients?
- Talc
- Lactose
- Magnesium stearate
- Activated charcoal
Correct Answer: Talc
Q41. In tablet manufacturing, excess magnesium stearate can negatively affect:
- Disintegration and dissolution
- Color stability only
- Microbial growth
- Sweetness
Correct Answer: Disintegration and dissolution
Q42. Which mineral-derived compound is used as a hemostatic and astringent in topical preparations?
- Bentonite
- Aluminium sulfate (alum)
- Silica gel
- Calcium carbonate
Correct Answer: Aluminium sulfate (alum)
Q43. Phosphate rock is the primary mineral source for producing which pharmaceutical-grade salts?
- Sulfates like magnesium sulfate
- Phosphates like sodium phosphate and calcium phosphate
- Chlorides like sodium chloride
- Carbonates like calcium carbonate
Correct Answer: Phosphates like sodium phosphate and calcium phosphate
Q44. Which mineral-derived excipient improves wet granulation by acting as a binder?
- Polyvinyl alcohol (synthetic)
- Povidone (synthetic)
- Starch (natural, from plants)
- Graphite
Correct Answer: Starch (natural, from plants)
Q45. Which testing method is preferred for trace metal profiling in raw mineral excipients with high accuracy?
- Paper chromatography
- ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry)
- Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
- Simple titration
Correct Answer: ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry)
Q46. Which geological process is primarily responsible for forming many mineral deposits mined for pharmaceutical raw materials?
- Photosynthesis
- Hydrothermal activity and sedimentation
- Combustion
- Evaporation of organic solvents
Correct Answer: Hydrothermal activity and sedimentation
Q47. Which mineral-derived compound is commonly used as a tablet colorant and to provide UV protection for light-sensitive drugs?
- Activated charcoal
- Titanium dioxide
- Calcium phosphate
- Magnesium sulfate
Correct Answer: Titanium dioxide
Q48. Which mineral is a major concern for arsenic contamination and must be monitored in pharmaceutical excipients?
- Phosphate rock
- Gold ore
- Diamond deposits
- Coal and certain sulfide ores
Correct Answer: Coal and certain sulfide ores
Q49. Which mineral-derived ion is essential as a cofactor in many enzymes and often present in trace-element supplements?
- Zinc (Zn2+)
- Chloride (Cl-)
- Silicate (SiO4)
- Lead (Pb2+)
Correct Answer: Zinc (Zn2+)
Q50. For safe sourcing of mineral excipients, which of the following is a best practice in pharmaceutical quality assurance?
- Rely solely on supplier certificates without testing
- Perform incoming material identity, impurity profile and heavy metal testing per pharmacopeial standards
- Assume natural minerals are always pure
- Only test final finished products, not raw minerals
Correct Answer: Perform incoming material identity, impurity profile and heavy metal testing per pharmacopeial standards
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
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