GEOLOGY & MINERAL RESOURCES OF

JAISALMER DISTRICT

Jaisalmer, the largest district of the state (38,401 sq. km. area) is situated in the north-
western part of Rajasthan between 2600 01' to 2803' north latitude and 69030' to 72020' east longitute.
Jaisalmer distt. is girdled by Barmer in the south, Jodhpur in the east and Bikaner in north-east. The
western boundary of the district is a part of Indo-Pak international border. The district head quarter
Jaisalmer is linked from Bikaner (330km.) and Barmer (153 km) by National Highway No. 15 and also
connected from Jodhpur by road (285 km) as well as broadgauge rail line (297 km) via pokaran. There is
a small airport at Jaisalmer and chartered air service operates from here.
Jaisalmer has only two tehsils viz (1) Jaisalmer (2) Pokaran and it is amongst the least populous district.
The lowest density of 9 persons/sq.km. is recorded for the district.
Jaisalmer is known the world over for its rich cultural heritage, the golden fort, beautiful artifacts and
and handicrafts, splendour of its architecture, colourful dresses, music and hospitality of its people.
Jaisalmer was founded by king Jaisal or Jaisa. The word "Jaisalmer" is said to have been derived from a
combination of words- "Jaisal and Meru"- a local name for Jaisal's fort.
Jaisalmer or the Goldencity as it is now called is famous for its fort and the stone carving in the old
Havelies, which are now famous world over. In the recent past it has become a major tourist attraction.
At Akal about 15 kms form Jaisalmer is the wood fossil park where wood fossils about 180 million
years old can be seen.
The general shape of the district is of an irregular polygon of seven sides. In general the district enjoys
plain topography without any plateau or hills. The areas is a sandy plain with a few rocky patches and
many sand dunes. Being a part of the great Thar desert, the area is sandy, dry and ill watered, unkind to
all forms of life (animal & plant). The entire area is barren and dreary, the only variation in the land
scape being a few hillocks and sand dunes. The land covered by the district slopes towards the Indus
valley Rann of Kutch. In the vicinity of Jaisalmer town the sand is stony containing numerous rocky
ridges & hard undulating plains formed of limestone and sand stone. There is no single perennial river in
the district. However with the construction of Indira Gandhi canal the northern part of the district has
become green & irrigated.
The water table in The district is very deep in absence of perennial streams. The depth varies form 38 to
46 mts. some ground water potential areas have been identified in different formations where tubewells
can be drilled.
Geology
Jaisalmer basin defined as NW slope of Indian peninsular shield which deepens Mari, Sui, and Quetta
in Pakistan. Jaisalmer basin is one of the largest basins of India which encompasses an area of 30,000
sq. kms. It is bounded in the north by the sub- surface Delhi-Sargodha ridge and to the east by western
flank of Aravalli mountain, to the south by two prominent uplifted blocks viz the Birmania- Barmer,
Nagar, Parkar, Arch and the Saurasthra Peninsula.
The basement rocks are the Metamorphites, Granites, and Rhyolites which are exposed near Birmania.
they are unconformably overlain by dolomitic limestone, shale and sandstone of the Marwar
Supergroup. Resting over these with unconformity are the Jurassic rocks made up of the Lathi formation
(sandstone, grit and veriegated shales with plant fossils), Jaisalmar formation (predominantly
fossiliferous limestone), Baisakhi formation (Siltstone, Shale and Sandstone with intercalations of
gypseous and bentonitic clays represent first marine transgression) and Bedesar formation (sandstone,
limestone and shales). These are followed by rocks of the Cretaceous system represented by
fossiliferous limestone and feldspathic sandstone and grit. (Habur formation represents second marine
transgression on the surface during cretaceous while in the subsurface this this is represented by the
Goru and the Parh formation).
Lower to middle Palaeocene represented by Sanu formation which consists of unconsolidated,highly
current bedded reddish, gluconitic sandstone and silty sandstone.
Upper Palaeocene to lower Eocene represented by Khuiala formation consists of limestone bouldary
bedded, fossiliferous Limestone, clays and shales, The Khuiala limestone (Yoresian) having a total
thickness of 100m. overlains the sonu sandstone is underlain by the Bandha limestone (Lutetian) of
75m. compacted thickness. This forms the close of the sedimentary cycle in Jaisalmer Basin.
The Sanu formation (Lower to Middle palaeocene) represents regression of the sea but the upper part of
Sanu and subsequent Khuiala (Upper Palaeocene to Yoresian) and Bandha (Lutetion) formation
represent the third marine transgression. There after marine conditions appear to have completely
receded from the Jaisalmer basin. Thus Mesozoic and tertiary sequences in the basin represent a typical
shelf zone sedimentation of orthoquartzite-limestone association resting on a peneplained Precambrian
surface. the Lathi, Jaisalmer, Baisakhi-Bedesar, Parihar, Ukra and Abur beds respectively are
correlatable to Patcham, Vhari, Katrol Umia and of Kutch shelf. A generalised stratigraphic succession
of the various lithounits occurring in Jaisalmer basin is as follows:

Age Formation Lithounits

Sub-Recent Secondary soil and pebbles Aeolian Sand and Kankar
Late Pleistocene Glacial deposit Glacial pebbles
Upper and Mid Eocene Bandha formation Gypseferous, sub bentonite
shales, marls, foramineferal
limestone.(Bandah,Joga, Bakri,
Tebba, Habib)
Lower Eocene to Khuiala formation Hard compact fossiliferous
Upper Palaecene Lst, chalkyk Lst, shales fullers
earth, clays. (Hingota teh
Takkar).
Palaeocene Sanu formation Sandstone, shales, siltstone, ,
Ironstone.(Khuiaia Khimsar,
Khinaya) South of Sanu
village, Shera
Lr. to Mid Cretaceous Habur formation Friable, ferruginous and
Parihar formation calcarious sandstone
quartzite (Habur,
Pasawar)
Upper Jurassic Bedesar formation Interbedded, hard, ferruginous,
compact sand stone
(Bedesar, Mokal)

Middle Jurassic Baisakhi formation Dark shale, argillaceous Sst.,

silt stone, (Baisakhi, Rupsi)
Lower Jurassic Lathi formation Sandstone, gravel (Ulthe,
Odanea)
Pre Cambrian Malani Igneous Suite Rhyolites
..
MINERALS OF JAISALMER DISTRICT

Jaisalmer distt. is renowned for its mineral wealth. It occupies a significant position on the mineral map
of the state. It possesses a wide range of mineral resources and offers considerable potential for further.
With the discovery of steel grade limestone and cement grade limestone the district has come into
limelight and already six areas have been offered for major cement plants. Jaisalmer has also shown
positive evidence of Hydro carbon accumulation (Natural Gas). The description of minerals occuring in
the district is given below:
GYPSUM
Gypsum is hydrated sulphate of calcium CaSO 4' 2HzO. Gypsum occurs mainly as thick, stratified
sedimentary beds or lenses, horizontal or gently inclined, varying from a few feet up to 8-10 feet in
thickness.
In Jaisaimer district gypsum deposits are reported in Mohangarh, Phalsund, Ghandan, Nokh,
Nachana,Satta, Sundra and Lakha Khadar areas, Most of the gypsum deposit of the district are just
surface deposits and are won by open cast mining method. In several mines, mining is done manually as
the gypsum beds are not of uniform thickness. Five leases for gypsum exist in the district & mining is
being done by Mis. FCI & M/s. RSMDC Ltd. .
SELENITE
Selenite is a crystalline variety of gypsum forming transparent foliated plates. It occurs as single or
twined crystals and is used in manufacture of plaster of Paris.

It occurs at Mohangarh, Hamir-wali-Dhani, Lakhera, Ramgarh, Bandha, Biprasar, Khuiala and Rupsi.
Selenite crystals occur embeded in matrix of marly clay. In Khuiala it is found in nala section near
Ubrakha-ki-Dhani intercalaled with bentonite having thickness about 5-7 cms.
BENTONITE
It is a naturally occurring clay of great commercial importance possessing j$erent bleaching properties.
The Bentonite is chiefly composed of about 75% of montmorillonite, the rest being kaolinite, attapalgite,
illite, chlorite, quartz, and feldspar.
Occurrences of bentonite are reported near Khuiala, Mandha, Khuri, Habur, Mandai, Ramgarh villages.
The deposits of Khuiala and Khuri prospected by the department of Mines & Geology, are of medium
grade, the reserves estimated are 2 M.T. and 1 M.T. respectively.
The Bentonite of the district is mainly of nonswelling type and has a lower ratio of soda to lime. It is not
suitable for oil well drilling because of plastic viscosity.

FULLERS EARTH
It is variety of non plastic montmorillonite clay which has a property to decolourize oil, fats and grease.
It is also used for washing hairs, Its occurrences are associated with Khuiala limestone at Khuiala and
Mandha areas of the distt. Near Mandha it is 0.60 to 2.75 mts. thickness and a reserve of 30 thousand
tonnes is estimated. Other occurrences are. reported near Ramgarh, Sanu and Dhol-ki-Dungari.

WHITE CLAYS
It is interstratified with sandstone of Lathi group at following localities
Kita : At Kita the clay occurs about 4 kms. NE of the village where two bands having average thickness
of apout 1 mt are reported and about 4 thousand tonnes reserve, estimated.
Devikot : At Devikot clay occurs at 2 km. SW of the village with thiCkness 1 mt. & having 29 thousand
tonnes reserve.
The tests indicate that the clays are refractory in nature and having low shrinkage but are not suitable for
use in pottery as they develop cracks on firing.
SILICEOUS EARTH
The siliceous earth also known as siliceous ooze (Diatomite) occurs in Jaisalmer district, at Dharivi,
Khurd, Mandai, Sajeet Mimbla . It occurs as thin bands grading into bentonite. Siliceous earth is
composed of cristobalite silica with minor montmorillonite, quartz and trace minerals.
Siliceous earth is regarded as an excellent filtering aid for colloidal solid solution like Beverage, Fruit
juice Syrups, Oils (Vegitable oils & Mineral oil), Antibiotic products, water treatment to remove
amoebic cysts and blood fluke larves, drugs and other pharmaceuticals items are all filtered through
silicious earth. It can be used as filler in paper, rubber, paints and plastic, as carrier of disinfectant like
D.D.T. as admixture in pozzolana cement, Due to low thermal conductivity it is used for the
manufacture of insulating bricks and as an anticaking agent in fertilizers, About 1.2 MT reserves have
been assessed from this district.
GLASS SAND
The deposits are reported from Lathi, Devikot and Pithal in Jaisalmer distt. The Lathi sandstone.
occurring near Lathi is pure white in colour and is spread over an area of about 20 sq. km. This
sandstone has given silica sand due to weathring. The quarriable section exposed workable Glass sand
upto 1.5 mts. to 2.5 mt. in depth has analysed SiO2 92 to 95% , Al2O3 1.2 to 3.99%,Fe2O3.63 to 1.29%
and MgO and TiO2 as nil, It could be utilised for the manufacture of Bottle Glass. About 14.4 M.T.
reserves have been assessed from this district.
DOLOMITIC CLAY
White fine grained dolomitic clay having good plasticity is found near village Chacha and, Udhaniya.
The clay is quite useful as filler in paper, textiles and paint industry.
YELLOW OCHRE
Small deposits of Yellow Ochre occur near Mandai with thickness of the bed varying from 0.25 to 0.39
mts. The over burden is 2 to 5 mts. thick. It is useful for painting of houses.
ROCK PHOSPHATE
Phosphorite or rock phosphate associated with limestone, chert, black shales and sandstone has been
located at Birmania and Fatehgarh. In Birmania phosphorite horizon extends up to 4 km. towards Kohra
in the south having 3 mt. thickness. The phosphate rocks at Birmania are calcarious or arenaceous. 4.34
million tonnes reserves were estimated with P2O5 content ranging from 10-11 %
At Fatehgarh, a 1-4 mt thick phosphorite horizon comprising oolites, pellets, coprolites, and replace
shells of fossils, is traced for about 12 kms. along the strike. The phosphorite horizon is found
interbeded with limestone. The P2O5 content ranges from 5% to 15%.

Phosphate nodules were reported in the Baisakhi shales near Rupsi and Nibh Doongar. Analysis shows
that smaller modules of this area contain PPs from 22% -27%. Mis. RS.M.D.C. Ltd. has been granted
lease for mining in this area.

JASPAR
It is a cryptocrystaline variety of Quartz and occur near village Chacha, Ramdevera & Pokaran. The
colour is red to yellow. It is used as an abrassive for preparation of emery stone and emery paper.
VOLCANIC ASH
Volcanic ash deposits are located near village Phalsund, Dantal, Fulasar, Swami-ji-ki-Dhani etc. It is
light green to yellowish in colour. A sample tested in the CGCRI, Jadavpur indicated that at the temp. of
1300°C it changes to molten glass which can be used for manufacture of various type of glass wares,
glass sheets etc.
YELLOW MARBLE
Jaisalmer is popularly known as golden city because fortress and residential buildings are build of
yellow fine grained limestone. This limestone is used as marble by cutting and polishing it as tiles. At
present it is being quarried near Mool sagar, Amarsagar, Chundi, Bhagata, Wajron ki Dhani and Cipla
etc. Yellow marble is a speciallity of Jaisalmer and its demand is rising day by day in India and abroad.
Yellow marble belongs to Jaisalmer formation and forms ridges, mounds and hillock. It forms the top
unit and at places where the bed is massive and 1-2 mt thick, the block mining is being done.
STEEL GRADE LIMESTONE
The occurrance of low silica high CaO limestone in Jaisalmer District was first identified in the year
1974. The chemical analysis of four samples indicated that the CaO content ranges from 53.04% to
54.04%, MgO from 0.71 to 1.00% and insolubles from 0.67% to 0.94%. The state department of Mines
& Geology started exploration in 1983-84 by driling and proved large reserves of SMS grade linestone.
Investigations are still continued.
Limestone occures near Sanu Habur, Khuiala, Hemaki-dhani, Nibya, Jethaa, Joshiowala gaon etc.
villages over an extent of about 100kms. with awidth varying from 1 to 9 kms. in maximum
encompassing about 600 sq. km. area. The belt extends in patches from south of Ramgarh to south of
Sanu in N-S direction and Khuiala in SW to Rata Madha in NW. SMS Grade limestone occures on top
having thickness of 1-3 mts. followed by chalky limestone which is of cement grade. The high grade
limestone also occurs in Jaisalmer district. The chemical analysis indicates CaO content from 53-54%
Si02 1-2%.
Total 585 MT reserves of SMS grade lime stone have been assessed up to 1996-97. Mining of SMS
grade line stone is being done in public sector by M/S RSMML & M/s RSMDC Ltd. Chemical grade
line stone is also found in Jaisalmer district near Jethwai etc and about 233.33 MT reserves have been
assessed.
CEMENT GRADE LIMESTONE
Jaisalmer is endowed with high reserves of cement grade limestone. Limestone occuring in Jaisalmer
formation is yellowish, massive & occurs near Jaisalmer, South of Moolsagar, Hamera, Amarsagar etc.
In the Khuiala formation SMS grade limestone is found at top followed by cement grade limestone. It is
also called as chalky limestone. It is moderately hard, white to light yellowish in colour earthy, lumpy &
fossilierous. The analysis of this lime stone indicated CaO 43-45% Si0211 % & MgO less then 2%.
Investigations have been carried out by state department of Mines & Geology for cement grade
limestone and so far 2018.94 MT reserves have been proved.
Six blocks have been identified for setting up of major cement plants. The details are given below:
 Geological reserves
(In million tones)
S No. Name of blocks Area SMS Cement
1. Minyan ki Dhani 7.6889 km. 74.415 355.13
2.. Tulsi Ram ki Dhani 7.25 km. 50.94 209.75
3. Khinya black-l 7.00 km. 24.52 277.11
4. Khinya block-2 7.00 km. 1.8. 276.00
5. Khinya black-3 7.00 km. 36.69 218.85
6. Tulsi Ram ki Dhani-25.00 km. 14.46 137.39
These areas have been notified for inviting applications.Aproval of Govt. of India has been recivedfor
three major cement plants of MI s Sorastra Cement near Khiya Khinsar Block 1, Mis Century Cement
near village Miyon ki Dhani & Mis Decon Ind. Ltd. Khiya Khinsar Block 2. Proposals of Mis Ansal
Properties & Ind. Ltd. near village Tulsiram ki Dhaili (Main Blockhasbeen sent for aproval of Govt. of
India.
GRANITE

Jalore Siwana Grariite Suitable for block mining is exposed near Lakha, Randha, Mehron-ki-Dhani,
Madli, Kohera Department of Mines & Geology has carried out investigation in above areas and
availability of blockoble granite is found over 100 sq.mt. area. This granite is medium grained brick red
in colour occuing as scattered outcrop in plains.
MINERAL FUEL
Attempts to explore hydrocarbons in Rajasthan dates back to 1956. ONGC has been carrying out
investigation for oil and gas since 1962. In 1981 under a major policy decesion, the Govt. of India
assigned a high priority to Rajasthan and in 1982 ONGC & Oil India Ltd. were allowed 14000 & 28000
sq.km. area respectively for exploration. The Jaisalmer basin has thick sedementary secton with positive
evidence of hydrocarbon accumulation. As a result of geo scientific exploration nine gas fields have
been identified by ONGC & OIL near Manhar Tibba, Ghoataru, Bakhri, Khartor, Bantua, Tanot &
Ramgarh. Agas based power plant of 35 MW capacity has been set up in Ramgarh and is producing
electricity.
MINERAL BASED INDUSTRIES

Industrially Jaisalmer is considered to be a no industries district. As such government provides help &
subsidy to entrepreneurs putting industries in this district. The main minerals which have scope for
establishing mineral based industries are high and cement grade limestone, marble, sandstone, siliceous
earth and natural gas etc.
Vast resources of cement grade limestone exist in the area and six areas have already been notitied for
setting up of major cement plants. Availability of chemical & high grade limestone paves way for
setting up of chemical industries.
Natural gas has been stuck in the district and one gas based power plant has started production near
Ramgarh. There is further scope for setting up of such plants. Jaisalmer is endowed with availability of
solar radiation through out the year and solar power plants can also be set up. Yellow marble and sand
stone of Jaisalmer is world famous and cutting & polishing industries can be established based on these
deposits. At present there is one Plaster of Paris plant, twelve marble cutting & polishing units, one
marble decorative article industry and twenty two crushers in the district. There is scope for setting up of
glass and ceramic industry. Gypsum of the district can be used for local manufacture of sulfuric acid,
bricks and wall boards.
MINERAL ADMINSTRATION
There is an office of Asstt. Mining Engineer at Jaisalmer which looks after the mineral adminstration.
The geological work is carried out by Superintending
Geologist, Jaisalmer. During the year 1997-98, 3 projects have been proposed for investigation.
S.N No. of Production (thous. Sale value Revenue
Minerals
o. Lease Tonnes) (thous. Rs.) thous. Rs.)

Major Minerals
1 Ochers 1 0.02 1.52 2.91
2 Dolomite 1 0.18 16.8 2.91
3 Siliceous Earth 4 7.81 1114.4 68.63
4 Jaspar 1 0.15 36.25 4.23
5 Gypsum 5 199.26 24816.09 4010.64
Limestone(SMS
6 2 988.89 509877.66 238218
Grade)
7 Rock Phosphate 1 - - 40
8 Oil & Gas - - - 3460.28
Minor Minerals
LimestoneBurnin
9 1 0.28 43.28 19.17
g)
10 Marble (Block) 49 29.17 13505 3021.27
(Khanda) 1.38 60.4
11 Sandstone 39 22.69 3094.2 615.71
12 Masonary Stone 59 998.07 24951.75 379.21
13 Maurram - 103.15 2578.75 -
14 Brick Earth - 442.94 11073.5 -
15 Bajri - 169.16 4225 -
 16 Granite 1 - - 22.5
17 Bentonite 1 - - 22.5
18 Slatstone - - - 6.25
Misc.
1 PWD Contracts 20118.27
Unauthorised
2 113.42
Mining
3 Others 7114.68
Total 67233.2
1. Detailed exploration for cement grade & SMS grade limestone in Rata area, Teh & Distt Jaisalmer.
2. Detailed exploration for cement grade limestone Kabirbasti area, distt. Jaisahner.
3. Regional Mineral swvey for clays/ occhre in Boa, Nadai area and for gypsum in Nachna area distt.
Jaisalmer.
STATISTICAL INFORMATION OF JAISALMER DISTRICT FOR 1996-97

Unpublished Geological Reports of Jaisalmer District

(A) Geological Survey of India & Others.
Kumar, V & Sahiwala, N.K.; 1981-82 - A report on the evaluation of lime stone resources in Abamaka-
Par Sam- Go- Jerira - Chaunra Bhaiyanka - Biprasar Area.
Chawde, M.P. & Kumar, B.; 1987-88 - Systemetic geological mapping in parts of Jaisalmer district.
Khokhawat, L.S. & Bohra, S.K.; 1987-88 - Systemetic geological mapping in parts of Barmer &
Jaisalmer district.
Sawarkar, AR ; 1981-82 - Report on the Evaluation of the mesozoic - cenozoic boundary in the parts of
Western Rajasthan. .
Kumar, V; 1977-78 - Report on the preliminary appraisal of lime stone deposits around Khuiala.

Kumar, V ; 1980-81 - Report on the lime stone investigation in Sanu- Ramgarh, Tulsiram-ki-Dhani &
Khinsar Mandha area.

Shrivastava, RN. ; 1979-80 - Quaternary geological and geomorphological studies in parts of Jaisalmer
and Jodhpur districts.

Ray, I. & Chawdhary, P.K.; 1980-81 - Preliminary investigation of Benotinite clays in Khinya Mandha -
Joga Tanasar areas
Kumar, V ; 1979-80 - Report on the investigaion of limestone deposite around Shyambar Talai,
Alamorali Dhani, Khaiala, Hingola and Bandha area
Sen, AK.; 1977-78 - Report on geological mapping in parts of Jaisalmer district.
Laul, VP. ; 1977-78 - Report on the systemetic geological mapping of noka-Kandiyala area.
Malhotra, AK. ; 1986-87 - Report on the reconnaissance for phosphorite in the Abur formation.
Kumar, V ; 1982-83 - Report on the geological mapping in parts of Jaisalmer & Barmer district.
Bhatnagar, P.s.; 1980-81 - Report on the geological mapping in parts of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer district.
Laul, V.P. ; 1981-82 - Report on the geological mapping in parts of Jaisalmer and Barmer districts.
Sharma, VK. ; 1987-88 - Quarternary geological studies in parts of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur districts.
Sharma VK. ; 1987-88 - Quarternary geological studies in parts of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur districts.
Kumar, V & Sahiwala, N.K. - A report on lime stone investigation with special reference to Khuiala
limestone. National Counsil for cement & Building material - Report on suitability of chalky lime stone
in cement manufacture.
Narayanan, K. - Geology of Jaisalmer
Chattopadhyay, N. & Banerjee, S.N. - Report on the occurrences of gypsite in parts of Jaisalmer district.
Deshmukh, G.P. & Bhushan,B.; 1966-67 - A preliminary report on the phosphorite deposite near
Fatahgarh.
Deshmukh, G.P. - Report on the exploration drilling for phosphorite.

Misra, S.P. ; 1974-75 - Bentonite investigations in Shes - Kalan - Bisu block in Barmer district &
preliminary appraisal of glass-sand occurrencies in Barmer and Jaisalmer districts.

Bhushan, B.; 1973-74 - Geological mapping of the Malani Igneous suite & study of its Petrography
Geochemistry & possible mineral potential.
Madhava Rao, M.R,; 1976-77 - Report on geological mapping inParts of Jaisalmer district.

(B) Department of Mines & Geology, Udaipur.

DMG Udaipur - Report on the laboratory scale study of Jaisalmer limestone for the production of
precipited calcium carbonate.
Shanna, A.K - Production of precipited calcium carbonate from Jaisalmer limestone.
Bhargava, KD., Mehta, R.K ; 1967-68 - Preliminary geological study of the Jaisalmer yellow limestone.
Bhargava, KD. & Rathore, B.R ; 1970-71 - Investigation of yellow limestone and other economic
minerals in Jaisalmer area.
Keshwani, KB.; 1974 - Preliminary geological study of Jaisalmer yellow limestone.
Rampuria, T.e.; 1974-75 - Prospecting for selenite in Budha, Ekil, Beprasas, Ramgarh area.
Bhargava, S.e.; 1975-76 - Prospecting for bentonite in Banner and Jaisalmer districts.
Bhargava, S.e.; 1975-76 Prospecting for selenite in Jaisalmer district.
Bhargava, S.e.; 1972-72 & 1977-78 - Investigation for silica sand deposit near village Lathi.
Babel, G.L. ; 1977-78 - Investigation of dolomite & clay in Jaisalmer district.
Babel, G.L.; 1977-78 - Reconnaissance Survey around Sankara area.
Babel, G.L.; 1976-77 - Investigation of volcanic ash in Jaisalmer district.
Singh, S.P. ; 1978-79 - Annual progress report of the reconnaissance survey of economic minerals in
Jaisalmer district. Babel, G.L. ; 1979-80 - Preliminary report of chemical grade limestone in Jaisalmer
district.
Rai, S.C.. ; 1978-79 - Search for clay and other economic minerals in Jaisalmer district.
Shanna, J.P.S.; - A report of the work done near Amar Sagar, Bada Bag for cement grade lime stone.
Shanna, J .P.& Vijayvergia, RP.; 1983-84 - Annual progress report of cement & chemical grade
limestone near village Sanu, Khuiala.
Ali, Q. & Mehta, H.S. ; 1984 - Acid activation of fuller's earth encountered in bore hole No. JSL-5 near
Sanu. Bhargava, S.e.; 1972-73 - Investigation report of silica sand deposit near village Lathi.
Shanna, J.P. & Singh, S.P.; 1983-84 - Reconnaissance for limestone, phosphate and other economic
minerals near Kala Dungar, Baisakhi & Pupsi.
Sr. Geologist, Banner - A note on mineral resources of Jaisalmer district.
Shanna, J.P. & Gupta, L.P.; 1986 - Investigation of lime stone deposit near Sanu, Habur & Khuila.
Bhattacharya, B.c., Mehta, H.S.; 1986-87 - Levigation study of Chalky limestone from Jaisalmer
district.
Sharma, J.P. & Sukhwal, 0.5.; 1985-86 - Reconnaissance for economic minerals with special reference
to potash beaming gluconiticshale in parts of Jaisalmer and Banner districts.
Shanna, J.P. & Singh, S./P. ; 1986-87 - Prospecting for silica sand near village Mokala.
Ravi Dayal & Singh, S.P. ; 1988-89 - Reconnaissance for phosphorite nodules, S.M.s. grade lime stone
near Kanoi, Kesua & Salkha areas.
Ravi Dayal & Singh, S.P. ; 1988-89 - Reconnaissance for fluorite, barytes & dolomite etc. around
Pokaran. Dashora, RS. and Dhaka, B.S.; 1991-92 - Investigation report on'S.M.S. grade limestone
deposit in Dhaleki Dungri-Unrai, Mohammed ki Dhani & Khuiala area.
Dashora, RS. & Dubey, S. ; 1993-94 - Exploration for cement grade limestone in Tulsiram-ki-Dhani
area (A-Block).
Danish, H.A.; 1991-92 - Report on the geophysical investigation for Rock phosphate in Fatehgarh.
Birmania.
Sharma, J.P.; 1987-88 - Reconnaissance for gypsum, phosphorite and cement grade limestone near
village Hamira & Kanod.
Ravi Dayal & Paliwal, RS.; 1989-90 Preliminary investigation for limestone around village Baisakni,
Baramsar, Pohar, Jethwai and North-East of Jaisalmer.
Ravi Dayal & Rathor, B.5.; 1990-92 - A report on geological investigation for high grade limestone in
Jurassic formation of Jaisalmer.
Ravi Dayal & Singh, S.P.; 1988-89 - Investigation for S.M.S. grade lime stone around village Mandha.
Bafna, P.C. & Rathore, B.S.; 1990- Prospecting report of S.M.S. grade limestone deposit of the area
alloted to M/ s. RS.M.M. Ltd. near village Sanu.
Bafna, P.C.; 1989-90 - Investigation for S.M.5. grade limestone in Sanu area.
Shekhawat, P.S.; 1982-83 & 1990-91- Report on reconnaissance around Chandan - Dholiya area.
Ravi Dayal & Singh,S.P.; 1989-90 - Reconnaissance for phosphorite nodules & S.M.S. grade limestone
near village Kanoi and Kesua.
Khabya, N.K.; 1989-90 - Reconnaissance for phosphorite in Birmania area.
Dashora, RS. and Dhaka, B.S.; 1987-90 - Exploration of S.M.S. grade limestone in the area North of
Sanu, North of Hema & South of Hema-ki-Dhanivillage, Tehsil Ramgarh.
Augwani, M.U.; Kothari, M.S.;Sukhwal, K.L. Dhaka, B.S.; 1992 - Exploration for cement grade
limestone in Minyo-ki-Dhani area near Ramgarh.
 SOAPSTONE IN RAJASTHAN
INTRODUCTION
Soap stone, Talc and Steatite are the ,three different terms used for one and the same mineral. The term
talc refers ideally to a very pure hydrous magnesium silicate (3 MgO Si02H2O) which has a theoretical
chemical composition of 63.5% Si02, 31.7% MgO and 4.8% H2O. Soapstone is a massive, soft,
greenish talcose rock which is a mixture of talc and various other magnesium silicates. Steatite (some
times termed lava talc) is a compact, massive talcose rock with no visible grains. The inferior and hard
variety of soapstone is called Potstone.

Talc is an alteration product of original or secondary magnesium minerals or rocks resulting from mild
hydrothermal metamorphism, perhaps aided by mild dynamic metamorphism. Talc deposits are
generally associated with carbonate rocks having higher magnesia content like dolomite and magnesite,
and rarely with marble & limestone. Contact zones of basic and ultrabasic intrusives also serve as good
locales for talc deposits.
The occurrences of talc are widely distributed in the country in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujrat,
Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan & Uttarpradesh. However at
present the exploitation of the mineral is confined to Anantapur, Chittor & Cuddapah districts of Andhra
Pradesh; Hazaribagh and Singhbhum districts of Bihar, Sabarkantha district of Gujarat, Jabalpur and
Narasingpur districts of Madhya Pradesh, Bhandara district of Maharashtra ; Ajmer , Alwar, Karauli,
Sirohi, Sikar, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Dausa, Banswara, Dungarpur, Jaipur and Bhilwara, districts of
Rajasthan; and Almora & Pithoragarh districts of Uttar Pradesh.

OCCURRENCE IN RAJASTHAN

Rajasthan is the leading producer of Soapstone in the country. There are 335 mining leases for soapstone
in the state and about 525160 tonnes was produced during the year 1997. The description of the deposits
in Rajasthan is given below.
RAJSAMAND DISTRICT
Usan-Kagmadar-Sangat-Kalora- Rabcha-Oden belt This belt runs from Usan in SW to Oden in NE
over a strike length of 29 kms. The soapstone mineralization is distributed in two distinct zones and is
associated with dolomitic limestone of Aravalli age and quartzites of Pre-Aravalli age. Soapstone occurs
as lenses and lenticular pockets of varying thickness and sizes, usually ranging between 1 to 5 mts. in
width and 10-15 mts in length. Generally it is reddish white to white in colour. The inferred reserves are
0.890 million tonnes. The important working deposits in this belt are Usan, Gorach, Kalora, Rabcha and
Unwas.
UDAIPUR DISTRICT
(i) Orda- Deopura-Dingri-Nathara-ki-Pal belt
This belt is about 40 km. SE of Udaipur and runs from Orda-Deopura to Nathara-ki-Pal over a distance
of 12 kms. Here soapstone is associated with talcose schist and dolomitic limestone of Aravalli age. The
soapstone is found to occur as lenses and veins varying in length from 18 to 90 metres and in thickness
from 2 to 15m. The soapstone is massive as well as foliated in nature and having white to pale green
colour. Inferred reserves are 0.5 million tonnes.

(ii) Salumber- Bend-Sajela- Lohangi-Pandla- Deola belt

This is the most important belt which runs from Salumber in NW to Deola in SE over a strike lengh of
40 km. The soapstone mineralisation is confined to dolomitic lime stone belonging to Aravalli age.
Soapstone mineralisation is in the form of lenses and lenticular veinsextending in length from 100 to 400
m. and in width from 0.2 to 25 m. The soapstone is generally of very good quality having pure white to
light green colour. Inferred reserves are 0.99 million tonnes.
(iii) Undithal-Rathora-ka-Gurha-Bansra-Jharol belt This belt extends from Undithal in SE to Jharol
in SW over a distance of 34 km. The soapstone is associated with Post Aravalli ultrabasic intrusives.
Soapstone occurs as swelling & pinching irreqular veins & lenses. varying in length from 7 to 48 m. and
in thickness from 0.5 to 8 m. The inferred reserves are 0.536 million tonnes.

(iv) Rikhabdeo - Chiklan- Khojawara Mundwara - Chhani belt

This belt runs from Rikhabdeo in NW to Channi in SE over a length of 25 km. The soapstone is
associated with Post-Aravalli ultrabasic intrusives and occurs as irregular leases and veins varying in
length from 30 to 100 mts and width from 1 to 3 m . It is of Pale green to greenish-white colour and is
normally massive. The inferred reserves are 0.570 million tonnes.
(v) Rikhabdeo-Kagdar- Kalyanpur belt
This belt runs from Rikhabdeo in SE to Kalyanpur in SW over a 20 km. length. The soapstone is
associated with Post Aravalli ultrabasic intrusives. The mineralisation exhibits pinching and swelling
tendency. The soapstone is of flaky type varying in colour from pale green to greenish white. The
inferred reserves are 0.654 million tonnes.
DAUSA DISTRICT
In Dausa district the soapstone deposits are located. at Degota, Jharna, Kalajpuri Raylala, Dhaniawara
and Geejgarh-Ranoli Achalpur areas.
The soapstone deposits at Degota- Jharna, Kalajpuri, Dhaniawara and Rayala are associated with
dolomitic limestone belonging to Railo Group of Delhi Supergroup. The soapstone occurs in the form of
lenses and veins. The talc bodies in many cases are thin near the surface and widen at depth. The
thickness varies from 1 mt to 6,mt. and persists beyond the excavated depth of 25 mts. The Jharna mines
are open cast where as Degota mine is a underground mine in which working ,has reached to 140 metres
depth.
Talc is pale greenish to light green and white in colour and foliated. The inferred reserves of 9.2 million
tonnes of soapstone have been reported from DegotaJharna belt.
AJMER DISTRICT
The soapstone occurrences are found near villages Hahmdi, Gegal Akhari, Lachipura Sendra, Chitar and
Chapaid.
The soapstone in the area is associated with talcchlorite schist, an altered product of basic intrusives
within the quartzite, phyllite and garnetiferous mica schist belonging to Ajabgarh group of Delhi
Supergroup.
Soapstone occurs as thin veins/lenses in an en-echelon pattern with in the talc-chlorite schist. The
thickness of individual veins vary from a few centimetres to about a metre. The soapstone mined from
the area is mostly of DDT grade.
ALWAR DISTRICT
The soapstone deposits in Alwar district are located at Ratangarh, Nagalheri, Baisawas and at
Bhugarbha. The soapstone occurrences are confind to limestone or dolomitic limestone belonging to
Railo Group. The soapstone occurs mainly as veins, lenses or lenticular pockets of varying dimensions.
The veins vary in thickness from few centimetres to one mt. The soapstone is mostly of paper grade.
BANSWARA DISTRICT
The Soapstone mineralization is spread around Jagpura, Tartai, Bhukia, Mewal, Kundali, Kondri,
Duduka, Mandela jamboi, Himmat Singh ka-Gurha and Rhaniya area. It is associated with the rocks of
Aravalli and Delhi Supergroup represented by dolomitic limestone, ultrabasic and talc-chlorite schist. It
occurs as narrow veins ranging in thickness from few centimetres to 2 metres. Soapstone is foliated to
massive and is generally white, Pale green, greenish white and dull grey in colour. The talc produced
from the area is reported to be of cosmetic grade. About 0.27 million tonnes of reserves have ben
estimated from these areas.
BHARATPUR DISTRICT
Soapstone mineralization is located near village Nidar ( teh. Bayana), Mangren (feh. Ber), Bilung (teh.
Kama ). The soapstone is of low grade.
CHITTORGARH DISTRICT
In Chittorgarh district soapstone occurrences are reported near village Chiklar (Teh. Pratapgarh) and
Sukhadia (Teh. Dungla).
DUNGARPUR DISTRICT
The important deposits of soapstone are located in a 35 kIn. long belt from NNW of Rikhabdeo to SSE
of Dungarpur near village Deval, Balwara, Thana, Piploda, Deopur, Panchpura & Bodawali etc.
The soapstone deposit$ are mainly associated with serpentinites and dolomites along fractures and
shearzones as small and large lenticular patches, elongated bodies and thin narrow impersistant bands.
The individual veins have been found to continue over a strike length of nearly 50 mts. down to a
maximum depth of 20 mts.
In the area 60% of the material is talc grade. 30% paper grade and only 10% is D.D.T. grade.
JHUNJHUNU DISTRICT
In the district occurrences of soapstone are reported from Dhani (teh. Khetri) Gudha and Kho area (Teh.
Udaipur wati)
KARAULI DISTRICT
The soapstone in the district occurs in Morra-ka-Dungar ridge of Toda Bhim tehsil. It is located 27 km.
North-West of Hindaun, situated on the NagdaMathura broad gauge section of the W.R. Talc deposits in
the Morra-ka-Dungar ridge are known for the last 125 years and these have been worked on a small
scale ever since. Between the village of Dhaota and Morra which are about 8 kIn. apart the talc deposits
have been exposed at as many as seven localities near Dhaola, Dwain, Kamalpura, Rajuli, Giarhi, Pura
& Mora. Of there the deposits of Dwain, Rajauliand Gorhiare fairly large. Most of the depo$its in this
area occur in the basal part of the massive quartzite (Alwar group)
The talc occurs in lenses which vary in width from less than a metre to 20 metres and are exposed over
lengths varying from a few metres to 40 metres. The talc is generally pale to light green and pale
greenish white in colour, cleaved to locally compact & massive. The 'indicated' reserves of talc from
Dwain Rajauli & Garhi areas have been estimated at about 0.107 million tonnes for depth varying from
8m to 30m. along dip.

BHILWARA DISTRICT
The soapstone deposits in Bhilwara district are one of the bestgrade and are located at Ghevaria,
Chainpura, Kishangarh Bagwara, Asanmata, Bhilaikheda, Kacholia, Amargarh, Chhabria, Abhaipur,
Bhunagar and near Jahajpur.
The Ghevaria soapstone deposit in the single largest deposit in the country which is estimated to contain
20 million tonnes of reserves.
The soapstone occurrences in this district are confined to dolomitic limestone/quartzite belonging to Pre-
Aravali Group. Two parallel ridges of dolomitic limestone extend from Ghevaria in the south west up to
Jahazpur in the north east for a distance of more than 32 kIn. All the important deposits of soapstone in
this area are located on these ridges. The soapstone occurs mainly as veins, lenses and lenticular pockets
of varying dimensions. The soapstone is generally of pale greenish to light green in colour. Near surface
it is off-colour and stained yellow and red but at depth quality improves and it is free from ferruginous
materials.
TONK DISTRICT
In Tonk district soapstone has been reported from Chandsen and Ghati (feh. Malpura) and Niwai village.
PALl DISTRICT
In this district soapstone is associated with asbestos in ultrabasic rocks near village manpur and Kanotia
in Tehsil Raipur.
USES
Talc is used mostly in a fine-ground state although soapstone is used in massive or block form. There
are many industrial applications for ground talc but major consumption is limited to less than a dozen
industries. Talc is used as a filler material in the manufacture of high quality paper where it aids in
dehydration of the pulp, improves characteristics, reduces the tendency of papers to yellow and assures a
well bonded surface to promote ease of printing. For use in the paper industry talc must be free of
chemically active compounds, have a high reflectance, possess high retention characteristics in the pulp
and be free of abrasive impurities. Micronized materialprovides a high-gloss finish on coated papers.
The ceramic industry utilizes very finely ground talc which increases the translucence and toughness of
the finished product and aids in promoting crack-free glazing . For use in ceramics, talc must be free of
impurities which would discolour the fired product. High-quality talc is used as an extender pigment in
paints. Specifications for a talc pigment, relate in the chemical composition colour, particle size oil
absorption and consistency of and dispersion. A low content of carbonates , a nearly white colour, a fine
particle size with controlled particle size distribution and a specific oil absorption are important,
however, because of the variety of paints precise specifications for talc pigments are generally based on
agreement between consumer and supplier, paint characteristics influenced by the use of talc as an
extender are gloss, adhesion, flow, hardness and hiding power.
Talc is well known for its use in pharmaceutical preparations and cosmetics. It is the major ingredient in
face, baby and body powders. Finely ground, high-purity material is used as a filler in tablets and as an
additive in medical paste, creams and soaps. Material used for these purpose should be free of
deleterious chemical compounds and abrasive impurities.
Lower grade talc is used as a dusting agent for asphalt roofing and gypsum board, as a filler in dry wall
sealing compounds, as a filler material in floor tiles, in asphalt pipeline enamels, in auto body patching
compounds, as a carrier for insecticides and as a filler or dusting compound in the manufacture of rubber
products.
Other application for talc include use in cleaning compounds, polishes, electrical cable coating, plastic
products, foundry facings, adhesives, linoleum textile, and in the food industry.
Particle size specifications for most uses require the talc to be (-)325 mesh. The paint industry demand
from 99.8 to 100 %, (-)325 mesh. For rubber, ceramics, insecticides and pipeline enamels, 95 percent,
(-) 325 mesh is usual. In the wall tile industry 91 per cent ,(-)325 mesh is generally required. For
roofing grades the specification is about (-)80 mesh with a maximum of 30 to 40 percent, minus 200.
Soapstone has now only very limited use as a refractory brick or block, but because of its softness and
resistance to heat it is still used by metalworkers as marking crayons. The case with which it can be
carved makes it an excellent artistic medium..