RAS question
Garnet (Tamra) stone in Rajasthan is found in:
Correct answer: (B) Tonk and Ajmer.
In Rajasthan, garnet, also called Tamra stone, is found in Tonk and Ajmer districts.
Explanation
Garnet in Rajasthan is correctly linked with Tonk and Ajmer because the Indian Bureau of Mines, Indian Minerals Yearbook 2022: Garnet lists gem-variety garnet in Rajasthan and specifically includes Ajmer and Tonk among the districts where it occurs. Tonk and Ajmer are the relevant Rajasthan districts, and the state is one of India's major garnet-producing states. Garnet also matters economically: it is valued both as a semi-precious stone and as an abrasive, with hardness that makes it useful for abrasive applications. RAS Geography often tests district-level mineral location, not just the broad fact that Rajasthan produces garnet.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Jodhpur is associated with sandstone, while the Indian Bureau of Mines places Rajasthan's relevant garnet occurrence in Tonk and Ajmer.
- (C) Jaisalmer is noted for limestone, not for the garnet deposits in Tonk and Ajmer listed by the Indian Bureau of Mines.
- (D) Kota is associated with Kota Stone, whereas Rajasthan's relevant garnet location is Tonk and Ajmer.
Concept
Rajasthan's district-wise mineral distribution is a recurring RAS Geography theme because many questions ask aspirants to match a mineral with its producing belt. Garnet is a typical factual mineral-location case where confusing it with better-known stones can cost marks.