Gujarat produces a wide range of industrial minerals besides salt and bentonite, including china clay, calcite, bauxite, limestone, silica sand, ball clay and fluorite. According to the Indian Minerals Yearbook 2022 state review, published in July 2024, Gujarat is India's principal producer of kaolin and silica sand.
The same review says Gujarat holds about 66% of India's fluorite resources, 25% of its bentonite, 10% of its limestone and 9% of its bauxite.
China clay
China clay, or kaolin, is a white clay used in ceramics, paper, paint, rubber and plastics. Gujarat's deposits are spread across several districts, including Kutch and Bhavnagar. Raw kaolin is usually washed, refined and sometimes calcined before use. Buyers test whiteness or brightness, particle size, iron and titanium oxide, and residue on a fine sieve.
Ceramic grades feed tile and sanitaryware plants in Gujarat and abroad. Paper and paint grades need more refining and tighter control of brightness and grit. Ask whether the clay is washed, calcined or simply dried and ground, because each step changes both the grade and the cost.
Calcite and limestone
Calcite is a pure crystalline form of calcium carbonate. The yearbook records calcite in Bharuch and other districts. Ground calcite and limestone are used as fillers in paint, plastics, paper and rubber, and in animal feed, glass and detergents. Buyers test calcium carbonate content, whiteness, particle size and impurities such as silica and iron.
Limestone is far more widespread in Gujarat and feeds cement, lime and soda ash plants, as explained in how soda ash is made.
Bauxite
Bauxite is the main ore of aluminium, and it is also used in refractories, abrasives and cement. Gujarat bauxite occurs in Kutch and several Saurashtra districts. Buyers test alumina, silica, iron and titanium content, along with moisture and loss on ignition. Metallurgical, refractory and cement grades have quite different limits.
Other minerals
- Silica sand is used in glass, foundries and construction, and Gujarat is India's principal producer.
- Ball clay and fireclay supply the ceramic and refractory industries.
- Fluorite, or fluorspar, is used in chemicals, steel and aluminium making.
- Gypsum, dolomite and lignite also occur in the state.
What to watch
Many of these minerals are mined and processed by small units, so grade and consistency vary. Some are minor minerals regulated by the state, with their own permits and royalties. Ask each supplier for its mining or purchase documents, as described in how to tell a trader from a manufacturer. Natural minerals also vary across a deposit. A sample from the best part of a pit may not represent the lot you receive, so agree limits and test each lot at loading.
Next step
We find and audit mines and processors, check samples, and have lots tested before loading. To source an industrial mineral from Gujarat, book a free sourcing review.