Rajasthan is the richest State in terms of availability and variety of minerals in the country. The State is blessed with 81 varieties of minerals, of which 57 are being commercially exploited. The State has virtual monopoly in the production of minerals like Lead, Zinc, Silver, Gypsum, Soapstone, Ball Clay, Calcite, Rock Phosphate, Feldspar, Kaolin, Copper, Jasper, Wollastonite, etc. The State is proud to possess huge resources of Lignite, Crude Oil and high quality Gas. It is also renowned for its deposits of Marble, Sand Stone and some unique decorative stones. Mining is not only a major source of employment in the rural and tribal areas of the State, but also a major source of revenue to the Government, playing an important role in the development of the State.