MINERALS

WHAT ARE MINERALS?

Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic substances with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure. They are the building blocks of rocks and are essential to various geological, industrial, and biological processes. Minerals form through various geological processes, including crystallization from magma or lava, precipitation from water, metamorphism of existing rocks, and evaporation of minerals from water bodies.

CLASSIFICATION OF MINERALS

Silicates: The most abundant group, containing silicon and oxygen. Examples include quartz and feldspar.
Carbonates: Contain carbon and oxygen, such as calcite (found in limestone).
Oxides: Composed of oxygen and metals, like hematite (iron oxide).
Sulfides: Contain sulfur, such as pyrite (fool’s gold).
Halides: Contain halogen elements, like salt (halite).

USES OF MINERALS

Minerals are vital in various industries. For example, quartz is used in electronics, gold and silver in jewelry, copper in electrical wiring, and diamonds in cutting tools. Minerals are also crucial in agriculture (e.g., as fertilizers), construction (e.g., limestone, gypsum), and manufacturing.

MINERALS

WHAT ARE MINERALS?

CLASSIFICATION OF MINERALS

USES OF MINERALS

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