Metallic and Non-Metallic Minerals

Minerals are compounds that are found in nature and are named for their natural chemical characteristics. There are three distinct states of these natural chemicals. Those are all referred to as “forms of matter.” Minerals are mostly deposited under the ground and formed by synthesising for millions of years. Minerals that we use are broadly divided into Metallic, Non-Metallic and Energy Minerals which are formed in various soils and rocks such as igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, etc. All these minerals are found in a particular location where the process of sedimentation occurs. For example, most oil sources are found in gulf countries. 

More than 4,000 natural sources of minerals have been discovered on the planet so far. Minerals provide us with metals, precious stones such as sapphires, rubies, and gems, as well as a variety of other useful items. Even though coal, oil, gas, and hydrocarbons are all minerals, they are always referred to as “energy minerals.”

Metallic and Non-metallic minerals

Metallic minerals/compounds are those that are used to extract metals as raw resources. These are extremely precious since they contain metals in their simplest form. Bauxite, hematite iron ore, etc. are some of the metallic minerals.

Minerals that are hard and metallic can be used as jewels in ornaments. Silicon in the computer field, aluminium in the automotive and packaging sectors, and others are used in diverse industries across the world for reasons.

Non-metallic minerals are natural materials that do not include metals. Potash, diamond, salt, mica, and other non-metallic minerals are some examples. Kohinoor Diamond is another non-metallic mineral found in Golconda Fort in India. 

Mica is utilised in the microelectronics sector, while limestone is broadly utilised in the cement business. Non-metallic resources can be used in a variety of industries to make a variety of goods. These can also be utilised in the manufacture of fertilisers and corrosion inhibitors.

Properties

Metallic Minerals: Because these substances are ductile and malleable, excess heat is used to generate useful or novel items from them. Metallic minerals are tough and have a gleaming look. The physical/chemical qualities of these compounds are determined by their geographical locations and the kind of rock they are made from. Ferrous and nonferrous metallic minerals are the two types of metallic compounds that can be found. Metals with residues of iron in their constitution are known as ferrous minerals. Nickel is one such mineral.

Non-Metallic Minerals: These minerals are neither malleable nor ductile, so they can shatter when struck. They aren’t as solid as metallic minerals and don’t have any lustre or sheen. Non-metallic elements are most commonly found in rocks, which are amongst the most common forms of sedimentary rocks. Accumulation and consequent recrystallization of matter at the planet’s surface and inside water bodies generate sedimentary rocks.

Usage

Today, just about everything we utilise and look at in our everyday lives is formed of minerals, whether it’s toothbrushes or lipstick, etc.

Metallic Minerals: Because metallic materials are derived from metals, they are effective heat and electrical carriers. As a response, they’re used in a wide range of industrial applications. Aluminium, mined from its origin of bauxite, is by far the most prevalent metallic material in the crust of the earth and is commonly used in the auto sector. Copper is another mineral that is utilised to produce parts, systems, and electrical lines, Gold is largely utilised in the manufacture of jewels. Therefore, coins and jewellery are made with it. 

Calcium is amongst the most prevalent elements in the human physique, and it is necessary for strong bones and teeth. It also aids in the regulation of blood pressure, immunity of a person, and balancing of the fluid of cells. Likewise, sodium and potassium are elements that are extremely important for the human system since they are required for electrical and cellular processes. Inside cells, potassium is by far the most common element. The proteins contain a significant amount of sulphur. It is also required for the synthesis of insulin.

Conclusion

To sum up, metallic minerals are minerals having metal elements and non-metallic minerals are minerals that do not have any metallic elements inside them. They can be used for a variety of purposes, we can create automobiles, electrical wires, utensils, etc. by extracting metals from the metallic minerals and non-metallic minerals are found usually inside our body in the bones, teeth, cells, etc.  

Minerals are the natural resource of the nation, which may be used in a variety of ways. Mineral accumulation and consolidation take hundreds of years, making it a limited and non-renewable resource. As a result, it is critical to saving resources, which may be accomplished through reusing metals.