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Minerals are found everywhere, from the rock salt we use to cook with, to the Kohinoor diamond set on the crown of the Queen of England!! On Earth, more than 4000 different types of naturally occurring minerals have been discovered. Metals, precious stones such as rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, and a variety of other valuable items are derived from minerals. Even coal, natural gas, and petroleum are examples of minerals that are referred to as energy minerals or fossil fuels because of their ability to generate energy.
Some minerals are valued because of their applications in a variety of sectors, while others are valuable because of their aesthetic appeal, scarcity, and durability. The silicate minerals that make up the earth’s crust account for over 90 percent of its composition. It’s important to realise that minerals and rocks are two very different things. Chemical structures of minerals are consistent across a mineral’s whole length of composition. Rocks, on the other hand, are made up of a variety of minerals that are not uniform throughout their structure.
Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances that can be found in a variety of geological locations and under a variety of environmental circumstances. They have a crystalline structure and a certain chemical composition, which makes them unique. There are two sorts of minerals: metallic and non-metallic minerals, which are distinguished by their metallic composition.
What are Metallic Minerals?
Metallic minerals are made up of one or more metallic elements, whereas non-metallic minerals are made up of chemical elements that do not have the properties or characteristics of metals. Metallic minerals are formed by the combination of one or more metallic elements, whereas non-metallic minerals do not contain any metallic elements.
What are Non-metallic Minerals?
Non-metals are minerals (non-metallic minerals) that, in most cases, do not serve as raw materials for the extraction of metals from their ores. The group of nonmetals, which is prevalent among the diversity of minerals and has a significant economic impact, is a significant contributor to the global economy.
Key Difference between Metallic and Non-metallic Minerals
Metallic | Non-Metallic |
Metallic minerals are minerals in which metal elements can be found in their natural state, such as copper, gold, and silver. | Non-metallic minerals are minerals that do not include any metal components. |
It is possible to create new products by melting metallic materials. | This technique does not result in the production of any new products in the case of non-metallic minerals. |
Igneous and metamorphic rock formations are the most common locations where metallic minerals can be found. | Non-metallic minerals are frequently found embedded in young fold mountains and sedimentary rocks, as well as in older fold mountains and sedimentary rocks. |
Metallic minerals are excellent conductors of electricity and heat, and they are found in abundance. | Generally speaking, nonmetallic minerals are excellent conductors of electricity and heat. |
Metallic minerals have a high malleability and ductility, making them ideal for manufacturing. | Non-metallic minerals have low malleability and ductility, and as a result, these minerals are easily broken down. |
Metallic minerals are typically lustrous in appearance. | Non-metallic minerals do not reflect light or have a lustrous shine. |
Copper, tin, iron, manganese, gold, and other metals are examples. | Carbon, gypsum, potash, precious stones, boron, sulphur, mica, quartz, dolomite, diamond, and other elements are examples. |
Conclusion
Metallurgical minerals, which constitute the country’s natural resources, can be employed in a range of applications. Due to the long time it takes for minerals to develop and concentrate, they are considered a finite and non renewable resource. Consequently, it is vital to save resources, which can be accomplished through the recycling of scrap metal.
Metallic minerals contain metal atoms, but non-metallic minerals do not. Non-metallic minerals include minerals such as limestone, mica, and gypsum, which do not contain any metals. Metallurgical minerals, on the other hand, are minerals that include metal in its natural state.
