Minerals Introduction
Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids, with a characteristic chemical composition, having a regular atomic structure throughout.
Minerals are divided into two types
Metallic minerals
Metallic minerals exhibit luster in their appearance and consist of metals in their chemical Compsotion. These minerals serve as a potential source of metal and can be extracted through mining. Examples of metallic minerals are mangenese, iron ore and bauxite are Metallic minerals and be divided into ferrous and non-ferrous metallic minerals.
Ferrous minerals are one that contains iron and nonferrous are one that does not contain iron.
Non-metallic minerals
Non-metallic minerals are minerals which either show a non-metallic lustre or shine in their appearance. Ex-tractable metals are not present in their chemical composition. Limestone, gypsum and mica are the examples of non-metallic minerals.
Bauxite ore mostly exists in deeply weathered rocks. Volcanic rocks contain bauxite deposits in some regions.
Properties of Minerals
The following physical properties of minerals can be easily used to identify a mineral:
- Color
- Streak
- Hardness
- Cleavage or Fracture
- Crystalline Structure
- Diaphaneity or Amount of Transparency
- Tenacity
- Magnetism
- Luster
- Odor
- Taste
- Specific Gravity