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Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Minerals

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Minerals can be defined as naturally occurring substances that have a well-defined chemical composition. Minerals have a specific crystal structure. They can be found in various forms, from the softest talc to the hardest diamond. Many kinds of minerals can be extracted from the ore. By different means, metals are extracted from these minerals. They are classified into various subtypes. There are Metallic and Non-Metallic Minerals. 

Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Minerals

Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Minerals

Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Minerals

Metallic minerals are further classified into ferrous minerals and non-ferrous minerals based on the content of iron in them. As the name suggests the minerals that contain iron, for the most part, are ferrous minerals, and the minerals that do not contain iron or contain iron in very fewer quantities in them are known as non-ferrous minerals. Generally, ferrous metals are magnetic in nature whereas non-ferrous minerals are non-magnetic in nature, this means that ferrous minerals are attracted by a magnet but when non-ferrous minerals are placed near the magnet they do not react and are not attracted to it. 

It is a very common observation that ferrous minerals are less resistant to corrosion which means they can easily get corroded by the action of air and moisture But in the case of Non-ferrous minerals, they have high resistance to corrosion which indicates that the presence of air (oxygen) and moisture has no effect on these minerals and they do not get oxidized when they are subjected to the said conditions. Ferrous minerals are generally heavier and weigh more when they are compared to non-ferrous minerals. The properties of these minerals are very similar to that of their metal counterparts. Ferrous minerals contain iron in them in the oxidation state of +2. 

Ferrous minerals are mostly found as compounds of iron with hydroxides, sulfides, and carbohydrates. The non-ferrous minerals are found in combination with various other elements. The ferrous minerals are good conductors of electricity which means that electric current flows through them but the non-ferrous minerals are very poor conductors of electricity which means there is no flow of charge in these. Some of the common examples of ferrous minerals are Manganese (Mn), Chromite, Nickle, and Iron(Fe). Some of the common examples of Non-ferrous minerals are Gold(Au) copper (Cu), Silver, tin, and Zinc (Zn). All iron alloys are an example of ferrous minerals. Nonferrous minerals may not contain any amount of iron in the metal or as an alloy. 

Ferrous Minerals

Non-Ferrous Minerals

They mainly contain iron.

They do not contain iron.

They are magnetic in nature.

They are not magnetic in nature.

They undergo corrosion easily.

They have high resistance to corrosion.

They have more weight.

They have less weight.

Eg: Iron(Fe), Manganese(Mn), Nickle and chromite

Eg: Zinc(Zn),  Copper(Cu),  Gold(Au), Silver, Lead, Tin

Related Links

  1. Metallic minerals
  2. Classification of minerals
  3. Minerals and Energy Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. What is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous?

Answer-

Ferrous metals refer to those metals which contain iron and non-ferrous metals are those which do not contain metals.

Q 2. What are non-ferrous minerals?

Answer-

Non-ferrous minerals refer to those meals which are alloys or metals which do not contain any appreciable amounts of iron.

Q 3. What are important examples of ferrous minerals?

Answer-

Important examples of ferrous minerals include iron ore and manganese.


Last Updated : 21 Jan, 2024
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