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Non-Metallic Minerals

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Minerals refer to naturally occurring inorganic substances and are found under conditions that vary and also in different types of geological environments. The structure of the minerals is crystalline and comes under a definite chemical composition and is divided into two categories: metallic and non-metallic minerals.

Non-Metallic Minerals

Non-Metallic Minerals

What are Non-Metallic Minerals?

Non-metals refer to minerals that do not serve as raw materials for the extraction of metal. The group of non-metals, which are widespread amongst a variety of minerals, is of some important economic significance.

What are Metallic Minerals?

Metallic minerals are those which are composed of one or more metallic elements, on the other hand, non-metallic minerals do not contain any elements of metal and instead are made of chemical elements which usually don’t feature the characteristics or properties of metals.

Key Difference between Metallic and Non-Metallic Minerals

One of the most important differences between metallic and non-metallic minerals include that, metallic minerals are obtained from ores whereas non-metallic minerals are procured from industrial rocks and also minerals. Some of the other important key differences are:

Difference between Metallic and Non-Metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals Non-Metallic Minerals

Metallic minerals are those minerals

in which metal elements are present

but in raw form.

Non-Metallic minerals are those that do not

contain any form of substances in them.

A new product is formed when the metallic

minerals are melted.

No new product is formed in the case of non-metallic

minerals.

Metallic minerals are often found in igneous

and metamorphic rock formations.

Non-metallic minerals are found embedded in 

young fold mountains and also sedimentary rocks.

Metallic goods are good conductors of 

electricity and heat.

Non-Metallic minerals are good insulators of

electricity and heat.

Metallic minerals are known for high malleability

and ductility.

Non-metallic minerals lack malleability and ductility

and these types of minerals break down very easily.

Metallic minerals generally do contain lustre. Non-metallic minerals do not have shine or lustre.

Non-Metallic Minerals Map

Non-Metallic Minerals Map

Non-Metallic Minerals Map

Non- Metallic Minerals

Non-Metallic minerals lack metals and have a crystalline structure, making them poor conductors of electricity. However, their molecules are closely packed inside the atomic structure, giving them the property of being semi-permeable. Coal, petroleum, limestone, and mica are examples of nonmetallic minerals. 

It is the primary raw material used in the cement industry and is required for the blast furnace to smelt iron ore. Non-metallic mineral reserves include quarries of stone and clay and sand pits; mineral deposits with chemical and fertilizer; salt deposits; quartz deposits, gypsum, natural gems gemstones halt and bitumen, peat, and other non-metallic resources other than coal and oil. One of the basic characteristics of nonmetallic minerals is that on melting they do not yield new products and the important non-metallic minerals are Mica and limestone.

Nonmetallic minerals are a class of chemical elements that, when melted, produce no new products. Sand, gravel, limestone, clay, and marble are examples of nonmetallic minerals. Metallic qualities like excellent electric and thermic conductivity, brilliance, rigor, and malleability are lacking in these materials, although they are necessary for many businesses.

Nonmetallic minerals are well known for the manufacture of cement, ceramics, glass, and lime products. As a result, the spectrum of applications is fairly vast, encompassing anything from building materials to sanitary ware to tableware and ornamental items. The conversion of nonmetallic materials into these products is frequently an energy-intensive process that involves multiple phases such as heating, grinding, mixing, cutting, shaping, and honing. 

Non-Metallic Minerals Examples

Some of the most important non-metallic minerals examples include mica, limestone, quartz, diamond, clay, amethyst, etc. Mica and limestone are explained in detail:

Non- Metallic Minerals: Mica

  • It is created from a series of plates or leaves.
  • It can be divided into thin sheets and thousands of layers may be piled into a mica sheet a few centimeters high.
  • It comes in a variety of colors, including clear, black, green, red yellow, and brown.
  • Due to its outstanding nonconductor strength, low power loss issue, insulating qualities, and resistance to high voltage, it’s one of the foremost vital minerals utilized in the electrical and electronic sectors.
  • The northern side of the Chota Nagpur plateau and the Koderma Gaya Hazaribagh belt of Jharkhand are important producers.
  • It conjointly manufactures in Ajmer, in Rajasthan. Nellore translucent substance belt of province.

Non-Metallic Minerals: Limestone

  • Limestone is found in association with rocks composed of atomic number 20 carbonates, or atomic number 20 and metal carbonates.
  • It is the fundamental material for the cement trade and essential for smelting ore within the blast furnace.
  • Limestone refers to any calcareous sedimentary rock that is mostly made up of carbonates. Calcite and dolomite are the two most prominent components. Marbles and crystalline limestones are coarsely crystalline limestones that have been changed by dynamic or contact metamorphism.
  • Limestones come in a variety of forms, including ‘marl,’ ‘oolite’ (oolitic limestone), shelly limestone, algal limestone, coral limestone, and so on.
  • The limestone employed in bulk by industries, on the other hand, is a bedded type of sedimentary limestone. Chalk, a white, highly fine-grained, generally soft and friable type of limestone, is another calcareous material utilized by industry.
  • Limestone is the most important ingredient in cement production.
  • Limestone is also used in the glass, ceramic, paper, textile, fertilizer, chemical, and sugar industries. 

Related Links

  1. Classification of Minerals
  2. Mineral and Energy Resources
  3. Metallic Minerals
  4. Rocks and Minerals

FAQs on Non-Metallic Minerals

Q1: What are metallic minerals?

Answer:

Metallic minerals are those minerals that contain one or more metals. They occur mostly as mineral deposits and have great heat and electricity conductor properties. Examples: Iron, copper, silver, etc.

Q2: What are non-metallic minerals?

Answer:

The non-metallic mineral reserves include quarries of stone, clay, and sand pits, also mineral deposits containing chemicals and fertilizers, and salt deposits. No new minerals are formed from non-metallic minerals.

Q3: What are metallic minerals give example.

Answer:

Some common examples of metallic minerals include iron, copper, and gold. Some examples of non-metallic minerals include clay, diamond, dolomite, etc. which do not contain metal elements.

Q4: What are metallic elements?

Answer:

Metallic elements include the conduct of electricity and heat, are ductile and malevolent, and are usually solid at room temperature.



Last Updated : 16 Aug, 2023
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