Minerals are classified into two basic classes based on their economic importance:
1. Metallic Minerals: These minerals contain valuable metals, such as iron, copper, aluminum, gold, and silver. They are used in the production of various products, including machinery, electronics, construction materials, and jewelry. Examples of metallic minerals include:
- Iron ores: Hematite, magnetite, limonite
- Copper ores: Chalcopyrite, malachite, azurite
- Aluminum ores: Bauxite, cryolite
- Gold ores: Native gold, gold-bearing quartz
- Silver ores: Argentite, cerargyrite
2. Non-Metallic Minerals: These minerals do not contain valuable metals but are used for various industrial, agricultural, and decorative purposes. Examples of non-metallic minerals include:
- Industrial Minerals:
- Sand and gravel: Used in construction, glassmaking, and abrasives
- Limestone: Used in cement production, agriculture (as a soil amendment), and construction
- Clay: Used in ceramics, pottery, and construction
- Feldspar: Used in the production of glass, ceramics, and paints
- Gypsum: Used in the production of plaster, drywall, and cement
- Agricultural Minerals:
- Potassium salts: Used as fertilizer
- Phosphorus fertilizers: Used to enhance soil fertility
- Sulfur: Used in the production of sulfuric acid
- Decorative Minerals:
- Gemstones: Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds
- Ornamental stones: Marble, granite, quartz