Introduction
Do you know from the rock salt we use to eat to the Kohinoor placed in the crown of England’s queen are all minerals!! More than 4000 naturally occurring minerals have been found on earth. Metals, precious gems such as ruby, sapphire, diamonds etc. many valuable products we get from the minerals. Even coal, natural gas and petroleum are also types of minerals which are known as energy minerals or fossil fuels.
Some minerals are valuable due to their usage in various fields while some are because of their beauty, rarity and durability. Almost 90% of the earth crust is composed of silicate minerals. You must remember here that minerals and rocks are different. Minerals have a definite chemical structure which is the same throughout that mineral. While rocks are composed of many minerals and are not consistent throughout their structure.
What are Minerals?
Minerals can be defined as naturally occurring chemical compounds which are inorganic in nature and have definite chemical composition and structure. They are generally found in all three forms solid, liquid and gaseous in nature. Iron ore, bauxite, hematite, mica, salt, potash, coal, petroleum, natural gas etc. are examples of minerals.
Classification of Minerals
Minerals can be classified into the following three types on the basis of their composition –
Metallic Minerals
Non-metallic Minerals
Energy Minerals
Metallic Minerals
Metals are obtained by extraction of these minerals. These are very valuable as they provide metals in pure form. Examples of metallic minerals – iron ore, bauxite, hematite etc.
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Non-Metallic Minerals
Those minerals which do not contain metals are called non-metallic minerals. Examples of non-metallic minerals – diamond, mica, salt, potash etc. The Kohinoor diamond placed on the crown of England’s queen is an example of non-metallic mineral.
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Energy Minerals
Those minerals which provide energy are called energy minerals. These are also known as fossil fuels. Examples of energy minerals – Coal, petroleum, natural gas etc.
Difference Between Metallic and Non-Metallic Minerals
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Energy minerals are studied under the category of fossil fuels. They are quite visibly different from metallic and non-metallic minerals. But generally, students get confused between metallic and non-metallic minerals so for your clear understanding we are providing here key differences between metallic and non-metallic minerals
This was a brief about metallic and non-metallic minerals, if you are looking for detailed study material on the topic then register yourself on Vedantu or download Vedantu learning app for class 6-10, IIT JEE and NEET.
Conclusion
Minerals are the country's natural resources, which can be used in a variety of ways. Mineral formation and concentration take hundreds of years, making it a finite and non-renewable resource. As a result, it is critical to save resources, which can be accomplished through recycling metals.
Non-metallic minerals, such as limestone, mica, and gypsum, do not contain any metals, according to the difference between metallic and non-metallic minerals. Metallic minerals, on the other hand, contain metal in its unprocessed form.
FAQs on Metallic Minerals and Non-Metallic Minerals
1. What are metallic minerals? Give some key examples.
Metallic minerals are minerals that contain one or more metallic elements in their raw form. When processed, they yield new metals. Key characteristics include being good conductors of heat and electricity, having a characteristic lustre, and being malleable and ductile. Common examples include Iron Ore (like Haematite), from which iron is extracted; Bauxite Ore, the primary source of aluminium; and Copper Ore (like Chalcopyrite).
2. What defines a non-metallic mineral? Provide common examples.
Non-metallic minerals are those that do not contain extractable metals in their chemical composition. They are valued for the industrial or chemical properties they possess in their natural state. Their properties vary widely, and they are typically not good conductors of electricity. Important examples include Limestone (used in cement), Mica (used as an insulator in electrical equipment), Gypsum (used in fertilisers and plaster), and Quartz.
3. What is the main difference between metallic and non-metallic minerals?
The primary difference lies in their composition and properties. Metallic minerals are sources of new metals, while non-metallic minerals are not. Their key distinctions are:
- Composition: Metallic minerals contain metal elements, while non-metallic minerals do not.
- Lustre: Metallic minerals have a shiny, metallic lustre, whereas non-metallic minerals have a non-metallic lustre (e.g., glassy, pearly, or dull).
- Malleability: Metallic minerals are generally malleable and ductile, meaning they can be shaped without breaking. Non-metallic minerals are typically brittle and will break or shatter if struck.
- Conductivity: Metallic minerals are good conductors of heat and electricity. Non-metallic minerals are usually poor conductors or insulators.
4. What are some important uses of non-metallic minerals in daily life?
Non-metallic minerals are fundamental to many industries and everyday products. For example, Limestone is crucial for making cement and steel. Mica is used as an insulating material in electrical appliances. Potash is a key ingredient in agricultural fertilisers, and Gypsum is used to make plasterboard for construction. Gemstones like diamonds and emeralds are also non-metallic minerals valued for their beauty.
5. How can you visually distinguish a metallic mineral from a non-metallic one?
You can often distinguish them based on a few key visual and physical tests. The most immediate indicator is lustre; metallic minerals have a shiny, reflective surface like a piece of metal, while non-metallic minerals can be glassy, pearly, earthy, or dull. Secondly, when you drag a mineral across an unglazed porcelain plate to check its streak, metallic minerals often leave a dark or coloured streak, whereas non-metallic minerals usually leave a white or colourless streak.
6. Why are metallic minerals generally found in igneous and metamorphic rocks?
Metallic minerals are typically associated with igneous and metamorphic rocks due to their formation processes. These rocks are formed under intense heat and pressure. In igneous rocks, metallic minerals crystallise from cooling magma and become concentrated in veins or lodes. In metamorphic rocks, pre-existing rocks are altered by heat and pressure, which can cause metallic elements to mobilise and concentrate into economically viable deposits. Sedimentary rocks, formed by deposition, are more commonly associated with non-metallic minerals like limestone and salt.
7. Are metals always found as compounds within metallic minerals?
No, not always. While most metals are extracted from mineral compounds (like iron from iron oxide), some metals can be found in their pure form as native elements. These are still classified as metallic minerals. For example, gold, silver, and copper can occur in nature as nuggets or flakes, uncombined with other elements. These native metals are often found in veins within igneous rocks or as placer deposits in riverbeds.
