Humans mine the Earth for a variety of elements. Metal ores, coal, oil, sand, etc. are a few examples. Minerals are particularly specified for the concept as spontaneously forming inorganic compounds that are discovered in solid form. The chemical composition, formulas, and crystalline formations of minerals are all clearly characterised. The physical characteristics of various minerals, like colour, density, crystalline structure, toughness, etc., vary. Compared to certain other minerals, particular minerals can be discovered in greater quantities.
For instance, silica might be regarded as the mineral that is most prevalent in the crust of the globe. Additionally, the availability may differ from one place to another. The key categories of related minerals have indeed been determined, and a categorization of these minerals has been created. They can be separated into metallic and non-metallic minerals, as well as iron ores, based on their mineral and molecular composition. So, this article specifically focused on the difference between metallic and non-metallic minerals.
What are Metallic and Non-Metallic Minerals?
Metallic minerals are those created when different metals combine using additional elements to form new substances. Metallic minerals are those that have a certain composition and comprise one or more types of metals. These minerals often exhibit physical traits, like shine, that are comparable to those of metals.
These minerals typically possess non-metallic structural characteristics because they don't comprise any metals. Non-metallic minerals are nonetheless extremely useful to humanity even if we can obtain metals from them. They are utilised to create coatings and insulating materials in a variety of applications.
Properties of Metallic and Non-Metallic Minerals
Metallic minerals are excellent conductors of electricity and heat and naturally exist as mineral formations. They are malleable and ductile, which means that they may be divided into layers and pulled into wires, accordingly. They are created by the continual solidification of magma or lava and the warming and cooling of rock layers.
They are intricate and possess a glossy exterior. They can be utilised to create jewellery because of this feature. They are also utilised for a variety of commercial processes, including the production of semiconductors, chips, etc.
Non-metallic minerals are not ductile, shiny, and non-malleable like metallic minerals. Non-metallic minerals are employed in the manufacture of fertiliser and cement. Sedimentary rocks, which are created by the accumulation of many different types of rock fragments, minerals, and organic remnants, are responsible for their formation.
Examples of Metallic and Non-Metallic Minerals
Gold, iron, copper, bauxite, manganese, etc. are some examples of metallic minerals. The computer sector relies on silicon derived from quartz, while the bottling and automotive industries both utilise aluminium derived from bauxite.
A list of metallic minerals can be oxides, sulphides, carbonates, halides, etc. based on their chemical makeup. However, certain metallic minerals, like gold, can also be discovered in their purest states. Since iron is among the more widely utilised metals on Planet, both ferrous and non-ferrous minerals may also be classified as metallic minerals. Non-ferrous minerals don't contain iron, whereas ferrous minerals do.
Examples of non-metallic minerals include granite, coal, phosphate, gypsum, mica, limestone, and salt. Among the most prevalent non-metallic minerals, silica is utilised in architecture. In thermal energy plants, coal is utilised to generate heat, which in return generates electricity. Rare mineral diamonds are utilised as a gemstone in jewellery.
Difference Between Metallic and Non-Metallic Minerals
Interesting Facts
Certain minerals are precious since they are utilised in a variety of industries, while others are precious due to their beauty, uniqueness, and toughness.
Earth contains more than 4000 spontaneously existing minerals.
Minerals called silicates comprise approximately over 90% of the earth's crust.
The chemical and physical characteristics of the metallic minerals found on the Pacific Ocean's bottom vary greatly. The presence of Cu and Co in these deposits makes them a significant supplier of raw materials.
Key Features to Remember
Minerals classified as metallic contain metal elements in their unprocessed state.
Minerals classified as non-metallic are empty of any metal components.
It's important to keep in mind that minerals and rocks aren't the same.
A certain chemical composition that is constant throughout a mineral characterises it. Whereas the composition of rocks varies and they are made up of various minerals.
FAQs on Difference Between Metallic and Non-Metallic Minerals for JEE Main 2024
1. What are metallic minerals?
Minerals that contain different metals are called metallic minerals. You can divide the metallic minerals into two types, ferrous and non-ferrous metallic minerals. Ferrous metallic consists of ironic minerals, and the latter do not have any ironic minerals. Some of the common metallic ores are iron ore, bauxite, gold, silver, etc.
2. What are the benefits of learning the difference between metallic and non-metallic minerals?
Differences help you define the topics clearly, and it comforts you in understanding or consuming the relevant content readily. Metallic and Non-metallic minerals are not hard to study if you know the common differences that separate them. Once you differentiate the topics, it offers you a clear perspective of the minerals. For example, one of the most famous differences between metallic and non-metallic minerals is lustre. Metallic minerals shine when light falls on them, whereas non-metallic minerals do not.
3. Why do we need to save minerals?
Minerals are available beneath the soil at various locations on the earth. Today, we are exploring all the possible places where there are minerals. In India, Jamshedpur, a famous place for coal. We use that cola to make steel and generate electricity. Though these minerals are available in limited quantities, scientists have predicted they may vanish in the coming decades, and the coming generation will have no resources that we have today. To provide a better future for our younger brother and sister, we need to use minerals wisely, and also, it helps keep mother earth a safe place to live.
4. Explain the properties of metallic minerals?
The metallic mineral is a classification of mineral which produces metal upon melting it. It has several properties which make these metallic minerals more valuable and highly beneficial. The properties of a metallic mineral are:
The metallic minerals act as good conductors for both heat and electricity.
The metallic minerals are not strong enough to hold the electrons. They can lose electrons very easily.
The metallic minerals have a shiny and hard surface on the outer part on their own.
The metallic minerals are available in the solid state at room temperature.
The metallic minerals can be moulded and stored in the form of sheets and wires easily.
5. What are the properties of non-metallic minerals?
The non-metallic minerals are quite contrasting to the metallic minerals. These are another classification of minerals, the minerals that do have any metal substance in them. The properties of non-metallic minerals are as follows:
The non-metallic minerals are very poor conductors of both heat and electricity.
The non-metallic minerals have a low melting point as well as a low boiling point.
The non-metallic minerals can easily gain electrons.
The non-metallic minerals don't have any metallic components.
The non-metallic minerals do not have a shiny surface.
They are solid and brittle.
6. What are the properties of ferrous and non-ferrous minerals?
Approximately 75% of the minerals generated by the metal sectors are ferrous. They exhibit magnetic characteristics and are efficient heat and electricity conductors. Non-ferrous minerals are less conductive of heat and electricity, lack significant magnetic qualities, and are better resistive to corrosion and exterior harm.
7. What is an energy mineral?
Energy minerals are certain minerals that produce energy. Fossil fuels are the group of minerals that are investigated. They clearly distinguish themselves from both metallic and non-metallic minerals. These also go by the name of fossil fuels. Instances of energy-related minerals include coal, oil, and natural gas.
8. What are metallic elements?
Metallic elements are frequently referred to as low metals. They are effective heat and electrical conductors, which explains this. They also possess qualities like malleability and ductility. They are created by cooling heated metals at controlled degrees that prevent brittleness and maintain ductility. Apart from mercury, the majority of metals are solid at ambient temperature. Apart from salt, they are mainly complex and rigid.
