Definition properties types examples and differences of metallic and non metallic minerals
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.
(Image will be uploaded soon)
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.
(Image will be uploaded soon)
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
(Image will be uploaded soon)
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 and Non Metallic Minerals in Chemistry
1. What are metallic minerals and non metallic minerals?
Metallic minerals are minerals that contain one or more metals in their chemical composition, while non metallic minerals do not contain metals and are composed of non-metallic elements or compounds.
- Metallic minerals usually yield metals on processing (e.g., iron from Fe2O3).
- Non metallic minerals are used in their natural form or after simple processing (e.g., limestone CaCO3, quartz SiO2).
- They differ in chemical composition, physical properties, and industrial applications.
2. What is the difference between metallic minerals and non metallic minerals?
The main difference between metallic minerals and non metallic minerals is that metallic minerals contain metal elements and can produce metals, while non metallic minerals do not contain metals.
- Composition: Metallic minerals contain metals (e.g., Fe, Cu); non metallic minerals contain non-metals (e.g., C, Si).
- Physical properties: Metallic minerals are shiny and good conductors; non metallic minerals are dull and poor conductors.
- Examples: Hematite (Fe2O3) vs quartz (SiO2).
- Use: Metallic minerals are used for metal extraction; non metallic minerals are used in cement, glass, and ceramics.
3. What are some examples of metallic minerals?
Common examples of metallic minerals include ores of iron, copper, aluminium, and zinc.
- Hematite – Fe2O3 (iron ore)
- Magnetite – Fe3O4
- Bauxite – hydrated aluminium oxides (main source of aluminium)
- Chalcopyrite – CuFeS2 (copper ore)
4. What are some examples of non metallic minerals?
Common examples of non metallic minerals include minerals that do not yield metals and are used directly in industry.
- Quartz – SiO2
- Limestone – CaCO3
- Gypsum – CaSO4·2H2O
- Graphite – C
5. How are metallic minerals extracted from their ores?
Metallic minerals are extracted from their ores by processes such as concentration, roasting or calcination, and reduction.
- Concentration: Removal of gangue (impurities).
- Roasting: Heating sulphide ores in air (e.g., 2ZnS(s) + 3O2(g) → 2ZnO(s) + 2SO2(g)).
- Reduction: Metal oxide is reduced to metal (e.g., Fe2O3(s) + 3CO(g) → 2Fe(l) + 3CO2(g)).
6. Why are metallic minerals good conductors of electricity?
Metallic minerals are good conductors of electricity because they contain metals with free (delocalized) electrons that can move easily through the structure.
- Metals have metallic bonding, where valence electrons are shared in a “sea of electrons.”
- These mobile electrons allow the flow of electric current.
- Examples include copper from CuFeS2 and iron from Fe2O3.
7. What are the main properties of non metallic minerals?
The main properties of non metallic minerals are that they are poor conductors of heat and electricity and do not produce metals on processing.
- Usually dull or non-lustrous in appearance.
- Low electrical and thermal conductivity.
- Often brittle and non-malleable.
- Examples: quartz (SiO2), limestone (CaCO3).
8. What is the chemical composition of metallic minerals?
The chemical composition of metallic minerals typically includes metals combined with oxygen, sulphur, or other elements as oxides, sulphides, or carbonates.
- Oxides: Hematite – Fe2O3
- Sulphides: Galena – PbS
- Carbonates: Siderite – FeCO3
9. Can you give an example of a chemical reaction involving a non metallic mineral?
Yes, a common example involving a non metallic mineral is the thermal decomposition of limestone (CaCO3).
- On heating, limestone undergoes calcination:
- CaCO3(s) → CaO(s) + CO2(g)
- The product CaO (quicklime) is used in cement and steel industries.
10. Why are metallic and non metallic minerals important in industry?
Metallic and non metallic minerals are important in industry because they provide raw materials for metals, construction materials, chemicals, and manufacturing.
- Metallic minerals supply metals like iron, aluminium, and copper for machinery and infrastructure.
- Non metallic minerals such as SiO2 and CaCO3 are used in glass, cement, and ceramics.
- They support sectors like metallurgy, construction, electronics, and agriculture.
