Question

Name any three common minerals used by you everyday.

Answer 1

Hint: 1)Minerals are solid substances that are naturally found in the environment.
2)They may be made of one element or they may be a mixture of two or more elements.

Complete answer:
We use many minerals in our lives every day. Some of them are;
Sodium Chloride – It is a mineral which is found in sea water and in underground rock formations. It is found abundantly on Earth. It is commonly called table salt and is a core ingredient in almost all food items. It is a very essential element in the functioning of the human body. It maintains the electrolytic balance in the blood and nerves of the body.

Silica – It is another mineral that is found abundantly on the Earth. Its crystalline form is found in stones, sand and soil. It is a chemical compound made of Silicon and Oxygen. They are a vital part of the construction industry. All infrastructural products like bricks, glass, concrete etc. They are also used as fillers for paints and rubber. Silica sand is used to filter water for agriculture. The most technologically advanced use of silica is in the optical fibers that are laid down under the ground for internet connectivity.

Copper – It is a mineral which is basically a single element. It is found in the form of an ore i.e. as a compound with some other element. Pure copper is one of the best conductors of electricity and is hence used as the primary element for making wires and electrical circuits. When greater strength is required, copper is mixed with zinc or tin to form brass and bronze respectively. These forms are used as utensils, intricate parts of machineries etc.

Note: 1)Almost all elements found in the Earth's surface are in the form of rocks. 2)Rocks contain a mixture of one or more minerals.
3)Rocks contain ores. Ores on the other hand are minerals which have a significantly higher concentration of a particular element.