Minerals: Mineral resources are of great use to man. Minerals have been called ‘The Gifts of Nature’. Mineral resources have been used since pre-historic times. Human civilisation has seen many ages like the stone age, copper age and iron age. Modern industrial and economic development depends upon the production and utilization of minerals.
Types of Minerals: There are 70 to 80 minerals found on the surface of the earth. These can be divided into three types :
1. Non-Metallic Minerals: These include salt, mica, limestone, graphite, potash, gypsum.
2. Metallic Minerals: These include iron, copper, aluminium, gold, silver. These can be melted into useful metals.
3. Fuel Minerals: These include coal, oil and natural gas. These are called sources of power.
Importance of Minerals :
- Industries. Minerals form the basis of heavy industries like iron and steel. Minerals are called ‘vitamins’ of industry.
- Machinery. Minerals provide machinery for modern manufacturing.
- Transport. Minerals are used in the making of different means of transportation.
- Sources of Energy. Minerals provide energy to modern industries.
