Minerals are crystalline solids with well-defined chemical composition and crystal structure, as well as predictable external form. Other natural solids lacking this property are known as mineraloids.
Feldspars can easily be identified by their color and the presence of twining, an uncommon characteristic among feldspars.
Minerals are the building blocks of life
Minerals are natural inorganic solid substances with a distinctive chemical composition and crystalline structure. Minerals may consist of one element or, more frequently, chemical compounds like table salt. Other complex minerals include quartz or silicon dioxide which have hexagonal crystal structures. The International Mineralogical Association defines minerals by their chemical makeup and physical properties; additionally it lists their characteristic crystalline shape. Many minerals also bear unique names reflecting their history or geographic origin such as “calcite”, goethite and sillimanite.
Minerals form in rocks under specific geological conditions, including rock type, temperature and pressure. Minerals may form within magma itself or through reactions with other minerals in their environment.
Minerals found only in igneous rock are typically classified as primary minerals, while those that form in other types of rocks such as limestone and shale are secondary ones. For instance, lime stone would fall under this category while shale would fall into secondary territory.
They are used in manufacturing
Industrial minerals play a critical role in manufacturing. They’re used for building materials, metals, paper products and various other uses ranging from construction projects and metal production to paper production and recycling. Mining operations for these minerals is becoming more efficient due to automation, AI and improved extraction methods; however, this change increases resource depletion risk as well as environmental harm as well as geopolitical disruptions of supply chains.
ICMM champions responsible sourcing practices and engages in international processes that promote sustainable mining and governance practices. Through various initiatives such as global frameworks for due diligence that help companies identify, assess, mitigate risks and enhance transparency.
Minerals are indispensable components of energy production, manufacturing, and agriculture. Coal is burned to generate electricity and heat homes while metals such as iron and steel are utilized in construction and manufacturing projects. Kaolin plays an essential part in paper coating production while magnesium sulfate helps support plant and animal health. Likewise lithium and tungsten are key ingredients of batteries while phosphate and potash improve soil health for increased crop yields.
They are important for the environment
Clean energy technologies have experienced rapid expansion, prompting an explosion in demand for critical minerals used in batteries, wind turbines, solar panels and other low-carbon technologies. Unfortunately these minerals cannot easily be replaced with substitutes and any disruption could stall clean energy innovation and undermine climate goals.
Mining of minerals can have severe environmental and social repercussions. Artisanal mining practices, for example, may result in land grabbing, child labor and environmental degradation – not to mention serious health hazards for local populations.
International frameworks for responsible and sustainable sourcing have emerged to address these issues, offering authoritative standards of transparency, supply chain integrity and risk mitigation while supporting good governance practices. However, further work needs to be done on their implementation effectively.
They are important for human health
Minerals play a crucial role in maintaining immune and inflammation regulation. Most individuals get their necessary minerals from eating a balanced diet; however, certain individuals may be at greater risk of mineral deficiency; this includes individuals living with chronic illnesses, older adults on restricted diets and pregnant women who may need additional care during gestation. Mineral deficiencies can lead to long-term health issues like osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Silicate minerals comprise most of Earth’s crust and include feldspars (silicon dioxide), quartz, mica, olivines and pyroxenes. They usually feature two tetrahedra that share oxygen atoms as part of one symmetrical bond; often colorless in appearance but occasionally occurring with green, yellow, red and blue hues.
Iron is essential to erythropoiesis and cell energy metabolism. A deficiency can lead to anemia, decreasing immunity and increasing risk of infection. Zinc and selenium play important roles in physiological cellular functions including thyroid hormone metabolism, cell division and immune functioning.
