Mineral and Power Resources – Summary Notes
1. Definition of Minerals
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Minerals are homogeneous, naturally occurring substances found in the Earth’s crust.
They contain a single or a combination of elements.
Minerals have definite chemical compositions and physical properties.
Minerals are the constituents of rocks.
2. Types of Minerals
Minerals have a wide range of color, hardness, texture, and lustre.
They can be organic or inorganic in origin.
Organic Minerals
Example: Coal and Petroleum
Also called mineral fuels or fossil fuels
Inorganic Minerals
Inorganic minerals are classified into two groups:
Metallic Minerals
 Contain metals such as iron and copper
 Found as ores in igneous and metamorphic rocks
 They are hard, have lustre, and are good conductors of heat and electricity
Non-Metallic Minerals
 Do not contain metals
 Example: Limestone, mica
 Found in sedimentary rocks
 They are soft, do not have lustre, and are bad conductors of heat and electricity