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