Main minerals. Precious metals and stones
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a geologist. I wanted to know everything about the riches of the geosphere. It seemed that it was in the depths earth's crust all the secrets of the universe are hidden. Unfortunately, this profession passed me by. But children's curiosity still simmers.
The concept of "Minerals"
PI is the natural resources of the Earth, which people extract from the depths of the earth's crust or from its surface. These include oil, sand, gas, etc.
The earth's crust is formed by rocks, which consist of minerals. Minerals are natural bodies that are made up of atoms and molecules. These include quartz, salt, diamond and others.
Classification of minerals
Igneous rocks are brought to the surface of the earth's crust along with magma. Such minerals and rocks differ in density. These include: iron, copper and other ores.
Sedimentary rocks are found on the surface of the earth. They were formed in the process of long-term accumulation of elements or as a result of the destruction of mountains. These include, for example, limestone, sandstone, crushed stone.
Organic sedimentary rocks are formed from the remains of plants and animals that accumulate over many years. These include: shell rock, oil, etc.
By physical condition PIs are distinguished:
- hard (gold);
- liquid (mercury);
- gaseous (hydrogen sulfide).
Depending on their use and composition, PIs are divided into ore and non-ore (construction and combustible).
Use of oil in everyday life
I have always been interested in what such a much-discussed fossil as oil gives us. It turns out that most household items consists of exactly that. For example, in my apartment there is a TV, a toothbrush, a computer and a printer, plastic bags, synthetic clothing... All these items are made of plastic and contain “ black gold».
When refining oil, it is divided into many fractions. From these parts, at various stages of processing, fuel, cosmetics, plastics, etc. are obtained.
Minerals are not limitless! We must protect our planet from unwise use of natural resources!
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Since I live in a region rich coal deposits, I couldn’t help but be interested in the question of how coal was formed. The information that I found turned out to be very interesting, so I’ll tell you not only about what are minerals, but I will also describe in detail the process of coal formation.
What does the term "minerals" mean?
This term refers to things that are valuable to humans. minerals and rocks. According to the nature of origin, it is customary to distinguish following types these resources:
- sedimentary- this group includes fossil fuels, for example, coal and oil;
- igneous- metals represent this group;
- metamorphic- for example, marble or limestone.
What is coal
Almost until the 70s of the last century, this type of fuel had the status of the most common energy carrier, however, it was later replaced by other types. Despite this, it is widely in demand, primarily in metallurgy, as the main resource for the production of cast iron. Like most other types of energy carriers, it is a modified substance of organic nature - remains of ancient plants. This process took place over millions of years through the influence of various factors.
How coal was formed
Most of the extracted resource belongs to the formation 300-350 million years ago when huge masses of organic matter accumulated in conditions of complete absence of oxygen. This process can be described as follows:
- was formed at the beginning peat layer usually in wetlands;
- Over time, the layer increased, which means pressure increased on bottom part;
- the enormous pressure pushed out oxygen, which ultimately led to the formation compressed peat- hard coal.
As a rule, the greater the depth peat layers, the higher the pressure, and therefore the higher the quality of the coal seam. The following main types of this fossil are distinguished:
- brown- for its formation, a sediment layer of up to a kilometer was required;
- stone- in this case, the original substance experienced a pressure of 3 kilometers of sediment;
- anthracite- pressure over 7 kilometers of sediment.
However, this does not mean that high-quality fuel lies on great depths, against, tectonic processes caused the valuable resource to rise to the surface, making it accessible to extraction.
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What do gold and coal have in common? It would seem that gold is an expensive metal from which beautiful jewelry is made. A sign of luxury and grace. And coal is a hard mineral, black and dirty. It is used as fuel. But there is one thing general concept, which combines these two objects - both of thembelong to mineral resources. Now I will explain everything in detail.
Useful Finds
What can be found in the depths of our earth? Sometimes almost on the very surface, and sometimes very deep, natural minerals and rocks are hidden from our eyes. They belong to minerals. They are widely used by people in various fields activities. May differ in properties and conditions. There are:
- gaseous(inert gases and natural combustibles);
- hard(peat, salt, ores, coal);
- in liquid state (mineral waters and oil).
Since ancient times, people began extract and use minerals. The first attempts to extract them began with the ancient Egyptians. Over the centuries, more and more new types of minerals have been explored, and since the 18th century, their extraction has significantly accelerated, and new deposits have been discovered. The development of the world of modern technology contributed to this.
One of methods how minerals are mined - open, in quarries. As a result, ravines are formed. Coal is mined in the mines, the depth can reach up to 1200 m. Oil is obtained fountain and pump method.
Not all natural resources exist in unlimited quantities. There are those that are renewed, and there are those that can end in our nature in certain moment(eg coal, oil). Therefore, it is necessary to choose the right approaches to the process of extracting natural minerals and use modern technologies in searching for places of origin.
The most ancient metal
The most ancient metal considered gold. It is quite rare, which is why its price is high. The largest gold deposits are located in South Africa, the USA, also in China, Peru and Australia. Mined his methods of washing, amalgamation and cyanidation. There are large deposits of gold in Russia. The period of the “Gold Rush” is known in history. When Alaska was sold by Russia to America and large deposits of this precious metal were discovered in it.
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At one time I read the fairy tales of P. P. Bazhov. They discovered beauty for me Ural mountains, rich in minerals, and especially with gems. I also wanted to have my own malachite box. Later I learned about the Ural village of Murzinka - a world-famous deposit of semi-precious stones.
The term minerals
Organic and mineral formations found in the earth's crust are called minerals. Physical properties and chemical composition allow a person to use minerals for their needs, that is, to bring benefits. Mineral resources form three groups: metallic (iron, copper, tin), combustible (peat and coal, oil and gas), non-metallic (salt, clay, apatite).
Non-metallic minerals also include minerals from the gem group. These are rare and therefore very expensive stones.
Russian land is rich in gems; in its depths there are 27 types of valuable stones. Most of the deposits are located in the Urals.
Ural - a storehouse of minerals
- a treasure trove of minerals. And if the Periodic Table contains almost 120 elements, then 50 of them are mined in the Urals. This is where most of the useful elements, so necessary for the life of our country. The most important of them are:
- ore, since most of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals are mined from it. Most all ore reserves are located in the Urals;
- oil and gold also mined in the Urals. Their reserves are not so large (20% of all sources of this raw material in the country), but they have not yet been depleted. Moreover, scientists are finding new deposits of these fossils;
- rhinestone. Many local businesses are busy processing it.
Precious and colored stones are a special group of rare and valuable minerals. is rightfully proud of its bright green emeralds and golden topazes, red-green alexandrites and soft lilac amethysts.
The products of local lapidary craftsmen are famous throughout the world. Yes, the village Murzinka became famous for its mines of gems: amethyst and tourmaline, beryl and blue topaz, which brought Murzinka world fame. A unique find was found here - topaz blue color, named “Victory”, weighing more than 43 kilograms! Now this unique mineral is in the State Conservation Service of Russia. And the Ural alexandrites are recognized as the best in the world! This is the rarest mineral. Therefore, its search, extraction and transportation are subject to the strictest control. Alexandrite is famous for the fact that changes his usual green(under artificial light) to purple-pink. And of course, the calling card of Ural gems is malachite.
A lot of malachite was found in copper mines. There was a time when its production amounted to several thousand poods a year! A huge piece of malachite weighing 250 tons was found in 1835.
That's how they are Ural gems, who brought world glory to the Urals and Russia!
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I am from Kuzbass, and, in my opinion, this sounds proud. My region specializes in mining. All the men in my family practiced and continue to practice their booty. Until recently, I only knew about coal, because Kuzbass - the coal capital. My acquaintance with various mineral resources began a year ago, after my husband changed his job and, in addition to coal, began to mine other minerals. He brought the most beautiful specimens home, and at that moment I decided to get acquainted with the minerals in more detail.
Definition of minerals
Minerals are rocks, and also minerals, which find their application in the national economy. From my own experience, I would like to note that the most beautiful of minerals are minerals.
There are types of minerals:
- gas, this group includes methane, helium and gases;
- liquid– mineral waters, oil;
- hard, the most large group and it includes coal, salts, granite, ores, marble.
How minerals are mined
There are two methods of mining. Open and closed. Open method mining is carried out in quarries, from where, by the way, my husband brings interesting specimens.
In a closed way coal is mined in mines. This is very dangerous look mining, but in our region closed mining is the most common.
The most beautiful minerals I have ever encountered
Granite. solid, dense rock, used in construction.
Quartz. Has a very diverse color scheme from white to black. It is used in optics, radio equipment, and electronic devices.
Copper. Ductile metal, used in electrical engineering, in the production of pipes, and in jewelry alloys.
The vast territory of our country is rich in valuable resources, including coal, oil, natural gas, precious stones, minerals. What minerals is it rich in? central part and other regions where they are located richest deposits of these riches, what their reserves are and what is Russia’s share in the world. Let's answer these questions.
Types of fossils
Minerals are minerals, rocks and combustible raw materials embedded in the depths of the earth's crust and are valuable to humans. The wealth of these resources, among other indicators, determines the situation of the country on the world market. It is customary to distinguish types of fossils depending on the purpose of their use. The list of minerals is quite impressive.
Flammable
In most cases they are used as fuel. These include:
Oil is an oily liquid, which is an excellent fuel and raw material for many substances. Oil in Russia is called black gold.
It is used in almost all industries and brings enormous profits. In terms of its reserves, Russia is in 7th place among all countries, but it has been established that oil production capabilities are only half realized.
An important characteristic of oil is its density: the smaller it is, the more valuable the product is.
Gas– the most convenient and environmentally friendly fuel, which is extracted from the voids of rocks. Natural gas is formed due to the breakdown of organic compounds in the depths. Russia ranks first in the world in terms of deposits of this substance.
Coal- is the result of the decomposition of a huge amount plant organisms. It lies in layers, the formation of which takes thousands of years. This is the most popular combustible material and is actively used in metallurgy and industry. Only the United States and China are ahead of Russia in terms of coal reserves.
Peat– a flammable substance (contains up to 50% carbohydrate), which is the result of rotting plants, mainly mosses. Places of peat deposits are swamps. The thickness of the peat layer is at least 30 cm. The demand for it is enormous, as it burns well and is used to fertilize the soil. There are more than 40 thousand peat deposits, most of them are located in the Asian part of the country.
Oil shale, on the contrary, are mined in the west. This is a combination of organic matter and siliceous clay, solid formations of gray or brown tint. Oil shale deposits are located at the bottom of reservoirs. When processing this material, a resin is extracted, its properties similar to oil. Shales are additional source heat, but since their reserves exceed the amount of all fossil fuels in the world, it is possible that in the foreseeable future shale will become the main raw material for fuel.
Ore
Ore is not one certain type raw materials, but a combination of several components containing the main substance in such quantities that the extraction and processing of ore is profitable and justified from an economic point of view.
Fossils mined in this way are called ore. Central Russia is rich in these reserves.
Metal ores- these Russian minerals are so named because they contain various metals. These are deposits of iron, copper, nickel, cobalt, tin, tungsten, and aluminum.
On the territory of our country, gold is mined (our country is in 4th place together with Canada), silver (first place in terms of reserves on the planet), and polymetals.
Iron Ore is a mineral formation containing large number gland. This mineral is the main raw material for the production of cast iron.
Gold– fusible, soft, very dense, but ductile in its properties precious metal. Jewelers distinguish yellow, white, and red gold (the color depends on the metals added; additives give gold products greater strength). Gold is also used in manufacturing, medicine, and cosmetology.
Silver– white metal, soft, ductile, conducts electricity well. Silver is used to make jewelry, dishes, cutlery, and electrical equipment.
Non-metallic ores (as the name implies, do not contain metals): titanium, uranium, manganese, mercury and others.
Uranium ore– a mineral with a high concentration of uranium. It is a radioactive element used in nuclear fuel, geology, mechanical and aircraft engineering. In addition, this substance generates heat many times more powerful than oil or gas. Uranium is a very common element in nature.
Manganese ore, the main component of which is manganese, is used very widely in metallurgy, ceramics, and medicine.
Nonmetallic
Precious and semi-precious stones are rocks of organic and inorganic origin, used in jewelry, industry, and often in medicine. The main wealth consists of diamonds, the first of which was found at the end of the 19th century. Also mined:
- topaz,
- emeralds,
- sapphires,
- rubies,
- rhinestone,
- cornelian,
- amethysts,
- malachite,
- amber.
Diamond- This is the hardest mineral in the world, but at the same time very fragile. Diamonds are widely used in jewelry art, and due to its strength also in the nuclear industry, optics, microelectronics, for the manufacture of sharp cutting and sharpening objects.
Rhinestone– a transparent mineral used in the manufacture of jewelry and some interior parts, as well as in radio engineering.
Other minerals include amber, topaz, malachite, ruby and so on.
Pay attention! What mineral is called a fertility stone. These are minerals from which mineral fertilizers are produced: phosphorite, potassium salts, apatite
Building breeds: various types sand, gravel, granite, basalt, volcanic tuff. The bowels of the earth also contain graphite, asbestos, and mica. different types, graphite, talc, kaolin. Widely used in construction.
Deposits
Mineral deposits in our country are distributed throughout the territory. are located in the southern, eastern and northeastern parts, as well as on. Valuable breeds are mined in these areas. In the central and European parts of Russia, which are more flat, rich ore deposits have been discovered.
Detailed mineral map in Russia it looks like this:
- Combustible minerals are concentrated in the northwestern part of Siberia and the Volga delta, that is, in the European part of Russia, and the largest deposits are Sakhalin and the Yamalo-Nenets District.
- Gold is mined in five large deposits, 200 primary and 114 complex. The richest regions in gold are Magadan, Yakutia, and Sakha.
- Silver is mined in the Urals and Eastern Siberia. Almost 98% of the deposits are located in the region of the Okhotsk-Chukotka and East Alin volcanic belt.
- Most of the numerous sources of peat are located in the Urals and Siberia, in swampy areas. The Vasyugan deposit, which is located in Western Siberia, is considered the largest.
- Coal is mined almost throughout the country, but the main wealth is concentrated in the east (more than 60% of the total).
- Deposits of gypsum, sand, and limestone rocks are located in the area. Potassium salts are mined in Perm region, rock salt– in Eastern and Western Siberia.
- The location of construction raw materials has been recorded in the Urals, Sayan Mountains, Transbaikalia, Irkutsk region, Krasnoyarsk region, Siberia.
- Aluminum ores can be found in large quantities in the northern Urals and the Komi Republic.
Expert forecast
Information on the share of mineral resources in Russia among world reserves varies somewhat, but on average it is very significant indicators. Thus, in Russia there are about 12% of total stock oil, 32% - natural gas, 30% - coal, 25% - iron.
Pay attention! The problem is that, according to experts, the bulk of Russian deposits are no different high quality, in comparison with the world ones (in terms of the ratio of useful components, they are less valuable than samples from other countries of the world, but their extraction is much more difficult due to natural and geographical conditions).
To improve the situation, a strategy has been developed until 2020, the result of which should be a more rational and expedient use of raw materials.
The situation is aggravated by the reduction in renewable mineral reserves in Russia. In this regard, many oil companies lose profitability.
Coal production is carried out at a low rate and does not provide industrial sectors sufficient quantity raw materials. Many iron ore mining enterprises are provided with reserves for no more than 2 decades. Working with others metal ores is also very difficult and continues to get worse.
Main types of minerals in Russia
Minerals of Russia - ores, diamonds, oil
Conclusion
Now, despite the colossal mineral reserves throughout huge territory, our country lags significantly behind most countries in the world in terms of the degree of their development and use. The improvement of the country's economy and development prospects largely depend on the solution to this problem.
The world around us is filled with things and objects, without which it is impossible for humanity to exist. But in the everyday bustle, people rarely think about the fact that all the best modern life we owe it to natural resources.
Our achievements are breathtaking, aren't they? Man is the pinnacle of evolution, the most perfect creation on Earth! Now let’s think for a moment why we achieved all these benefits, what forces should we thank, what and to whom do people owe for all their benefits?
Having carefully looked at all the objects around us, many of us for the first time realize the simple truth that man is not the king of nature, but only one of its constituent parts.
Since people owe most modern goods natural resources extracted from the bowels of the Earth
Modern life on our planet is not possible without the use natural resources. Some of them are more valuable, others less, and without some, humanity would be at this stage its development cannot exist.
We use them to heat and light our homes and quickly get from one continent to another. Maintaining our health depends on others (for example, it can be mineral waters). The list of minerals valuable to humans is huge, but you can try to identify the ten most important natural elements, without which it is difficult to imagine further development our civilization.
1.Oil is the “black gold” of the Earth
It’s not for nothing that it is called “black gold”, because with the development of the transport industry, life human society became directly dependent on its production and distribution. Scientists believe that oil is a product of the decomposition of organic residues. It consists of hydrocarbons. Not many people realize that oil is part of the most common and necessary things for us.
In addition to being the basis of fuel for most types of transport, it is widely used in medicine, perfumery and chemical industry. For example, oil is used to produce polyethylene and various types of plastic. In medicine, oil is used to produce petroleum jelly and aspirin, which is essential in many cases. The most unexpected use oil for many of us will be that it is involved in the production of chewing gum. Solar batteries, which are indispensable in the space industry, are also produced with the addition of petroleum. It is difficult to imagine the modern textile industry without the production of nylon, which is also made from oil. The largest oil deposits are located in Russia, Mexico, Libya, Algeria, the USA, and Venezuela.
2. Natural gas is the source of heat on the planet
The significance of this mineral is difficult to overestimate. Most natural gas fields are closely related to oil deposits. Gas is used as an inexpensive fuel for heating homes and businesses. The value of natural gas lies in the fact that it is an environmentally friendly fuel. The chemical industry uses natural gas to produce plastics, alcohol, rubber, and acid. Natural gas deposits can reach hundreds of billions of cubic meters.
3. Coal - energy of light and heat
This is a combustible rock with high heat transfer during combustion and a carbon content of up to 98%. Coal is used as fuel for power plants and boiler houses, and metallurgy. This fossil mineral also used in the chemical industry as raw materials for the manufacture of:
- plastics;
- medicines;
- spirits;
- various dyes.
4.Asphalt is a universal fossil resin
The role of this fossil resin in the development of the modern transport industry is invaluable. In addition, asphalt is used in the production of electrical equipment, rubber and various varnishes used for waterproofing. Widely used in the construction and chemical industries. Mined in France, Jordan, Israel, Russia.
5. Aluminum ore (bauxite, nepheline, alunite)
Bauxite- the main source of aluminum oxide. Mined in Russia and Australia.
Alunites– are used not only for the production of aluminum, but also in the production of sulfuric acid and fertilizers.
Nephelines– contain a large amount of aluminum. This mineral is used to create reliable alloys used in mechanical engineering.
6.Iron ores - the metallic heart of the Earth
They vary in iron content and chemical composition. Iron ore deposits are found in many countries around the world. Iron plays a significant role in the development of civilization. Iron ore is the main component for the production of cast iron. The following industries are in dire need of iron ore derivatives:
- metalworking and mechanical engineering;
- space and military industries;
- automotive and shipbuilding industries;
- light and food industries;
The leaders in iron ore production are Russia, China, and the USA.
In nature, it is found mainly in the form of nuggets (the largest was discovered in Australia and weighed about 70 kg). It also occurs in the form of placers. The main consumer of gold (after the jewelry industry) is the electronics industry (gold is widely used in microcircuits and various electronic components for computer technology). Gold is widely used in dentistry for the manufacture of dentures and crowns. Since gold practically does not oxidize and does not corrode, it is also used in the chemical industry. It is mined in South Africa, Australia, Russia, Canada.
8. Diamond is one of the hardest materials
It is widely used in jewelry (a cut diamond is called a diamond); in addition, due to its hardness, diamonds are used for processing metals, glass and stones. Diamonds are widely used in the instrumentation, electrical and electronics industries national economy. Diamond chips are an excellent abrasive raw material for the production of grinding pastes and powders. Diamonds are mined in Africa (98%) and Russia.
9.Platinum is the most valuable precious metal
Widely used in the field of electrical engineering. It is also used in the jewelry industry and the space industry. Platinum is used to produce:
- special mirrors for laser technology;
- V automotive industry for exhaust gas purification;
- for corrosion protection of submarine hulls;
- Surgical instruments are made from platinum and its alloys;
- high-precision glass instruments.
10. Uranium-radium ores - dangerous energy
They are of great importance in the modern world, as they are used as fuel in nuclear power plants. These ores are mined in South Africa, Russia, Congo and a number of other countries.
It’s scary to imagine what could happen if, at this stage of its development, humanity loses access to the listed natural resources. Moreover, not all countries have equal access To natural resources Earth. Natural resource deposits are not evenly distributed. Often it is because of this circumstance that conflicts arise between states. Essentially the whole story modern civilization it is a constant struggle for the possession of the planet's valuable resources.
Minerals are formations of the earth's crust, consisting of minerals, the chemical and physical properties of which allow them to be used in the industrial and domestic sphere. Without the variety of substances that the Earth is rich in, our world would not be so diverse and developed. Technological progress would be unattainable and prohibitively difficult. Let's consider the concept, types of minerals and their characteristics.
Concepts and terms related to the topic
Before examining the types of minerals, it is necessary to know the specific definitions related to this topic. This will make it easier and easier to figure everything out. So, minerals are mineral raw materials or formations of the earth's crust, which may be of organic or inorganic origin and used in the production of material objects.
A mineral deposit is an accumulation of a certain amount of mineral matter on the surface or in the interior of the Earth, which are divided into categories depending on the field of application in industry.
Ore is a mineral formation that occurs in natural conditions and consisting of such components and in such a ratio that its use is possible and advisable for the industrial and technical sphere.
When did mining start?
It is not known for certain when exactly the first mining took place. According to historians, the ancient Egyptians opened the veil. The expedition was sent to the Sinai Peninsula in 2600 BC. It was assumed that they would mine mica. However, there was a breakthrough in the knowledge of the ancient inhabitants about raw materials: copper was found. The mining and processing of silver is known from the history of Greece. The Romans learned about metals such as zinc, iron, tin and lead. Having established mines from Africa to Britain, the Roman Empire mined them and then used them to make tools.
In the 18th century, after the Industrial Revolution, minerals became urgently needed. In connection with this, their production developed at a rapid pace. Modern technologies are based on the discoveries of that period. In the 19th century, the famous “gold rush” occurred, during which a huge amount of the precious metal – gold – was mined. Several diamond deposits were discovered in the same places (South Africa).
Characteristics of minerals by physical state
From physics lessons we know that substances can be in one of four states of aggregation: liquid, solid, gaseous and plasmatic. In ordinary life, everyone can easily observe the first three. Minerals, like any other chemical compounds, can be found on the surface of the Earth or in its interior in one of three states. Thus, the types of minerals are primarily divided into:
- liquid (mineral waters, oil);
- solid (metals, coals, ores);
- gaseous (natural gas, inert gas).
Each group is an important and integral part industrial life. The diversity of resources allows countries to develop in technical and economic sphere. The number of mineral deposits is an indicator of the wealth and well-being of a country.
Industrial types, classification of minerals
After the discovery of the first mineral rocks, man began to think seriously about the benefits they could bring to his life. With the emergence and development of industry, a classification of mineral deposits was formed based on their use in the technical field. Let's look at these types of minerals. The table contains full information about their characteristics:
Fossil deposit type | Groups within it | Types of fossils |
Combustible (fuel) | Solid state | Peat, coal |
Liquid/gaseous state | Gas, oil | |
Metal | Ferrous metals | Manganese, chromium, titanium, iron |
Non-ferrous metals | Lead, copper, cobalt, aluminum, nickel | |
Noble metals | Platinum, gold, silver | |
Rare metals | Tin, tantalum, tungsten, niobium, molybdenum | |
Radioactive compounds | Thorium, radium, uranium | |
Non-metallic | Mining raw materials | Mica, magnesite, talc, limestone, graphite, clays, sands |
Chemical raw materials | Fluorite, phosphorite, barite, mineral salts | |
Construction materials | Marble, gypsum, gravel and sand, clays, facing stones, cement raw materials | |
Gemstones | Precious and ornamental stones |
Types of minerals considered along with reserves fresh water are main characteristic riches of the earth or individual country. This is a typical gradation mineral resources, with the help of which all natural substances used in the industrial and domestic sphere are grouped depending on their physical and chemical properties. Let's get acquainted with each category separately.
Fossil fuels
What type of mineral is oil? What about gas? A mineral often appears to be a solid metal rather than an obscure liquid or gas. Familiar with metal early childhood, while understanding what oil or even household gas is comes a little later. So, what type, according to the classifications already studied, should oil and gas be classified as? Oil belongs to the group of liquid substances, gas – to gaseous substances. Based on their application, clearly, to combustible or, in other words, fuel minerals. After all, oil and gas are used primarily as a source of energy and heat: they power car engines, heat living quarters, and cook food with their help. The energy itself is released by burning the fuel. And if you look even deeper, this is facilitated by carbon, which is included in all fossil fuels. We figured out what type of mineral resource oil is.
What other substances are included here? These are solid fuel compounds formed in nature: hard and brown coal, peat, anthracite, oil shale. Let's look at their brief characteristics. Types of minerals (combustible):
- Coal is the first fuel that man began to use. The main source of energy used on a large scale in production, it was thanks to this fossil that the industrial revolution. It is formed by plant residues without air access. Depending on specific gravity carbon in coal is divided into its varieties: anthracite, brown and hard coal, graphite;
- Oil shale was formed on the seabed about 450 million years ago from the remains of vegetation and animals. Consists of mineral and organic parts. When dry distilled, it forms a resin that is close to petroleum;
- peat is an accumulation of incompletely decomposed plant remains in swamp conditions, more than half of its composition is carbon. Used as fuel, fertilizer, thermal insulation.
Flammable natural substances are the most important species minerals. Thanks to them, humanity learned to produce and use energy, and also created many industries. Currently, the need for fossil fuels is very acute for most countries. This is a large segment of the world economy, on which the well-being of countries around the world depends.
Metal minerals: types, characteristics
We know the types of minerals: fuel, ore, non-metallic. The first group has been successfully studied. Let's move further - ore, or metal, fossils - that's what industry was born and developed for. Since ancient times, man has understood that metal gives everyday life there are many more possibilities than not having one. In the modern world it is no longer possible to imagine life without any metal. IN household appliances and electronics, in homes, in the bathroom, even in a small light bulb - it is everywhere.
How do they get it? Only noble metals, which due to their chemical properties do not react with other simple and complex substances, can be found in pure form. The rest actively interact with each other, turning into ore. The mixture of metals is separated if necessary or left unchanged. Alloys formed by nature have “taken root” thanks to mixed properties. Iron, for example, can be made harder by adding carbon to the metal to create steel, a strong compound that can withstand heavy loads.
Depending on individual characteristics, as well as the area of application, ore minerals are divided into groups: ferrous, non-ferrous, noble, rare and radioactive metals.
Ferrous metals
Ferrous metals are iron and its various alloys: steel, cast iron and other ferroalloys. It is used in a variety of industries: military, shipbuilding, aircraft, mechanical engineering.
Many iron products are used in everyday life: kitchen utensils are made from steel, and many plumbing items are covered with it.
Non-ferrous metals
The group of non-ferrous metals includes a large number of minerals. The name of the group comes from the fact that many metals have a specific color. For example, copper is red, aluminum is silver. The remaining 3 types of minerals (noble, rare, radioactive) are essentially a subtype of non-ferrous metals. Many of them are mixed into alloys, because in this form they have better properties.
Non-ferrous metals are classified into:
- heavy – highly toxic with high atomic weight: lead, tin, copper, zinc;
- light, having low density and weight: magnesium, titanium, aluminum, calcium, lithium, sodium, rubidium, strontium, cesium, beryllium, barium, potassium;
- noble ones, due to their high resistance, practically do not enter into chemical reactions, beautiful to look at: platinum, silver, gold, rhodium, palladium, ruthenium, osmium;
- small (rare) – antimony, mercury, cobalt, cadmium, arsenic, bismuth;
- refractory have high temperature melting and wear resistance: molybdenum, tantalum, vanadium, tungsten, manganese, chromium, zirconium, niobium;
- rare earth - the group consists of 17 elements: samarium, neodymium, lanthanum, cerium, europium, terbium, gadolinium, dysprosium, erbium, holmium, ytterbium, lutetium, scandium, yttrium, thulium, promethium, terbium;
- scattered ones are found in nature only in the form of impurities: tellurium, thallium, indium, germanium, rhenium, hafnium, selenium;
- radioactive ones independently emit a stream of radioactive particles: radium, plutonium, uranium, protactinium, californium, fermium, americium and others.
Aluminum, nickel and copper are of particular importance to humanity. Developed countries are striving to increase their production, since the amount of these non-ferrous metals directly affects technical progress in aircraft construction, astronautics, atomic and microscopic devices, electrical engineering.
Non-metallic natural elements
Let's summarize. The main categories from the table “Types of minerals” (fuel, ore, non-metallic) have been studied. What elements are classified as non-metallic, i.e. non-metallic? It is a group of hard or soft minerals occurring as individual minerals or rocks. Modern science More than a hundred such chemical compounds are known, which are nothing more than a product of natural processes.
In terms of the scale of their extraction and use, non-metallic minerals are ahead only of fuel types of minerals. The table below contains the main rocks and minerals that make up the non-metallic group of natural resources, and their brief characteristics.
Group of non-metallic minerals/rocks | Type of rock/mineral | Characteristic |
Mining raw materials | Asbestos | Fireproof rock. Used for the manufacture of fire-resistant materials, roofing, fire-resistant fabrics. |
Limestone | Sedimentary rock widely used in construction. When it is fired, quicklime is obtained. | |
Mica | Rock-forming mineral. According to the chemical composition, it is divided into aluminum, magnesium-iron lithium micas. Used in modern technology. | |
Chemical raw materials | Potassium salts | Sedimentary rocks that contain potassium. It is used as a raw material for the chemical industry and in the production of potash fertilizers. |
Apatite | Minerals containing large amounts of phosphorus salts. Used for the manufacture of fertilizers, as well as in the production of ceramics. | |
Sulfur | It occurs in the form of native sulfur ore and in compounds. It is used mainly for the production of sulfuric acid in the vulcanization of rubber. | |
Construction materials | Gypsum | Sulfate mineral. It is used in various fields of human activity. |
Marble | A rock based on calcite. Used in electrical engineering, for the manufacture of plaster and mosaics, monuments. | |
Gemstones | Precious | Possess beautiful design or color, shine, and are easy to polish and cut. Used for making jewelry and other decor. |
Semi-precious | ||
Ornamental |
Non-metallic minerals are very important for various industries, construction, and are also necessary in everyday life.
Classification of resources by exhaustibility
In addition to the gradation of minerals according to their physical state and characteristics, indicators of their exhaustibility and renewability are considered. The main types of minerals are divided into:
- exhaustible, which at a certain moment may run out and will not be available for production;
- inexhaustible – relatively inexhaustible sources natural resources, for example, solar and wind energy, oceans, seas;
- renewable - fossils that, at a certain level of depletion, can be partially or completely restored, for example, forests, soil, water;
- non-renewable - if resources have been completely exhausted, it is usually not possible to renew them;
- replaceable – fossils that can be replaced if necessary, for example, fuel types.
- irreplaceable – those without which life would be impossible (air).
Natural resources require careful treatment and rational use, since most of them have an exhaustible limit, and if they are renewed, it will not be very soon.
Minerals play important role in a person's life. Without them there would be no technical and scientific discoveries, and normal life in general. The results of their extraction and processing surround us everywhere: buildings, transport, household goods, medicines.
Minerals are mineral and rock rocks that humans can use.
Granite is a famous fossil. Considerably durable and very heavy, found both on the plains and in the mountains. An example of use is: material for cladding, finishing stairs, walls, columns, countertops.
Limestone is a rock that contains calcium impurities. In construction it is used as fertilizer (chalk for schools).
Clay and sand are the rocks that appear as a result of the destruction of granite. Used to create glass (this is sand); tiles, bricks, dishes, vases (clay).
Peat is a combustible rock. Integrated peat is used for the production of fertilizers and fuel.
Coal is a rock. A rock that produces heat when burned. It also acts as a raw material for the creation of paints, valuable materials and plastics.
Iron ore is used to make alloys such as cast iron, which then turns into steel.
Petroleum is a liquid with an oily effect and has dark color And strong smell. From it in production we obtain: fuel oil, oils, paints, varnishes, fuel.
Natural gas is used in everyday life, in factories, power plants and boiler houses.
We probably wouldn't survive without minerals. at least, Now. We use minerals in many areas of our lives. Some we need in order to survive, and some simply for the sake of exoticism, status and personal pleasure. It is important to touch upon the most important and significant minerals.
Combustible minerals
Probably, one of the most important minerals can be called combustibles, because it is thanks to them that we get heat. The most popular fuels are hard coal and brown coal. They are used both in private households, especially in rural areas, and at thermal power plants, thanks to which we receive electricity. This also includes peat.
Very great value has natural gas, because it is thanks to it that the entire industry operates, and also houses in cities are heated. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of this natural benefit.
And thanks to oil, we have the opportunity to travel long distances, because fuel for cars is made from oil. Without oil, many industries would not be able to develop.
Construction minerals
Thanks to construction minerals, we can see cities as they are today. Thanks to clay we get bricks, but thanks to sand we can get cement. All this is used in the construction of buildings, bridges, roads and other benefits of civilization.
For example, marble is used to decorate the floor, granite to build a fence.
Ore minerals
Plays an equally important role in human life iron ore. Thanks to ore, we get iron, and a huge number of things useful to people are made from it. Thanks to iron, we get all types of transport, because this is the main component in construction. Iron is also used to make weapons and many other benefits. They are also widespread in everyday life.
Precious metals and stones
Precious metals include:
- gold;
- platinum;
- iridium;
- palladium;
- silver.
Gold, platinum, diamonds and cut diamonds are of great importance. These metals and stones are commonly used in various types of jewelry, especially luxury items.