Types of Minerals

Feldspar

Feldspar makes up the greatest percentage of minerals found in the Earth's crust.

Quartz

Uses: silica for glass, electrical components, optical lenses, abrasives, gemstones, ornamental stone, building stone, etc.

Galena

Uses: Major ore of lead and silver

Calcite

Uses: in cements and mortars, production of lime, limestone is used in the steel industry; glass industry, ornamental stone, chemical and optical uses and as mineral specimens.

Fluorite

Uses: As a flux (hence the name) in iron smelting, a rare gemstone, a source of fluorine, as special optical lenses and a popular mineral specimen.

Graphite

Uses: for the lead in pencils, as a toughener of steel and as a lubricant

Hematite

Uses: Very important ore of iron, as a pigment and as mineral specimens.

Gypsum

Uses: plaster, wall board, some cements, fertilizer, paint filler, ornamental stone, etc.

Magnetite

Uses: Major ore of iron and as mineral specimens.

Muscovite

Uses: heat and electrical insulator for industrial purposes.

Sulfur

Uses: Major ore of sulfur which is used for chemical production.

Talc

Uses: an ornamental and heat, acid and electrically-resistant stone (soapstone) used as counter tops, electrical switchboards, carvings, etc, used as an ingredient in paints, rubber, roofing materials, ceramics and insecticides. Most commonly known as the primary ingredient in talcum powder.