Types of Minerals, Definition, Classification, Examples, Uses, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:58 PM IST

Before going to the types of minerals first of all we need to discuss minerals. Minerals are inorganic solid compounds found in nature that are formed by geological processes. Different types of minerals are found in the earth's crust some of them are unnamed as well. And among the minerals found only 30 of them are most common and important. It is found in most of the earth's parts and so it is very important in our daily life.

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Classification of minerals
Examples of minerals
Different types of minerals
Minerals and their uses
Difference between metallic and nonmetallic minerals
Minerals list

Minerals can also be called natural chemicals as they are found in nature. We use many methods of mining to extract important materials from minerals for example metal, coal, oil, sands, etc. Some minerals are found in excess in the earth's crust and some are least abundant minerals, silica is found mostly in the earth's crust.

Classification of minerals

They are being naturally found so they are classified according to their chemical composition and crystalline structure. So the classification of minerals are:

Native elements: silver, graphite, diamond, silver, etc. are native elements.
Oxides: corundum, hematite, spinel, etc. are oxide minerals.
Sulfides: Pyrite, Galena, sphalerite, etc.
Sulfates: Baryte, gypsum
Hydroxides: Goethite, brucite
Carbonates: Calcite, magnesite, dolomite
Halides: Fluorite, halite
Phosphates: Apatite, monozite
Framework silicates: Quartz, zeolites, feldspars
Sheet silicates: Muscovite mica, clay minerals.
Ortho silicates: Garnet, olivine

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Examples of minerals

A mineral is a solid substance that is present in a crystalline form where the atoms fit together in it. For a given type of crystal, the chemical composition is the same for all the crystals of that type. Some of the examples of minerals are calcite, diamond, gold, graphite, etc. Many of these minerals have resemblance to one another like quartz looks like a diamond and green colored plastic looks like an emerald. But their chemical compositions are entirely different even though they are identical in their physical appearances.

Mineral Quartz

mineral diamond Mineral Dimond

Calcite Mineral

Different types of minerals

Based on the crystalline form, the chemical composition and structure of minerals are classified into two. It is mainly classified into two types that are metallic and nonmetallic minerals. Of which the metallic minerals are classified into ferrous and nonferrous minerals.

Metallic minerals definition

The minerals that consist of metals in their chemical composition are metallic and they possess a metallic luster in their physical appearance. It is the main source of metal and metals can be extracted from these minerals by the process of mining. Based on the chemical composition of metallic minerals they are found in earth crust as oxides, sulfides, carbonates, halides, etc. Of the metallic minerals, gold is the only one that is found in the pure form.

Some of the examples of metallic minerals are bauxite, magnetite, iron ore, bauxite, etc. are some of the metallic minerals. Bauxite ores are normally found in deeply weathered rocks and also volcanic rocks contain bauxite deposits in certain regions. The very important mineral is iron ore and iron metal is extracted from the ore of iron and through the extraction and the elimination of impurities iron can be easily extracted from iron ore. The ore which has a silvery appearance and is brittle in nature are manganese ore they are found in many forms and are found extensively in nature.

Hematite or iron ore

Metallic minerals are classified into ferrous minerals and nonferrous minerals. Since iron is the most commonly found on the earth's crust. So those elements that contain iron in their chemical compositions are ferrous minerals and that one does not contain iron in their chemical composition or nonferrous minerals.

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Non-metallic minerals

Those minerals which do not contain metals in their chemical composition are non-metallic and they possess a nonmetallic luster or shine in their physical appearance. So it cannot be used for the extraction of metals as it does not contain metals and their chemical composition. Gypsum, limestone, mica, etc. are examples of nonmetallic minerals.

Of the types of minerals, metallic minerals have much application. After all, it does not contain metals to extract but it is still useful for human needs. Silica is the most extensively found nonmetallic mineral and is used in the construction field. Coal is used to produce electric power in thermal power plants. And diamond is a mineral that can be used for jewelry.

Gypsum Mineral

Identification of minerals

By using a simple hand specimen minerals can be easily identified and since there are only two types of minerals. They have distinctive physical properties like specific gravity, streak, so can be easily distinguished from their appearance. The pieces of information obtained are not so detailed one so a detailed examination is needed to get a better understanding of minerals.

So by examining with the help of a microscope thin section will enable detailed information since their optical properties are unique and different. The use of XRD, microprobe analysis, mass spectrometry, etc., and many other analytical identification methods can be undertaken to get an accurate result.

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Minerals and their uses

Hematite

One of the very important ores that can be used to extract iron is hematite. It is also known as iron oxide, Fe₂O₃ since it is easily found in its oxide form. Iron is a very important metal for our daily life activities.

Gold

Gold is the only mineral that is found in its pure form or elemental form. Gold is used as jewelry. And it has some other applications in chemical reactions.

Coal

It is a mineral that consists of carbon and is the most commonly used fossil fuel. It is now extensively used to produce electricity in thermal power stations and also used as a domestic fuel.

Diamond

It is also an allotrope of carbon that contains carbon mainly. It is used as jewelry since it is a very lustrous material. And also it is used as a cutter for industrial applications.

Difference between metallic and nonmetallic minerals

Metallic	Nonmetallic
Metallic minerals contain metals in their chemical composition.	Nonmetallic minerals do not contain metals in the chemical composition of minerals.
They have a shiny appearance.	They do not have a shiny appearance.
These are most commonly found in igneous rocks.	Nonmetallic minerals are generally found in sedimentary rocks.
They are malleable.	They are not malleable.
Ores of iron, aluminum, silver, gold, etc. are examples of metallic minerals.	Diamond, mica, etc. are examples of non-metallic minerals.

Minerals list

Some of the minerals are given below.

Fluorite
Gypsum
Sodalite
Magnetite
Quartz
Mica
Pyrite
Calcite
Labradorite
Hematite
Bauxite
Carnallite
Diamond

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do you mean by minerals?

Minerals are naturally found chemicals that contain useful components. It is an inorganic solid compound found in nature whereby the process of extraction and mining of important compounds can be obtained.

2. How many types of minerals are there?

There are mainly two types of minerals they are; metallic and nonmetallic minerals. This metallic is again classified into ferrous and nonferrous minerals.

3. Define ore.

Ore is the mineral deposit.

4. Write mineral ore of iron.

Hematite and magnetite

5. Minerals are homogeneous or heterogeneous?

Minerals are homogeneous.

6. What are the main criteria for classifying minerals?

Minerals are primarily classified based on their chemical composition and crystal structure. The main groups include silicates, carbonates, oxides, sulfides, sulfates, halides, and native elements.

7. How do crystal systems help in mineral classification?

Crystal systems describe the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a mineral's structure. There are seven crystal systems (cubic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, triclinic, hexagonal, and trigonal), which help in identifying and classifying minerals based on their symmetry and shape.

8. Why is the Mohs scale important in mineral identification?

The Mohs scale, ranging from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest), helps identify minerals based on their relative hardness. It's a simple and quick method to distinguish between minerals with similar appearances but different hardness levels.

9. How do mineral habits contribute to identification?

Mineral habits describe the characteristic crystal forms or aggregates in which a mineral typically grows. Understanding habits (e.g., cubic, octahedral, prismatic) can aid in quick field identification of minerals.

10. How do solid solution series form in minerals?

Solid solution series occur when two or more elements can substitute for each other in a mineral's crystal structure across a continuous range of compositions. This results in a gradual change in the mineral's properties, such as in the plagioclase feldspar series.

11. What is the difference between metallic and non-metallic minerals?

Metallic minerals contain metal elements and typically have a shiny, lustrous appearance (e.g., gold, silver, copper). Non-metallic minerals do not contain metals and often have a dull or earthy appearance (e.g., quartz, gypsum, calcite).

12. How do geologists use mineral streak in identification?

Mineral streak is the color of a mineral's powder when rubbed on a rough surface. It's often different from the mineral's apparent color and is a more reliable identification method, as it remains consistent even if the mineral's surface color varies.

13. How do trace elements in minerals provide information about their origin?

Trace elements, present in small quantities, can act as geochemical fingerprints. Their concentrations and ratios can indicate the source of the mineral-forming materials and the conditions under which the mineral crystallized.

14. What is the difference between allotropes and polymorphs?

Allotropes are different structural forms of the same element (e.g., diamond and graphite for carbon), while polymorphs are different crystal structures of the same chemical compound. All allotropes are polymorphs, but not all polymorphs are allotropes.

15. How do twinning laws affect mineral properties?

Twinning laws describe specific ways in which crystals of the same mineral can grow together. Twinning can affect a mineral's optical properties, cleavage, and overall crystal shape, which is important for identification and understanding formation conditions.

16. How do polymorphs differ from each other?

Polymorphs are minerals with the same chemical composition but different crystal structures. For example, diamond and graphite are both made of carbon, but their different crystal structures result in vastly different properties and appearances.

17. What is the significance of isomorphous substitution in minerals?

Isomorphous substitution occurs when one element replaces another in a mineral's crystal structure without changing the overall structure. This process can lead to the formation of mineral series and affects the physical and chemical properties of minerals.

18. How does mineral cleavage differ from fracture?

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along specific planes of weakness in its crystal structure, resulting in smooth surfaces. Fracture occurs when a mineral breaks irregularly, not following any specific planes. Understanding these properties helps in mineral identification.

19. How do environmental factors influence mineral formation?

Environmental factors such as temperature, pressure, chemical composition of surrounding fluids, and available space affect mineral formation. These conditions determine which minerals can form and their crystal size, shape, and composition.

20. What are pseudomorphs and how do they form?

Pseudomorphs are minerals that have replaced another mineral while retaining the original mineral's crystal shape. They form when the original mineral becomes unstable in new environmental conditions and is gradually replaced by a more stable mineral.

21. What causes asterism in certain minerals?

Asterism is the appearance of a star-like pattern on some minerals when cut into cabochons. It's caused by the reflection of light from oriented inclusions or structural features within the mineral, such as in star sapphires.

22. What causes chatoyancy in minerals?

Chatoyancy, or the "cat's eye" effect, is caused by parallel fibrous structures or tube-like cavities within a mineral. When cut as a cabochon, these structures reflect light in a narrow band, creating a silky or silky luster.

23. What causes color zoning in minerals?

Color zoning in minerals results from changes in chemical composition or impurity concentrations during crystal growth. It can provide information about the changing environmental conditions during the mineral's formation.

24. How do mineral intergrowths form and what can they tell us?

Mineral intergrowths occur when two or more minerals crystallize simultaneously or in close succession. They can provide information about the cooling history of a rock, the order of mineral formation, and the chemical environment during crystallization.

25. How do mineral exsolution textures form?

Exsolution textures form when a homogeneous mineral solid solution becomes unstable at lower temperatures, causing the separation of two distinct mineral phases. This process can create distinctive patterns visible under a microscope and provides information about cooling histories.

26. Why are some minerals fluorescent under ultraviolet light?

Fluorescence in minerals occurs when certain impurities or structural defects absorb UV light and emit visible light. This property can be useful in mineral identification and exploration, as some economically important minerals exhibit distinctive fluorescence.

27. How do geologists use index minerals in metamorphic rocks?

Index minerals are specific minerals that form under narrow ranges of temperature and pressure. Geologists use them to determine the grade of metamorphism in rocks, providing insights into the rock's formation conditions and geological history.

28. How do inclusion minerals provide information about a rock's history?

Inclusion minerals are smaller crystals trapped within larger host crystals during formation. They can provide information about the conditions present during the host mineral's growth, helping geologists understand the rock's formation history.

29. What is the significance of mineral zoning in igneous rocks?

Mineral zoning in igneous rocks, where the composition of a mineral changes from core to rim, can indicate changing magma composition or cooling conditions during crystallization. This helps geologists understand the magma chamber dynamics and cooling history.

30. How do weathering processes affect mineral stability?

Weathering processes can alter or destroy minerals exposed at the Earth's surface. Understanding mineral stability in different weathering environments is crucial for interpreting geological histories and for applications like soil science and environmental remediation.

31. What role do accessory minerals play in rock formation?

Accessory minerals are present in small quantities in rocks but are not essential to the rock's classification. They can provide valuable information about the rock's formation conditions and history, aiding in geological interpretations.

32. What is the significance of mineral associations in ore deposits?

Mineral associations in ore deposits provide clues about the deposit's formation conditions and can guide exploration efforts. Certain minerals often occur together due to similar formation processes or chemical affinities.

33. What are minerals?

Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solid substances with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure. They are the building blocks of rocks and are formed through geological processes.

34. How do minerals differ from rocks?

Minerals are pure substances with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure, while rocks are aggregates of one or more minerals. For example, quartz is a mineral, while granite is a rock composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica.

35. What causes pleochroism in minerals?

Pleochroism is the property of some minerals to display different colors when viewed from different angles. It occurs due to differential absorption of light in different crystallographic directions and is useful in identifying certain minerals, especially in thin sections.

36. What is the difference between idiomorphic and xenomorphic crystals?

Idiomorphic (or euhedral) crystals have well-formed crystal faces, indicating they grew freely in space. Xenomorphic (or anhedral) crystals lack well-defined faces, suggesting they grew in confined spaces or were last to crystallize in a rock.

37. What is the difference between allochromatic and idiochromatic minerals?

Allochromatic minerals derive their color from impurities or defects, while idiochromatic minerals have their color as an inherent property of their chemical composition. Understanding this difference is important for interpreting mineral formation conditions and identifying gem-quality specimens.

38. How do pressure and temperature affect mineral stability?

Pressure and temperature changes can cause minerals to transform into different polymorphs or break down into new mineral assemblages. This concept is fundamental to understanding metamorphic processes and interpreting the pressure-temperature history of rocks.

39. What causes pleochroic halos in minerals?

Pleochroic halos are spherical zones of discoloration around radioactive inclusions in some minerals. They form due to radiation damage from the decay of elements like uranium or thorium, and can provide information about the age and radiation exposure history of the mineral.

40. How do mineral replacement reactions occur?

Mineral replacement reactions involve the simultaneous dissolution of one mineral and precipitation of another, often preserving the original mineral's texture. These reactions are important in understanding metamorphic processes, ore formation, and diagenesis in sedimentary rocks.

41. What is the significance of mineral lineations in structural geology?

Mineral lineations are linear arrangements of minerals or mineral aggregates in rocks. They provide important information about the direction of stress, flow, or transport during rock formation or deformation, aiding in the interpretation of geological structures and tectonic histories.

42. How do fluid inclusions in minerals provide information about formation conditions?

Fluid inclusions are tiny bubbles of liquid, gas, or both trapped within minerals during growth. By analyzing their composition and properties, geologists can determine the temperature, pressure, and chemical composition of the fluids present during mineral formation.

43. What causes iridescence in minerals?

Iridescence in minerals is caused by the interference of light waves reflected from thin, closely spaced structures within the mineral. This optical phenomenon can result from twinning planes, exsolution lamellae, or other fine-scale structures.

44. How do geologists use cathodoluminescence in mineral studies?

Cathodoluminescence is the emission of light from minerals when bombarded with electrons. It can reveal growth zoning, defects, and trace element distributions not visible under normal light microscopy, providing insights into mineral formation and alteration processes.

45. What is the difference between paragenesis and epigenesis in mineral formation?

Paragenesis refers to the sequence of mineral formation in a deposit, while epigenesis describes the formation of minerals after the host rock has formed. Understanding these concepts helps in reconstructing the geological history of mineral deposits and rock formations.

46. How do mineral assemblages in metamorphic rocks indicate metamorphic grade?

Specific mineral assemblages form under particular pressure and temperature conditions. By identifying these assemblages, geologists can determine the metamorphic grade (low, medium, or high) and infer the depth and temperature conditions the rock experienced during metamorphism.

47. What causes pleochroism in minerals, and how is it used in identification?

Pleochroism is the property of some minerals to absorb light differently depending on the crystal orientation. It's caused by the anisotropic nature of the crystal structure and is used in mineral identification, particularly when examining thin sections under a polarizing microscope.

48. How do mineral dendrites form, and why are they often misidentified?

Mineral dendrites are tree-like or fern-like growths of minerals, often manganese or iron oxides, that form along fractures or bedding planes. They're often misidentified as plant fossils due to their appearance, but understanding their formation through mineral precipitation helps avoid this confusion.

49. What is the significance of mineral cleavage in gemstone cutting?

Mineral cleavage, the tendency of minerals to break along specific planes, is crucial in gemstone cutting. Gem cutters must consider cleavage planes to avoid weaknesses in the finished stone and to optimize light reflection and overall beauty.

50. How do pseudomorph minerals provide information about past environmental conditions?

Pseudomorphs, where one mineral replaces another while retaining the original crystal form, provide evidence of changing environmental conditions. They offer insights into the chemical and physical changes that occurred in the geological environment over time.

51. What causes color change in certain minerals under different light sources?

Some minerals exhibit different colors under natural and artificial light due to their selective absorption of specific wavelengths. This phenomenon, known as metamerism, is particularly notable in gems like alexandrite and is used both in gemology and as an indicator of certain trace element compositions.

52. How do mineral overgrowths form, and what can they tell us about geological processes?

Mineral overgrowths occur when new mineral material crystallizes around an existing crystal. They can provide information about changes in environmental conditions, such as fluctuations in fluid composition or temperature, helping to reconstruct the geological history of a rock or mineral deposit.

53. What is the difference between polymineralic and monomineralic rocks?

Polymineralic rocks are composed of multiple mineral types, while monomineralic rocks consist predominantly of a single mineral. Understanding this distinction is crucial for rock classification and interpreting the formation conditions and history of different rock types.

54. How do mineral veins form, and what information can they provide about fluid flow in rocks?

Mineral veins form when minerals precipitate from fluids flowing through cracks or fractures in rocks. They provide valuable information about the composition of past fluids, the direction of fluid flow, and the stress conditions that created the fractures, aiding in understanding tectonic and hydrothermal processes.

55. What causes pleochroic halos in minerals, and how are they used in geochronology?

Pleochroic halos are spherical zones of discoloration in minerals, caused by radiation damage from radioactive inclusions. They are used in geochronology to estimate the age of minerals and rocks, as the size of the halo correlates with the amount of time the radioactive decay has been occurring.