[Chemistry Class Notes] on Difference Between Metallic and Non-Metallic Minerals Pdf for Exam

It is quite surprising to know that around 4,000 minerals are available in nature. Especially under the Earth at different geographical locations, different temperatures, etc., every metal is important and its applications. While some minerals are valuable, and some minerals are not valuable. The value will be given to a particular metal based on its application, availability, properties, etc. Every metal has its value beginning from the rock salt to a Kohinoor diamond.

What are Minerals?

Minerals are substances obtained naturally and are called as such due to some inorganic chemical properties. These inorganic chemical compounds are available in three different states. These states are known as the states of matter. They are – liquids, solids, and gaseous. 

 

Types of Minerals

Based on the composition of a mineral, they are classified into three different types. They are- 

• Energy minerals

• Metallic minerals

• Nonmetallic minerals

 

Energy Minerals:

The energy minerals are also called fossil fuels. The minerals which provide energy are known as energy minerals. Natural gas, coal, petroleum are a few examples of energy minerals.

 

Minerals and their Classification

Earth has different minerals treasured under it at various geographical locations. For example, Arab countries are very well famous for the extraction of oil out of their soil. The diverse minerals are present under the earth, divided into different categories. We categorised these minerals except oil to metals and non-metals minerals. 

 

Metallic Minerals: 

The minerals which include metals in them are known as metallic minerals. The extraction of minerals can provide these metals. It involves huge processes, and these metallic minerals are highly valuable in their applications. Iron ore, bauxite, etc., are some examples. The metallic minerals are again classified into two subtypes. They are-

• Ferrous Minerals: If the metallic minerals contain ironic elements within them, they are known as ferrous minerals. 

• Non – Ferrous Minerals: If the metallic minerals do not contain any ironic elements, they are said to be non-ferrous minerals.

Nonmetallic Minerals: 

The minerals which don’t comprise any metals are known as nonmetallic minerals. Salt, diamond, mica, etc. are examples.

These are the various types of minerals. Now let’s see the difference between metallic and nonmetallic minerals in various aspects.

Metallic Minerals	Non-Metallic Minerals
Aluminium, iron ore, gold, silver, etc., are examples of metallic minerals.  The metallic minerals are available in a solid-state only.	Salt, diamond, potash, etc., are examples of non-metallic minerals. The non-metallic minerals are available in all three states of matter.

Conclusion

Hence, minerals are the precious gifts given by nature to mankind. Every type of mineral has its significance. The value of the mineral depends on the availability, applications, properties, etc. As we have seen, there are three different types of minerals – energy minerals, metallic and non-metallic minerals. However, metallic and non-metallic minerals have several similarities and dissimilarities. The differences between metallic and nonmetallic minerals have been explained clearly. So students need to understand and observe the type, property of a mineral to utilize them more effectively.