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Common Minerals
Their Uses and Special Properties
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Biotite Mica |
Muscovite Mica |
Calcite |
Quartz |
insulation, electronics, filler in
plasterboard, cement, paint
peels in thin sheets |
insulation, electronics, filler in
plasterboard, cement, paint
peels in thin sheets |
the matrix in cement (CaCO3),
optical equipment –
double image
(#3 on Moh’s scale of
hardness) |
glass, crystal, radios, watches,
computers, electronics, optical equipment, jewelry (onyx, agate,
& amethyst) – hexagonal crystals (#7 on Moh’s scale), common in
igneous rocks |
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Sulfur |
Graphite |
Gypsum |
Plagioclase Feldspar |
matches, fireworks, medicine
(sulfa
drugs), sulfuric acid,
vulcanization of rubber –
yellow
color, flammable, smells acrid |
pencil “lead”, dry lubricant,
batteries –
(hardness of #2) |
drywall, plaster of Paris
(#2 on Moh’s scale) |
abrasives, filler in paint and
plastics –
most common
minerals in igneous rocks |
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Orthoclase Feldspar |
Hematite |
Halite |
Galena |
abrasives, filler in paint and
plastics –
most common
minerals in igneous rocks |
iron ore, cabochon jewelry
(when
polished) |
table salt, manufacture of
soap, paper,
petroleum &
glass –
tastes salty |
lead ore for pipes, x–ray
shielding, fishing weights
very dense |
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Magnetite |
Talc |
Olivine |
Pyrite |
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iron ore – magnetic |
talcum powder, paints,
ceramics, paper
coatings
softest mineral
(#1 on Moh’s scale) |
source of peridotite for
jewelry –
green
color |
sulfuric acid production
known as
“fool’s gold” |
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Limonite |
Barite |
Dolomite |
Bauxite |
iron ore, yellow pigment for
paint –
adds
color to soil |
barium ore for gastrointestinal
x-rays,
white pigment for paint |
lime for neutralizing acidic soil,
road
aggregate, building stone |
aluminum ore for soft drink
cans,
softball bats, alloy
wheels, lawn furniture |
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Hornblende |
Copper |
Kaolinite |
Chalcedony |
common mineral in
igneous rocks |
coins, pipes, wire, cooking
utensils,
jewelry – ductile,
malleable and conductive |
ceramics, china, pottery,
filler in paper |
arrowheads, driveway
gravel, ornamental
stone,
cabochon jewelry |
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