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Non-Metallic Mineral Products Terminology
Abrasives: These solid substances are commonly used to grind, hone, polish, or otherwise shape other substances or surfaces. Abrasives typically consist of small particles obtained from natural or synthetic sources. Examples of natural abrasives include sand, quartz, and emery. Synthetic abrasives consist of aluminum oxide, boron carbide, diamonds, and silicon carbide, among others. Common examples of products that contain abrasives are sandpaper and grinding wheels.
Amphibole: A mineral composed of a group of hydrated double silicates with a four- or three-layered structure, often containing two of the following elements: magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium, and/or potassium. This can form in several different compositions and colors, such as asbestos.
Carborundum: An extremely hard substance found naturally as silicon carbide, made from a mixture of carbon and silicon. It is extremely durable, so it is used for making grinding wheels and other abrasive products.
Chromite: A blackish, hard, mineral containing iron and chromium that is used to produce pigments, refracting bricks, and ceramic glazes. It is also used in the steelmaking process.
Clay: A fine-grained sedimentary material consisting primarily of hydrated aluminum silicates. This can be used as a base material for making bricks, ceramic glazing, tiles, and other decorative items.
Diatomite: A white, powdery sedimentary rock made up of microscopic, fossilized plants called diatoms. It is used in filters, insulating materials, abrasives, and fertilizer.
Flint: A hard, crystalline siliceous material that can often be found in sedimentary rocks. It has been commonly used to make tools and weapons since prehistoric times, and is also used for making fire by friction.
Feldspar: A group of minerals containing aluminum, silicon, and oxygen. These form the majority of most rocks, and are the primary source of many elements used in glass and ceramic production.
Gypsum: A soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. It is commonly used to make plaster of paris, wallboard, and other plaster products.
Kaolin: A white, aluminum-silicate clay used in paper, ceramics, rubber, paint, and other products.
Limestone: A sedimentary rock composed mostly of calcium carbonate derived from the remains of ancient marine organisms. It is commonly used in cement, mortar, and aggregate production.
Magnesite: A mineral composed of magnesium carbonate. It is mined for use in industry, including in the production of magnesium oxide and other magnesium compounds.
Mica: A hydrated silicate mineral, usually found as flakes or particles. It is used in electrical insulation, lubricants, and cosmetics, among other applications.
Phosphates: Mineral substances containing phosphorous, used as fertilizers as well as components in food, detergents, and explosives.
Pyrite: An iron sulfide mineral commonly found in sedimentary rocks. It is used in some jewelry pieces, as well as for producing sulfur dioxide.
Quartz: A hard, crystalline mineral composed of silica, which is commonly found in sand and gravel. Quartz is used in glass and ceramics, as well as in the production of silicon computer chips.
Rocksalt: A type of rock consisting primarily of the natural form of sodium chloride, otherwise known as common table salt.
Sandstone: A sedimentary rock composed of small pieces of sand held together by a natural cement. It is often colored by iron or other minerals, and can be used in construction as well as in the production of glass and ceramics.
Silica: A compound consisting of silicon and oxygen found in many different forms, and present in most rocks and soils. It is used to produce glass, brick, ceramics, and other products.
Slate: A fine-grained, metamorphic rock composed of clay or volcanic ash and containing small amounts of quartz or calcite. It is a durable and often colorful material, used in construction and as a decorative material.
Talc: A soft mineral composed of magnesium silicate, most commonly used as an ingredient in soap, toothpaste, and cosmetics.
Trap Rock: A coarse-grained, igneous rock composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and other minerals. It is used in asphalt and many building materials.
Tuff: A type of light, porous rock composed of volcanic ash and other material, which is often used in construction or as a landscape material.
Zeolite: A family of microporous minerals composed of hydrated aluminum silicates. Zeolites are used in water purification and various industrial processes, such as catalysis, pollution control, and oil refining.
