Uses of Minerals

Minerals are used in our everyday lives. Explore some minerals and what we use them for below.

Quartz

Quartz is used to make watches and glass. Windows, eye glasses and mirrors are all made from Quartz.

Graphite

Battery electrodes, crucibles, and electrodes for arc furnaces are all made from Graphite. Also the "lead" in pencils is actually Graphite, NOT the mineral Lead (galena).

Hematite

Hematite, or Iron ore, is used to make Iron and Steel. Many things are made from Iron and Steel such as screws and nails as well as pots and pans.

Gypsum

Gypsum is the primary component of drywall (aka gypsum board). This material is fire resistant which is why it is used for walls and ceilings.

Gold Ore

Gold is used for electronics. Because it doesn't rust and it conducts electricity, it is used for circuit boards. It is also used for jewelry.

Diamond and Corundrum (Ruby)

Diamond being the hardest mineral is used for cutting tools. Corundum is used in sandpaper and sharpening and creation of Aluminum. Ruby and Sapphire are both forms of Corundum. Both Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby are used for jewelry.

Halite

Halite is also called rock salt. It is used for salting roads, or when very pure, it can be used for food.

Fluorite

Fluorite is used in toothpaste to make Fluoride which helps to prevent tooth decay and help teeth last longer.

Talc

Because of how soft this mineral is, Talc is used for baby powder. It is also used in the production of rubber.

Explore more...

Explore this chart (and activity) showing uses of Minerals in your house!

Guess what minerals are in the picture below. Answers below.

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