15.2 Industrial Minerals and Their Uses
4 min read•july 31, 2024
Industrial minerals are non-metallic, non-fuel minerals used in various industries. They're crucial for construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, contributing significantly to global economic growth. Their value lies in physical and chemical properties, not metal content.
These minerals are essential in , glass, paper, plastics, and electronics. Key properties include , , , and . Understanding these properties is vital for their effective use in diverse applications across industries.
Industrial minerals: Definition and significance
Characteristics and economic importance
Top images from around the web for Characteristics and economic importance
figure 03-17.eps View original
Is this image relevant?
20.1 Metal Deposits – Physical Geology View original
Is this image relevant?
Chapter 4: natural resources and waste — European Environment Agency View original
Is this image relevant?
figure 03-17.eps View original
Is this image relevant?
20.1 Metal Deposits – Physical Geology View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Characteristics and economic importance
figure 03-17.eps View original
Is this image relevant?
20.1 Metal Deposits – Physical Geology View original
Is this image relevant?
Chapter 4: natural resources and waste — European Environment Agency View original
Is this image relevant?
figure 03-17.eps View original
Is this image relevant?
20.1 Metal Deposits – Physical Geology View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Industrial minerals non-metallic, non-fuel minerals used in various industrial processes and manufacturing applications
- Typically high-volume, low-value commodities extracted from the Earth's crust
- Play crucial role in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and environmental technologies
- Contribute significantly to global economic growth and development
- Valued for physical and chemical properties rather than extractable metal content
- Demand closely tied to industrialization, urbanization, and technological advancements
Industries and applications
- Ceramics industry utilizes industrial minerals for producing tiles, sanitaryware, and porcelain
- Glass manufacturing relies on , limestone, and as raw materials
- Paper industry uses and as fillers and coatings
- Plastics sector incorporates , , and calcium carbonate as reinforcing agents
- Electronics industry depends on , mica, and for various components
Key properties of industrial minerals
Physical properties
- Hardness determines mineral's resistance to abrasion and wear (Mohs scale)
- Specific gravity affects mineral's behavior in separation and processing
- Particle shape influences flowability and packing characteristics
- impacts mineral's performance in applications (filtration, ceramics)
- Thermal properties, including and , essential for refractory materials (alumina, zirconia)
- like color, luster, and refractive index crucial for pigments and fillers (titanium dioxide, mica)
Chemical and functional properties
- Chemical composition and purity levels determine suitability for specific industrial processes
- , such as conductivity and dielectric strength, important for electronics and electrical insulation (mica, talc)
- Adsorption and absorption capacities key for filtration and environmental remediation (activated carbon, zeolites)
- Rheological properties, including and , vital for drilling fluids and ceramics (bentonite, kaolin)
- pH and reactivity affect mineral's behavior in chemical processes and interactions with other materials
Main industrial minerals and their uses
Silicates and aluminosilicates
- Silica sand used in glassmaking, foundry molds, and hydraulic fracturing due to high silica content and specific grain size distribution
- Feldspar utilized in ceramics and glass manufacturing as flux and alumina source
- Kaolin clay crucial in paper coating, ceramics, and as filler in rubber and plastics due to fine particle size and whiteness
- Talc used in paper, plastics, ceramics, and cosmetics for softness, chemical inertness, and oil absorption properties
- Mica employed in electronics, paints, and cosmetics for its electrical insulation and light-reflecting properties
Carbonates and evaporites
- Limestone and dolomite essential in cement production, agriculture (soil conditioners), and steel industry (flux materials)
- Gypsum vital in construction (wallboard production), agriculture (soil amendment), and as setting retarder in cement
- (soda ash) used in glass manufacturing, detergents, and chemical production
- primarily used as fertilizer in agriculture and in the production of glass and ceramics
Clays and specialty minerals
- vital in drilling fluids, foundry sand binders, and environmental applications due to swelling and adsorption properties
- used in oil and grease absorbents, cat litter, and as a clarifying agent in oils and beverages
- employed in filtration, insulation, and as a mild abrasive in various applications
- and utilized in construction (lightweight aggregates) and horticulture (soil conditioners)
Processing methods for industrial minerals
Size reduction and classification
- , including , used to reduce particle size and liberate valuable minerals from gangue materials
- Jaw crushers, cone crushers, and ball mills commonly used in size reduction processes
- Screening and classification separate particles based on size, often using vibrating screens or hydrocyclones
- Air classifiers employed for fine particle separation in dry processing systems
Concentration and purification
- , such as flotation, , and electrostatic separation, concentrate valuable minerals and remove impurities
- widely used for separating minerals based on surface properties (feldspar, mica)
- Magnetic separators remove iron-bearing impurities from industrial minerals (kaolin, silica sand)
- (spiral concentrators, shaking tables) utilized for minerals with significant density differences
Thermal and chemical treatments
- Drying and calcination used to remove moisture or induce chemical changes in minerals
- Rotary kilns and fluid bed dryers commonly employed in thermal processing
- Chemical treatments, including acid leaching and solvent extraction, may be used to purify certain industrial minerals
- Surface modification techniques, such as coating or surface activation, can enhance specific properties of industrial minerals
- Blending and mixing often employed to create consistent products that meet specific industry standards and customer requirements
Key Terms to Review (49)
Adsorption capacities: Adsorption capacities refer to the ability of a material to attract and hold onto molecules or ions from a gas or liquid onto its surface. This property is crucial in various applications, particularly in industrial minerals, where materials are used for processes like water treatment, gas purification, and catalyst support. Understanding adsorption capacities helps in selecting the right minerals for specific uses, influencing efficiency and effectiveness in these applications.
Barite: Barite is a mineral composed primarily of barium sulfate (BaSO₄) and is recognized for its distinctive heavy density and crystalline structure. This mineral is commonly found in sedimentary rocks and hydrothermal veins, contributing to its importance in various industrial applications and its classification as a sulfate mineral.
Beneficiation processes: Beneficiation processes refer to the series of treatments and techniques applied to raw materials, particularly industrial minerals, to improve their physical or chemical properties for enhanced usability. This term encompasses various methods such as crushing, grinding, flotation, and magnetic separation that separate valuable minerals from the waste materials, ultimately increasing the economic value of the resources. Through beneficiation, raw materials can be tailored for specific applications in industries like construction, ceramics, and manufacturing.
Bentonite clay: Bentonite clay is a type of absorbent clay formed from the alteration of volcanic ash, primarily composed of montmorillonite. This versatile industrial mineral is widely recognized for its unique properties, such as swelling, viscosity, and plasticity, which make it useful in various applications ranging from drilling fluids to cat litter and even as a binding agent in foundry sand.
Calcite: Calcite is a common and widely distributed mineral composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). Its significance stems from its role as a major component in sedimentary rocks, its various forms, and its importance in geological processes and industrial applications.
Calcium carbonate: Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula CaCO₃, commonly found in nature as a primary component of rocks such as limestone and marble. It plays a vital role as an industrial mineral used in various applications, including construction, agriculture, and environmental management due to its abundance and versatility.
Ceramics: Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic materials made from powdered chemicals that are shaped and then hardened by heat. They play a crucial role in a variety of applications due to their unique properties such as durability, heat resistance, and electrical insulation. These characteristics make ceramics important in fields ranging from construction to electronics, highlighting their versatility and significance in modern technology.
Chemical Composition: Chemical composition refers to the specific arrangement and types of elements that make up a substance, particularly in minerals where it is crucial for understanding their properties and classifications. This composition not only determines the mineral's physical characteristics, such as color, hardness, and density, but also influences its formation, stability, and potential uses in various applications. The knowledge of chemical composition is vital for identifying minerals and evaluating their suitability for industrial uses.
Comminution: Comminution is the process of breaking down solid materials into smaller pieces or particles, which is essential in the extraction of valuable minerals from ores. This procedure not only enhances the efficiency of subsequent processing steps, such as flotation or leaching, but it also helps in liberating the desired minerals from the surrounding gangue. Effective comminution ensures optimal recovery and economic viability of mineral resources.
Construction aggregate: Construction aggregate refers to materials like sand, gravel, crushed stone, and recycled concrete that are used in construction projects to create a solid foundation and enhance the structural integrity of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. These materials play a vital role in the production of concrete and asphalt, making them essential for various construction activities, and are often categorized based on their size and type.
Crushing and grinding: Crushing and grinding are mechanical processes used to reduce the size of materials, typically in the mining and mineral processing industries. These processes help liberate valuable minerals from their host rock, enabling efficient extraction and processing. The effectiveness of crushing and grinding plays a critical role in the overall efficiency of mineral processing, impacting the recovery rates of industrial minerals and influencing their subsequent uses in various applications.
Diatomite: Diatomite is a sedimentary rock primarily made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of microscopic algae. This rock is known for its high porosity and lightweight nature, making it valuable in various industrial applications, including filtration, insulation, and as an abrasive. Its unique properties stem from the intricate structure of diatom cell walls, which are composed of silica.
Electrical properties: Electrical properties refer to the characteristics of materials that determine their behavior in the presence of an electric field. These properties are crucial for understanding how industrial minerals can be used in various applications, including electronics, construction, and energy production. Knowing a mineral's electrical properties helps in selecting the right materials for specific uses, especially in industries that rely heavily on conductivity and insulation.
EPA Regulations: EPA regulations are rules and standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect human health and the environment from harmful pollutants and hazardous waste. These regulations play a crucial role in managing industrial processes, including the extraction and processing of minerals, ensuring that operations comply with environmental laws to minimize pollution and protect natural resources.
Feldspar: Feldspar is a group of rock-forming minerals that are the most abundant in the Earth's crust, primarily composed of aluminum silicate combined with varying amounts of potassium, sodium, and calcium. This mineral group plays a vital role in the classification of earth materials, contributing to the formation and occurrence of many igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
Froth flotation: Froth flotation is a process used to separate valuable minerals from waste rock by creating a frothy layer that allows for selective separation. This method relies on the differences in hydrophobicity of the mineral particles, where certain minerals attach to air bubbles and rise to the surface, forming a froth that can be skimmed off for further processing. It is crucial for extracting economically important sulfide minerals and is also applied in the processing of various industrial minerals.
Fuller's earth: Fuller's earth is a type of sedimentary clay that is primarily composed of montmorillonite and is known for its ability to absorb oils, grease, and impurities. This unique property makes it a valuable industrial mineral, widely used in various applications such as in the purification of oils and fats, as well as in the manufacture of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Gravity separation methods: Gravity separation methods are techniques used to separate minerals based on their density differences by utilizing the force of gravity. These methods are particularly important in the extraction and processing of industrial minerals, allowing for the efficient recovery of valuable resources from ore without the use of chemicals. By relying on the natural gravitational pull, these techniques can yield high purity products and reduce environmental impact.
Hardness: Hardness is a measure of a mineral's resistance to scratching and abrasion, often determined using the Mohs scale, which ranks minerals from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond). This property is crucial for identifying minerals and understanding their potential uses and applications in various industries.
Heat resistance: Heat resistance refers to the ability of a material to withstand high temperatures without undergoing significant physical or chemical changes. This property is critical for industrial minerals, as they are often used in applications that involve extreme heat, such as refractories in metal processing and ceramics. Heat-resistant materials help maintain structural integrity and performance under thermal stress, making them essential in various manufacturing processes.
Industrial clays: Industrial clays are naturally occurring clay minerals that are extracted and processed for their special properties and uses in various industries. These clays are valued for their unique characteristics such as plasticity, absorbency, and chemical inertness, making them essential in the production of materials like ceramics, paper, rubber, and paint.
ISO Standards: ISO standards are internationally recognized guidelines that ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and systems. These standards are developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and cover a wide range of industries, including industrial minerals, where they help maintain consistency and reliability in production processes and product quality.
Kaolin clay: Kaolin clay is a fine, white clay composed mainly of the mineral kaolinite, which forms through the weathering of feldspar-rich rocks. Known for its plasticity and ability to retain shape when dried, kaolin clay is widely used in various industrial applications, particularly in ceramics, paper production, and as a filler in products like paints and plastics.
Land degradation: Land degradation refers to the process in which the quality of land diminishes due to various human activities and natural factors, leading to reduced productivity and ecological health. It encompasses soil erosion, nutrient depletion, deforestation, and desertification, significantly impacting agriculture and the availability of industrial minerals. As a consequence, land degradation poses challenges for sustainable resource management and economic development.
Magnetic separation: Magnetic separation is a process used to separate magnetic materials from non-magnetic ones by applying a magnetic field. This technique is particularly important in the extraction and processing of industrial minerals, as it helps to enhance the purity and quality of the final product. By utilizing the magnetic properties of minerals, this method can efficiently isolate valuable components from waste materials or impurities, ultimately improving resource recovery and efficiency in mineral processing.
Market demand: Market demand refers to the total quantity of a good or service that consumers are willing and able to purchase at various prices in a given time period. It reflects consumer preferences, income levels, and price changes, and is essential for understanding how resources are allocated within an economy. The concept of market demand is particularly relevant when considering the economics of minerals and materials, including their extraction, processing, and end-use applications in industries and markets.
Melting point: The melting point is the temperature at which a solid substance transitions to a liquid state. This critical point is significant as it indicates the energy required to overcome the forces holding the solid together, and can vary based on factors like pressure and the purity of the material. In the context of industrial minerals, knowing the melting point helps in understanding their applications, processing methods, and performance under heat.
Metamorphic Environments: Metamorphic environments are geological settings where pre-existing rocks, known as parent rocks or protoliths, undergo transformation due to changes in temperature, pressure, and chemically active fluids. These conditions lead to the alteration of minerals and the formation of new metamorphic rocks, which can vary greatly depending on the specific environment, such as contact or regional metamorphism. Understanding these environments is crucial for comprehending the formation and characteristics of industrial minerals and important silicate and phyllosilicate minerals.
Mica: Mica is a group of silicate minerals characterized by their layered structure, excellent cleavage, and shiny appearance. These minerals are essential in various geological processes and play a significant role in the formation of both igneous and metamorphic rocks, while also having important industrial applications due to their unique properties.
Non-metallic minerals: Non-metallic minerals are natural mineral resources that do not contain metal and are primarily used in industrial applications. These minerals play a crucial role in the manufacturing and construction industries, serving as raw materials for products like glass, ceramics, and fertilizers. Their value lies not in metallic content but in their physical and chemical properties that are harnessed for various applications.
Optical Properties: Optical properties refer to how minerals interact with light, influencing their color, luster, and transparency. These properties play a critical role in identifying minerals and understanding their behaviors in various applications. By examining optical characteristics such as refractive index, birefringence, and pleochroism, one can gain insights into the mineral's composition and potential uses in industrial applications and gemstone quality.
Particle shape: Particle shape refers to the geometric configuration of individual mineral grains or particles within a material. This characteristic is significant because it affects how minerals interact with one another, their behavior during processing, and their final applications in various industries. The shape of particles can influence properties such as flowability, packing density, and surface area, making it a crucial consideration in the use of industrial minerals.
Perlite: Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that expands when heated, resulting in a lightweight, porous material often used in various industrial applications. It is primarily formed from the rapid cooling of volcanic lava, and its unique physical properties make it valuable in construction, horticulture, and insulation products.
Plasticity: Plasticity refers to the ability of a material, particularly soils and clays, to deform and retain its shape without cracking or breaking when subjected to stress. This property is crucial in understanding how clay minerals behave during weathering processes and their subsequent applications in various industries, influencing factors like soil stability, construction materials, and ceramic production.
Potash: Potash refers to a variety of potassium-containing minerals and compounds, primarily used as a fertilizer to enhance plant growth. Its significance lies in its ability to supply essential nutrients to crops, improving agricultural productivity while also playing a role in mineral formation and occurrence through processes like evaporation in saline water bodies.
Quarrying: Quarrying is the process of extracting valuable stone, rock, or mineral resources from the earth's surface. This practice is essential for supplying raw materials like limestone, granite, marble, and other industrial minerals used in construction, manufacturing, and various industries, highlighting its significance in resource management and economic development.
Quartz: Quartz is a common and abundant mineral composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) that forms in a variety of geological environments. Known for its hardness and resistance to weathering, quartz plays a significant role in the classification of minerals and is essential for understanding various geological processes.
Rare earth minerals: Rare earth minerals refer to a group of 17 chemical elements in the periodic table that are critical in various industrial applications, particularly in high-tech and clean energy technologies. These minerals are crucial for manufacturing products such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and wind turbines due to their unique magnetic, phosphorescent, and catalytic properties. Their importance in modern technology makes them vital components of industrial minerals.
Resource depletion: Resource depletion refers to the exhaustion of natural resources due to overconsumption, extraction, and unsustainable practices. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of industrial minerals, as the demand for these materials continues to grow in various industries, leading to significant environmental and economic implications.
Sedimentary basins: Sedimentary basins are depressions in the Earth's crust where sediments accumulate over time, often leading to the formation of sedimentary rocks. These basins are critical for understanding mineral deposits and resource exploration, as they can contain valuable minerals and hydrocarbons that form through geological processes. The unique properties of these basins also influence the types of minerals that can be found, including native elements and specific compounds like sulfates and phosphates.
Silica sand: Silica sand is a type of sand that is composed primarily of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), which is a natural mineral found in abundance in the Earth's crust. This particular sand is essential for a variety of industrial applications due to its unique physical and chemical properties, including high strength, durability, and resistance to heat and chemicals. It is widely used in glass manufacturing, construction, and foundry applications, making it a key player in various sectors of the economy.
Size distribution: Size distribution refers to the statistical measurement of the sizes of particles within a particular sample or population. It plays a crucial role in understanding how various sized particles can affect the physical and chemical properties of industrial minerals, influencing their behavior during processing and end-use applications.
Sodium carbonate: Sodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash or washing soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula Na$_2$CO$_3$. It plays a vital role in various industrial applications due to its effectiveness as a cleaning agent and its ability to act as a pH regulator in different processes.
Specific Gravity: Specific gravity is a dimensionless number that compares the density of a substance to the density of water at a specific temperature, typically 4°C. This measurement helps in identifying minerals, understanding their physical properties, and relating them to other earth materials by indicating how heavy a mineral is relative to an equal volume of water.
Talc: Talc is a soft mineral composed primarily of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen, often found in metamorphic rocks. Due to its unique properties, such as softness and hydrophobicity, talc is widely used in various industrial applications, including cosmetics, plastics, and paper production.
Thermal conductivity: Thermal conductivity is the property of a material that indicates its ability to conduct heat. Materials with high thermal conductivity transfer heat efficiently, while those with low thermal conductivity act as insulators. This property is essential for understanding the behavior of minerals and industrial materials, influencing their applications in various fields.
Vermiculite: Vermiculite is a phyllosilicate mineral that expands when heated, creating lightweight, accordion-shaped particles that are used for various industrial applications. This mineral is characterized by its layered structure, which allows for the incorporation of water between its layers, leading to its unique ability to expand significantly upon heating, making it useful in construction, gardening, and insulation.
Viscosity: Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, which indicates how thick or sticky a liquid is. In industrial contexts, understanding viscosity is crucial for processes involving the movement and handling of materials, influencing how they are processed and utilized in various applications, including construction, manufacturing, and chemical production.
Water contamination: Water contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances in water bodies, making it unsafe for human consumption, aquatic life, and ecosystems. This issue often arises from industrial processes that release pollutants, agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides, and improper waste disposal. Understanding water contamination is critical for addressing environmental health concerns, particularly in the context of industrial mineral extraction and processing.