"Classification of Metals: Naturally Occurring & Minerals
Metals are naturally occurring elements that possess certain physical and chemical
properties, such as:
High melting and boiling points
Good conductors of heat and electricity
Malleable and ductile
Lustrous appearance
Metals are found in the Earth's crust in two main forms: as free or native metals,
and as metal compounds.
Free or Native Metals
Free or native metals are found in their pure form in the Earth's crust. These
metals are usually found in small quantities and include:
Gold
Silver
Copper
Platinum
Metal Compounds
Most metals are found in the Earth's crust in the form of metal compounds, such as
oxides, sulfides, and carbonates. These metal compounds are called minerals.
Types of Minerals
There are three main types of minerals:
Silicate Minerals: These minerals contain silicon and oxygen and make up about 90%
of the Earth's crust. Examples include quartz, feldspar, and mica.
Oxide Minerals: These minerals contain oxygen and metal ions. Examples include
hematite (iron oxide), magnetite (iron oxide), and limonite (iron oxide).
Sulfide Minerals: These minerals contain sulfur and metal ions. Examples include
galena (lead sulfide), sphalerite (zinc sulfide), and pyrite (iron sulfide).
Properties of Minerals
Minerals have specific physical and chemical properties, such as:
Hardness: Measured on the Mohs scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the hardest.
Crystal Form: The shape of the mineral crystal.
Cleavage or Fracture: How the mineral breaks.
Color: The mineral's color.
Luster: The way light is reflected from the mineral's surface.
Density: The mass per unit volume of the mineral.
Ore Deposits
An ore deposit is a concentration of valuable minerals that can be mined and
processed to extract the metal. Ore deposits can be found in various geological
settings, such as:
Igneous rocks: Minerals crystallize from magma or lava.
Sedimentary rocks: Minerals are concentrated by sedimentary processes.
Metamorphic rocks: Minerals are formed by the alteration of pre-existing rocks due
to heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids.
Importance of Classification
Classification of metals is important for:
Understanding the distribution and abundance of metals in the Earth's crust.
Identifying potential sources of metal ores.
Developing extraction and refining processes for metals.
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of metals."
Metals are naturally occurring elements that possess certain physical and chemical
properties, such as:
High melting and boiling points
Good conductors of heat and electricity
Malleable and ductile
Lustrous appearance
Metals are found in the Earth's crust in two main forms: as free or native metals,
and as metal compounds.
Free or Native Metals
Free or native metals are found in their pure form in the Earth's crust. These
metals are usually found in small quantities and include:
Gold
Silver
Copper
Platinum
Metal Compounds
Most metals are found in the Earth's crust in the form of metal compounds, such as
oxides, sulfides, and carbonates. These metal compounds are called minerals.
Types of Minerals
There are three main types of minerals:
Silicate Minerals: These minerals contain silicon and oxygen and make up about 90%
of the Earth's crust. Examples include quartz, feldspar, and mica.
Oxide Minerals: These minerals contain oxygen and metal ions. Examples include
hematite (iron oxide), magnetite (iron oxide), and limonite (iron oxide).
Sulfide Minerals: These minerals contain sulfur and metal ions. Examples include
galena (lead sulfide), sphalerite (zinc sulfide), and pyrite (iron sulfide).
Properties of Minerals
Minerals have specific physical and chemical properties, such as:
Hardness: Measured on the Mohs scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the hardest.
Crystal Form: The shape of the mineral crystal.
Cleavage or Fracture: How the mineral breaks.
Color: The mineral's color.
Luster: The way light is reflected from the mineral's surface.
Density: The mass per unit volume of the mineral.
Ore Deposits
An ore deposit is a concentration of valuable minerals that can be mined and
processed to extract the metal. Ore deposits can be found in various geological
settings, such as:
Igneous rocks: Minerals crystallize from magma or lava.
Sedimentary rocks: Minerals are concentrated by sedimentary processes.
Metamorphic rocks: Minerals are formed by the alteration of pre-existing rocks due
to heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids.
Importance of Classification
Classification of metals is important for:
Understanding the distribution and abundance of metals in the Earth's crust.
Identifying potential sources of metal ores.
Developing extraction and refining processes for metals.
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of metals."
