Difference between Metallic and Non Metallic Minerals - Overview, Types, Examples, FAQs

Metallic Minerals

Metallic minerals are those minerals that contain metals in their raw form and can be processed to extract metals profitably. They are the primary sources of metals used in industries and daily life.

Characteristics

• Contain metal elements
• Generally hard, lustrous, and opaque
• Good conductors of heat and electricity
• On processing, they yield metals
• Mostly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks

Types of Metallic Minerals

1. Ferrous metallic minerals: Contain iron
   Examples: Iron ore (Hematite, Magnetite), Manganese

2. Non-ferrous metallic minerals: Do not contain iron
   Examples: Copper, Bauxite (Al), Zinc, Lead

3. Precious metallic minerals: Rare and valuable
   Examples: Gold, Silver, Platinum

Example

• Hematite ($\mathrm{Fe}_2 \mathrm{O}_3$) – Iron
• Bauxite ($\mathrm{Al}_2 \mathrm{O}_3 \cdot 2 \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}$) – Aluminium
• Copper pyrite ($\mathrm{CuFeS}_2$) – Copper
• Galena (PbS) – Lead

Minerals other than Metallic

A non-metallic mineral is a mineral (Non-metallic mineral) that cannot be utilized for the extraction of metals. There is a huge economic significance to the group of non-metals, which is found among the variety of minerals.

Mineral types

Minerals can be classified into three types based on their composition. What they are-

• Energizing mineral

• Metallurgical non-metallic minerals

Minerals with energy:

Minerals that are used for energy are also called fossil fuels. Energy minerals are minerals that contain energy. Minerals that produce energy include natural gas, oil, and coal.

Also read -

Non-Metallic Minerals

Non-metallic minerals are those minerals that do not contain metals and do not yield metals on processing. They are mainly used as raw materials for industrial, construction, and chemical purposes.

Characteristics

• Do not contain metallic elements
• Generally dull, soft, and brittle
• Poor conductors of heat and electricity
• Do not produce metals on smelting
• Mostly found in sedimentary rocks

Examples

• Limestone (CaCO₃)
• Mica
• Gypsum ($\mathrm{CaSO}_4 \cdot 2 \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}$)
• Dolomite ($\mathrm{CaCO}_3 \cdot \mathrm{MgCO}_3$)
• Coal
• Graphite (exception: conducts electricity)

Difference between Metallic and Non-metallic Minerals

Metallic minerals are typically derived from ores, while non metallic minerals are obtained from industrial rocks and minerals. This distinction stands out when we talk about the difference between metallic and non metallic minerals. We will, however, discuss some key differences between metallic and non metallic minerals below.

Also read-

Some Solved Examples

Question 1: Which of the following is a metallic mineral?

A. Limestone
B. Gypsum
C. Bauxite
D. Mica

Solution:
Bauxite is an ore of aluminium and yields metal on processing, so it is a metallic mineral.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C)

Question 2: Which of the following is a non-metallic mineral?

A. Galena
B. Hematite
C. Copper pyrite

Solution:
Mica does not contain metal and does not yield metal on processing, hence it is a non-metallic mineral.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D)

Question 3: Which property best distinguishes metallic minerals from non-metallic minerals?

A. Solubility in water
B. Ability to conduct electricity
C. Ability to yield metals on processing
D. Colour

Solution:
Metallic minerals can be processed to extract metals, whereas non-metallic minerals cannot.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C)

Question 4: Which of the following metallic minerals is a ferrous mineral?

A. Bauxite
B. Galena
C. Hematite
D. Copper pyrite

Solution:
Hematite ($\mathrm{Fe}_2 \mathrm{O}_3$) contains iron, so it is a ferrous metallic mineral.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C)