Types of Mineral Resources

On the basis of chemical and physical properties, minerals are grouped under two main categories.

1. Metallic Minerals
2. Non-Metallic Minerals

 

Metallic Minerals

Metallic minerals are the sources of metals. Iron ore, copper, gold produce metal and are included in this category. Metallic minerals are further divided into ferrous (iron) and non-ferrous metallic minerals.

All those minerals which have iron content are ferrous such as iron ore and those which do not have iron content are non-ferrous such as copper, bauxite, etc.

Non-Metallic Minerals

Non-metallic minerals are either organic in origin such as fossil fuels also known as mineral fuels which are derived from the buried animal and plant life such as coal and petroleum. Other type of non-metallic minerals are inorganic in origin such as mica, limestone and graphite, etc.