Minerals are important to human wealth and welfare: Minerals play an important role in forming rocks and shaping Earth’s surface. When humans began making tools out of iron great progress was made in advancing the world through industries Below is a timeline showing how the value and uses of minerals have changed over time .

SOME MINERALS AND THEIR USES: Talc is used in powders and make-up

Gypsum is used in drywall or sheetrockFluorite is used in toothpaste

Quartz (found in sand) is used in making glass

Topaz is a gemstone Corundum is a gemstone (rubies and sapphires)

Diamonds are used in cutting tools and drills

Copper is used in electrical wiring, jewelry and coinsHalite is used to deice roads, and to season/preserve foodCalcite is used in tums to help acid indigestion and in cement

ORES AND WHAT THEY ARE MINED FOR: An ore is a mineral that is mined and the useful substances in it are removed and then sold for a profit. Protective shielding against X rays and used in batteries

Galena: an ore of leadGraphite: an ore of pencil “lead” and is also a dry lubricant

Pyrite: ore of iron, is also known as “fool’s gold”

Magnetite: iron ore

Hematite: an ore of iron and the red pigment used for color

Most automobiles, machine tools, the hulls of large ships, building parts and machine parts are made out of iron.

Steel is made by combining IRON with other metals. Stainless steel is used in building parts, cooking pots and pans, cutlery and surgical equipment. It is also used in aircraft and automobiles

Sulfur is also an ore: match heads, fireworks, medicine, gunpowder and fertilizer.

Sulfur is used to vulcanize rubber.

Vulcanization makes rubber tougher. It ensures that rubber maintains its shape.

Car tires, shoe soles, water/ air hoses and ice hockey pucks are all made from vulcanized rubber

MINERALS AND THEIR SPECIAL PROPERTIES: Calcite: has double refraction and fizzes with HClHalite: tastes saltySulfur: has a rotten egg odor

Magnetite & hematite: are magnetic

Calcite & Fluorite: fluorescence

Talc & Graphite: feels greasy

Metallic minerals like gold, silver & copper: are easily shaped

VIRGINA’S MINERAL Virginia mines a lot of gravel for roads and construction

The oldest and largest Kyanite mines are located in VA.

Kyanite is a silicate that is blue and is used in the production of ceramics, cookware and jewerly.