Earth Science: Minerals and Ore Processing

Vocabulary flashcards covering mineral types, ore minerals, mining methods, and ore processing steps from the lecture notes.

Ore minerals

Rocks or minerals from which metals can be economically extracted.

Industrial minerals

Minerals used for nonmetallic purposes in industry (construction, manufacturing, etc.).

Gems

Minerals valued for sparkle and beauty; used in jewelry, cosmetics, and medicine.

Bauxite

Primary ore of aluminum.

Rutile

Titanium ore.

Hematite

Iron ore mineral.

Chalcopyrite

Copper ore mineral.

Calcium (Ca)

Essential mineral for bones, muscles, nervous system, and heart.

Iron (Fe)

Metal used in steel production; essential for body functions.

Sodium (Na)

Essential electrolyte; common in foods and biology.

Magnesium (Mg)

Vital mineral; important in alloys and biological processes.

Potassium (K)

Essential nutrient for nerves and muscles.

Aluminum (Al)

Light metal used in alloys and packaging.

Titanium oxide (TiO)

Titanium oxide compound; related to titanium applications and implants.

Silver

Active ingredient in topical antibiotics and wound dressings; inhibits bacterial growth.

Titanium

Strong, lightweight metal used in artificial joints and implants.

Gypsum (CaSO4)

Mineral used as fertilizer and cement component; improves soil structure.

Zinc (Zn)

Fertilizer micronutrient essential for crops.

Phosphate (PO4)

Fertilizer nutrient essential for plant growth.

Potash

Potassium-containing fertilizer.

Sulfur (S)

Fertilizer nutrient essential for plant growth.

Clay minerals

Soil minerals that hold nutrients and improve soil; some clays have antibacterial properties.

Talc (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2)

Mineral used in talcum powders, lotions, and creams.

Bentonite

Clay mineral used in agriculture, medicine, and industry; also used as drilling mud.

Steatite

Soapstone; used in talcum-related products and cosmetics.

Antimony

Raw material used in alloys and flame retardants.

Feldspar

Group of rock-forming minerals used in glassmaking and ceramics.

Lead

Heavy metal used in batteries and shielding; ore mineral.

Lithium

Light metal used in batteries.

Quartz

Silicate mineral widely found; used in glass, electronics, and construction.

Tantalum

Critical metal used in electronics capacitors and alloys.

Calcite

Calcium carbonate mineral used in cement, lime, and industry.

Uranium (U)

Radioactive mineral used to generate nuclear power.

Plutonium (Pu)

Radioactive element used in nuclear power and weapons.

Open-pit mining

Extraction of near-surface ores via large open pits created by blasting.

Strip mining

Removal of overburden to access deposits near the surface.

Underground mining

Extraction of ore from deep underground through tunnels and shafts.

Dredging

Removal of sediments from bottom of lakes, rivers, and harbors to recover ore.

Sampling

Removal of a representative portion for analysis.

Analysis

Evaluation of valuable components via chemical, mineral, and particle-size analyses.

Comminution

Crushing and grinding to reduce ore to a desirable size.

Concentration

Separation of valuable minerals from raw materials (beneficiation).