Minerals

**Ore**: A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be extracted. Ores contain valuable elements, typically metals, in a concentrated form, making the mining process economically viable. Examples include gold, copper, and iron ore. **Smelting**: A process that involves heating ore to high temperatures to separate the metal from its impurities. This process often requires additional substances called fluxes to assist in the removal of impurities. Smelting is a critical step in the metal extraction process, transforming raw ores into purified metals suitable for industrial use. **Crystallization**: The process of forming solid crystals from a solution or melt, which often occurs during the cooling of molten rock or through the evaporation of mineral-rich water. Crystals can form in various environments, including magmatic processes in volcanic areas and through slow evaporation in saline lakes. **Mineral**: A naturally occurring inorganic substance with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure, often forming the building blocks of rocks. Minerals can be classified into different groups based on their chemical composition, such as silicates, carbonates, and oxides. Each mineral has unique properties that define its uses in manufacturing and industry. **Sedimentary Rock**: A type of rock formed by the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles, often containing fossils and layered structures. Sedimentary rocks are typically found in riverbeds, lakes, and ocean floors, providing important geological records of Earth's history. Common examples include sandstone, limestone, and shale. **Metamorphic Rock**: A type of rock that has been transformed from an existing rock type through heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids, resulting in changes to its mineral composition and structure. Metamorphic rocks can exhibit foliation or banding, and they often form in mountainous regions or areas of tectonic activity. Examples include schist, gneiss, and marble. **Igneous Rock**: A type of rock that forms from the solidification of molten magma or lava, characterized by its crystalline texture and mineral composition. These rocks are typically divided into two categories: intrusive (formed beneath the Earth’s surface, like granite) and extrusive (formed on the surface from lava, like basalt). Igneous rocks are essential for understanding the geological processes of Earth. **Rock Cycle**: The continuous process of transformation and recycling of rocks through geological processes, including the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. This cycle is driven by forces such as erosion, sedimentation, and tectonic activity. The rock cycle illustrates the dynamic nature of Earth’s crust, showcasing how one rock type can change into another over geological time.

• Metamorphic Rocks: Formed from the alteration of existing rock types due to heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids, examples include schist and marble.