Q 1. What is a mineral ? Ans :- Mineral are natural substances of organic or inorganic origin with definite chemical and physical properties.
Iron Ore
Iron ore is one of the most widely distributed mineral found in the Earth's crust. It forms the backbone of modern civilisation and the foundation of our basic industry.
Manganese
Manganese is a black, hard and iron-like metal which occurs as natural oxide. It is an important raw material for smelting of iron ore and also used for manufacturing ferro alloys.
Uses of Manganese
1. Manganese is used to make steel tough and resistant to rusting. Therefore, it is an important raw material for the iron and steel industry.
2. Manganese is used in the manufacturing of black enamel, in chemical industries for manufacturing bleaching powder and in electrical and glass industries.
3. Manganese is used to form a number of important alloys.
4. Manganese is used in dry cell batteries.
Copper
Copper is an important non-ferrous metal and the earliest metal used by man.
Uses of Copper
1. It is a good conductor of electricity, highly malleable and ductile and is therefore, used for making electric wires and other equipment.
2. It is used in automobile and defence industries.
3. It is alloyed with iron and nickel to make stainless steel, which is used to make utensils and other objects.
4. It is alloyed with zinc to form brass and with tin to make bronze.
Bauxite
Bauxite is an oxide of aluminium. It is found mainly in tertiary deposits and is associated with laterite rocks occuring extensively either on the plateau or hill ranges of Peninsular India and also in the coastal tracts of the country.
Uses of Bauxite
1. Bauxite is the main source of aluminium, which is a lightweight, strong and rust resistant metal.
2. Aluminium is used in aircrafts, automobiles, rail wagons, coaches, shipping industry and household appliances.
3. It is used in electrical equipment industry and for transmitting electricity because it is a good conductor of electricity.
4. Pure aluminium is the best material for making headlight reflectors and mirrors and in telescopes.