ElementsThis class includes natural elements that occur in pure form. It includes metals such as gold and silver, semi-metals and non-metals such as diamond. These minerals are particularly valued for their pure occurrence and their use in jewelry and industry.
GoldValuable precious metal, often used in jewelry.
SilverUsed in both jewelry and industrial applications.
CopperImportant for electrical cables, also used in alloys.
DiamondExtremely hard material, popular in jewelry and for cutting tools.
Sulphides and sulphosaltsContain sulphide anions. These minerals are often ore minerals from which metals are extracted.
PyriteAlso known as fool's gold, important as a source of sulphur.
GalenaMost important source of lead ore.
ChalcopyriteMost important source of copper ore.
HalidesContain halogen ions. Many are important because of their colors or as raw materials.
Halite (rock salt)Important as table salt and in industry.
FluoriteUsed in fluoride extraction and as a flux in metallurgy.
Oxides and hydroxidesThis class includes minerals with oxygen ions. They are often important ores or have abrasive properties.
RutileMost important source of titanium ore.
HematiteMost important iron ore.
CorundumBase of ruby and sapphire, used as an abrasive.
Carbonates and nitratesContain carbonate or nitrate groups. Many are important raw materials or are used as gemstones.
Calcite: Basic component of limestone, important for cement production.
MalachitePopular for jewelry and as an ornamental stone.
AzuriteIs often found together with malachite as copper ore and ornamental stone.
BoratesContain borate groups. Important for the production of borax and other boron compounds.
BoraxUsed in cleaning agents, as a flux in jewelry production.
Sulfates, chromates, molybdates, tungstatesThis class includes minerals with sulphate groups. Many are useful as pigments or in industry.
BariteUsed as barite in the oil and gas industry.
Plaster: Base material for plasterboard and stucco.
Phosphates, arsenates, vanadatesContain phosphate, arsenate or vanadate groups. Important for the fertilizer industry or as gemstones.
ApatiteMost important source of phosphorus for fertilizers.
TurquoisePopular gemstone.
SilicatesThe largest class includes minerals with silicon and oxygen as well as various metals. Many are important as gemstones or in the ceramics industry.
FeldsparImportant for the porcelain and glass industry.
QuartzUsed in many ways, e.g. in watches, as a gemstone.
