Minerals and Their Uses

Every segment of society uses minerals and mineral resources everyday. The roads we ride or drive on and the buildings we live learn and work in all contain minerals. Below is a selected list of commonly used metallic and nonmetallic minerals, ore minerals, mineral byproducts, aggregates, and rock types that are used to make products we use in our daily life.

AggregatesNatural aggregates include sand, gravel, and crushed stone. Aggregates are composed of rock fragments that may be used in their natural state or after mechanical processing, such as crushing, washing, or sizing. Recycled aggregates consist mainly of crushed concrete and crushed asphalt pavement.

AluminumAluminum is the most abundant metallic element in the Earth's crust. Bauxite ore is the main source of aluminum. Aluminum is used in automobiles and airplanes (36%), bottling and canning industries (25%), building and electrical (14%) and in other applications (25%). 

AntimonyAntimony is a silvery-gray, brittle semi-metal with atomic number 51. It rarely occurs in nature as a native element, but is found in a number of different minerals, the most important of which is stibnite (SbS3). Antimony is often called a semi-metal, because in pure form it is not shiny and malleable like true metals. Antimony is mined as a principal product or as a byproduct of the smelting of base-metal ores in 15 countries, which includes the United States (Montana, New Jersey, and Texas). China is the world's major producer followed by Russia and South Africa. Antimony is used principally for flame retardants as well as in ammunition and automotive batteries and as a decolorizing agent in glassmaking.Antimony is a silvery-gray, brittle semi-metal. It rarely occurs in nature as a native element, but is found in a number of different

minerals. Antimony is used principally for flame retardants as well as in ammunition and automotive batteries and as a decolorizing agent in glassmaking. Uses

The most important use of antimony in the United States is in chemicals used to impregnate plastics, textiles, rubber, and other materials as a flame retardant - that is, a form of fireproofing. This is required by federal law for certain children's clothing. Over half the annual U.S. antimony consumption is for the manufacture of flame retardants.

A portion of U.S. consumption is in antimony alloys. Antimony is mixed (that is, alloyed) with other metals, such as lead, to make the lead harder and stronger for use in lead-acid batteries. On the other hand, some alloys such as Babbitt Metal (an alloy of antimony, tin, copper, and sometimes lead) are useful as machine bearings because they are soft and slippery. Antimony is also alloyed with tin to make pewter items such as plates, pitchers and cups, used mostly for decoration. One use of antimony, which is declining, is to make type metal for printing newspapers and magazines. Antimony is one of very few substances (bismuth and water are two others) which expands when it cools and freezes. Antimony-bearing type metal thus fills every corner of a mold used to prepare sharp type for printing. With the advent of computer printing, this use has greatly decreased.

Antimony is also used for pigments in plastics, paints, rubber, and for a wide variety of minor uses, including medicines, fireworks, and others. Antimony oxide is a brilliant yellow color, accounting for much of the pigment use.

A tiny amount of highly purified antimony metal is used in the computer industry to make semiconductors. To be useful in this application, antimony has to be 99.999% pure!

AsbestosAsbestos is a class of minerals that can be readily separated into thin, strong fibers that are flexible, heat resistant, and chemically inert. Asbestos minerals are used in fireproof fabrics, yarn, cloth, and paper and paint filler. Asbestos is used to make friction products, asbestos cement pipes and sheets, coatings and compounds, packing and

gaskets, roofing and flooring products, paints and caulking, and chemical filters. Fibers are dangerous when breathed, so users must protect against fibers becoming airborne. 

BasaltBasalt is an extrusive igneous rock. Crushed basalt is used for railroad ballast, aggregate in highway construction, and is a major component of asphalt. 

BariumBarium is an element, derived primarily from the mineral barite, and used as a heavy additive in oil-well-drilling mud, paints, rubber, plastic and paper; production of barium chemicals; and glass manufacturing.

BerylliumBeryllium, an element commonly associated with igneous rocks, has industrial and nuclear defense applications and is used in light, very strong alloys for the aircraft industry. Beryllium salts are used in x-ray tubes and as a deoxidizer in bronze metallurgy. The gemstones of beryl, a beryllium mineral, are emerald and aquamarine.

BismuthBismuth is used in a number of very different applications. The majority is consumed in bismuth alloys, and in pharmaceuticals and chemicals. The remainder is used in ceramics, paints, catalysts, and a variety of minor applications. Bismuth metal is relatively inert and non-toxic. It has replaced toxic lead in many applications such as

plumbing, bullets, birdshot, metal alloys, and soldering. Bismuth compounds are used in stomach-upset medicines (hence the trademarked name Pepto-Bismol), treatment of stomach ulcers, soothing creams, and cosmetics.

BoronBoron compounds are used for many different purposes in industry and the home. Boron is used to make glass, ceramics, enamels, fiberglass, make water softeners, soaps and detergents. Other uses are in agricultural chemicals, pest controls, fire retardants, fireworks, medicine, and various minor applications. Boron nitride is one of the hardest known substances and is used for abrasives and cutting tools.

BromineBromine, recovered commercially through the treatment of seawater brines, is used in leaded gasoline, fire extinguishers and retardants, well-completion fluids, and sanitary preparations. Bromine is the only liquid nonmetallic element.

CadmiumCadmium is used in plating and alloying, pigments, plastics, and batteries. Cadmium is obtained from the ore minerals Sphalerite (Zn,Cd)S and Greenockite (CdS)

CalciumThe primary use of calcium is not in its silvery-white metal form, but as calcium carbonate. It used in adhesives and sealants, cosmetics, foods, paint, paper, pharmaceuticals, plastics, rubber, for the production of lime, and as crhused stone in construction. Immense quantities of calcium are found in sedimentary rock deposits of gypsum, limestone, and shale. Some common calcium-bearing minerals include apatite (calcium phosphate), calcite (calcium carbonate), dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate), fluorite (calcium fluoride), and gypsum (calcium sulfate). Calcium metal is produced in Canada, China, France, Russia, and the United States. Total world output is thought to be less than 6,000 metric tons per year. United States consumption of calcium metal is small. On a worldwide basis, more than 100 million metric tons per year of

apatite and gypsum are mined, and calcite and dolomite are produced in billions of metric tons per year.

CementCement is used for building materials, stucco, and mortar. Cement is :a mixture of powdered lime, clay, and other minerals that crystallize to form a hard solid when water is added (hydraulic cement) or as a binding material in concrete" (Kesler, 1994). An excellent overview of cement, its chemistry, and properties can be found in MacLaren and White (2003).

ChromiumChromium is used in the production of stainless and heat-resistant steel, full-alloy steel, super alloys and other alloys. Chromium is obtained from the ore mineral Chromite (Mg,Fe)(Cr,Al,Fe)2O4

ClaysThere are many different clay minerals that are used for industrial applications. Clays are used in the manufacturing of paper, refractories, rubber, ball clay, dinnerware and pottery, floor and wall tile, sanitary wear, fire clay, firebricks, foundry sands, drilling mud, iron-ore pelletizing, absorbent and filtering materials, construction materials, and cosmetics.

CobaltHalf of the consumption of cobalt is used in corrosion- and abrasion-resistant alloys with steel, nickel, and other metals for the production of industrial engines. Other uses of cobalt metal include magnets and cutting tools. Cobalt salts are used to produce a blue color in paint pigments, porcelain, glass, and pottery. Cobalt is obtained from the ore minerals Linneaite (Co3S4), Cobaltite CoAsS, and (Fe,Ni,Co)1-xSx.

Copper

Copper is used in electric cables and wires, switches, plumbing; heating, electrical, and roofing materials; electronic components; industrial machinery and equipment; transportation; consumer and general products; coins; and jewelry. 

DiamondIndustrial diamonds are those that can not be used as gems. Large diamonds are used in tools and drilling bits to cut rock and small stone. Small diamonds, also known as dust or grit, are used for cutting and polishing stone and ceramic products. 

DiatomiteDiatomite is a rock composed of the skeletons of diatoms, single-celled organisms with skeletons made of silica, which are found in fresh and salt water. Diatomite is primarily used for filtration of drinks, such as juices and wines, but it is also being used as filler in paints and pharmaceuticals and environmental cleanup technologies.

DolomiteDolomite is the near twin-sister rock to limestone. Like limestone, it typically forms in a marine environment but also as has a primary magnesium component. Dolomite is used in agriculture, chemical and industrial applications, cement construction, refractories, and environmental industries.

Feldspar

Feldspar is a rock-forming mineral. It is used in glass and ceramic industries; pottery, porcelain and enamelware; soaps; bond for abrasive wheels; cement; glues; fertilizer; and tarred roofing materials and as a sizing, or filler, in textiles and paper applications. 

FluoriteFluorite is used in production of hydrofluoric acid, which is used in the pottery, ceramics, optical, electroplating, and plastics industries. It is also used in the metallurgical treatment of bauxite, as a flux in open-hearth steel furnaces, and in metal smelting, as well as in carbon electrodes, emery wheels, electric arc welders, and toothpaste as a source of fluorine.

GarnetGarnet is used in water filtration, electronic components, ceramics, glass, jewelry, and abrasives used in wood furniture and transport manufacturing. "Garnet is a common metamorphic mineral that becomes abundant enough to mine in a few rocks" (Kesler, 1994).

Germanium"Most germanium is recovered as a byproduct of zinc smelting. It is also found in some copper ores" (Kesler, 1994). Applications include use in fiber-optic components, which are replacing copper in long-distance telecommunication lines, as well as in camera lenses and other glasses and infrared lenses.

GoldGold is used in dentistry and medicine, jewelry and arts, medallions and coins, and in ingots. It is also used for scientific and electronic instruments, computer circuitry, as an electrolyte in the electroplating industry, and in many applications for the aerospace industry.

GraniteGranite can be cut into large blocks and used as a building stone. When polished, it is used for monuments, headstones, countertops, statues, and facing on buildings. It is also suitable for railroad ballast and for road aggregate in highway construction.

GraphiteGraphite is the crystal form of carbon. Graphite is used as a dry lubricant and steel hardener and for brake linings and the production of "lead" in pencils. Most graphite production comes from Korea, India, and Mexico.

GypsumProcessed gypsum is used in industrial or building plaster, prefabricated wallboard, cement manufacture, and for agriculture. 

HaliteHalite (salt) is used in the human and animal diet, primarily as food seasoning and as a food preservation. It is also used to prepare sodium hydroxide, soda ash, caustic soda, hydrochloric acid, chlorine, and metallic sodium, and it is used in ceramic glazes, metallurgy, curing of hides, mineral waters, soap manufacture, home water softeners, highway deicing, photography, and scientific equipment for optical parts.

IodineIodine is used as an antibacterial agent in soaps and cleaning products in restrooms, in iodized salt to prevent goiter, and in first aid boxes as an antiseptic.

Iron OreIron ore is used to manufacture steels of various types and other metallurgical products, such as magnets, auto parts, and catalysts. Most U.S. production is from Minnesota and Michigan. The Earth's crust contains about 5% iron, the fourth most abundant element in the crust. 

LeadLead is used in batteries, construction, ammunition, television tubes, nuclear shielding, ceramics, weights, and tubes or containers. The United States is largest producer (mainly from Missouri), consumer, and recycler of lead metal.

Limestone"A sedimentary rock consisting largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which have the same composition CaCO3". Limestone, along with dolomite, is one of the basic building blocks of the construction industry. Limestone is used as aggregate, building stone, cement, and lime and in fluxes, glass, refractories, fillers, abrasives, soil conditioners, and a host of chemical processes.

LithiumBatteries made from lithium metal or lithium carbonate are used in smoke alarms, pacemakers, defibrillator machines, many other types of portable medical equipment, and in emergency communications equipment, including computers and cell phones.

MagnesiumMagnesium (see dolomite) is used in cement, rubber, paper, insulation, chemicals and fertilizers, animal feed, and pharmaceuticals. Magnesium is obtained from the ore minerals Olivine (Fe,Mg)2SiO4, Magnesite MgCO3, and Dolomite CaMg(CO3)2.

ManganeseManganese is essential to iron and steel production. Manganese is obtained from the ore minerals Braunite (Mn,Si)2O3, Pyrolusite MnO2, and Psilomelane BaMn9O18*2H2O. 

MercuryMercury is extracted from the mineral cinnabar and is used in electrical products, electrolytic production of chlorine and caustic soda, paint, and industrial and control instruments (thermometers and thermostats).

MicaMica minerals commonly occur as flakes, scales, or shreds. Sheet muscovite (white) mica is used in electronic insulators, paints, as joint cement, as a dusting agent, in welldrilling mud and lubricants, and in plastics, roofing, rubber, and welding rods.

MolybdenumMolybdenum is used in stainless steels (21%), tool steels (9%), cast irons (7%), and chemical lubricants (8%), and in other applications (55%). It is commonly used to make automotive parts, construction equipment, gas transmission pipes, and as a pure metal molybdenum is used as filament supports in light bulbs, metalworking dies, and furnace parts because of its high melting temperature (2,623°C).

NickelNickel is vital as an alloy to stainless steel, and it plays a key roll in the chemical and aerospace industries. Leading producers are Canada, Norway, and Russia. 

Phosphate rockPrimarily a sedimentary rock used to produce phosphoric acid and ammoniated phosphate fertilizers, feed additives for livestock, elemental phosphorus, and a variety of phosphate chemicals for industrial and home consumers. The majority of U.S. production comes from Florida, North Carolina, Idaho, and Utah.

Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)PGM's include platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium. These elements commonly occur together in nature and are among the scarcest of the metallic elements. Platinum is used principally in catalytic converters for the control of automobile and industrial plant emissions; in jewelry; in catalysts to produce acids, organic chemicals, and pharmaceuticals; and in dental alloys used for making crowns and bridges.

PotashPotash is an industry term that refers to a group of water-soluble salts containing the element potassium, as well as to ores containing these salts (Kesler, 1994). Potash is used in fertilizer, medicine, the chemical industry, and to produce decorative color effects on brass, bronze, and nickel.

PyritePyrite (fools gold) is used in the manufacture of sulfur, sulfuric acid, and sulfur dioxide; pellets of pressed pyrite dust are used to recover iron, gold, copper, cobalt, and nickel. 

QuartzQuartz crystals are popular as a semiprecious gemstone; crystalline varieties include amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, and smoky quartz. Because of its piezoelectric properties (the ability to generate electricity under mechanical stress), quartz is used for pressure gauges, oscillators, resonators, and wave stabilizers. Quartz is also used in the manufacture of glass, paints, abrasives, refractories, and precision instruments.

SandstoneSandstone is used as a building stone, road bases and coverings, construction fill, concrete, railroad ballast, and snow and ice control. 

Silica / Silicon

Silica is used in the manufacture of computer chips, glass and refractory materials, ceramics, abrasives, and water filtration; and is a component of hydraulic cements, a filler in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paper, and insecticides; as an anti-caking agent in foods; a flatting agent in paint, and as a thermal insulator.

SilverSilver is used in photography, chemistry, electrical and electronic products (because of its very high conductivity), fine silverware, electroplated wire, jewelry, coins, and brazing alloys and solders.

StrontiumPhotoluminescent exit signs use a class of newly developed phosphorescent pigments that are based on strontium oxide aluminate chemistry. 

SulfurSulfur is of importance to every sector of the world's manufacturing processes, drugs, and fertilizer complexes. Sulfur is used as an industrial raw material through its major derivative, sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid production is the major end use for sulfur. Most sulfur goes into fertilizer; oil refining is another major use as well as a source of sulfur. 

TalcThe primary use for talc is in the production of paper. Ground talc is used as filler in ceramics, paint, paper, roofing, plastics, cosmetics, and in agriculture. Talc is found in many common household

products, such as baby (talcum) powder, deodorant, and makeup. Very pure talc is used in fine arts and is called soapstone. It is often used to carve figurines.

TinTin is used in the manufacture of cans and containers, electrical equipment, and chemicals. 

TitaniumTitanium is a metal used mostly in jet engines, airframes, and space and missile applications. In powdered form, titanium is used as a white pigment for paints, paper, plastics, rubber, and other materials.

TronaTrona is used in glass container manufacture, fiberglass, specialty glass, flat glass, liquid detergents, medicine, food additives, photography, cleaning and boiler compounds, and control of water pH. Trona is mined mainly in Wyoming.

TungstenTungsten is used in steel production, metalworking, cutting applications, construction electrical machinery and equipment, transportation equipment, light bulbs, carbide drilling equipment, heat and radiation shielding, textile dyes, enamels, paints, and for coloring glass.

UraniumUranium is a radioactive material used in nuclear defense systems and for nuclear generation of electricity. It also used in nuclear-medicine x-ray machines, atomic dating, and electronic instruments.

ZeolitesSome of the uses of zeolite minerals include aquaculture (for removing ammonia from the water in fish hatcheries), water softener, catalysts, cat litter, odor control, and removing radioactive ions from nuclear-plant effluent.

ZincZinc is used as protective coating on steel, as die casting, as an alloying metal with copper to make brass, and as chemical compounds in rubber and paint. Additional uses include galvanizing iron, electroplating, metal spraying, automotive parts, electrical fuses, anodes, dry-cell batteries, nutrition, chemicals, roof gutters, cable wrapping, and pennies. Zinc oxide is used in medicine, paints, vulcanizing rubber, and sun-block lotions.

ZirconiumZirconium is a metal recovered from zircon. "Zircon is used in mineral form in refractory products, where it is valued for its high melting temperature of 2,550°C. Some zircon is processed by chemical leaching to yield elemental zirconium. The best known use for zirconium metal is in nuclear reactors, where zirconium contains the fuel" (Kesler, 1994).

40 Common Minerals and Their Uses

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Aluminum

The most abundant metal element in Earth's crust. Aluminum originates as an oxide called alumina. Bauxite ore is the main source of aluminum and must be imported from Jamaica, Guinea, Brazil, Guyana, etc. Used in transportation (automobiles), packaging, building/construction, electrical, machinery and other uses. The U.S. was 100 percent import reliant for its aluminum in 2012.

Antimony

A native element; antimony metal is extracted from stibnite ore and other minerals. Used as a hardening alloy for lead, especially storage batteries and cable sheaths; also used in bearing metal, type metal, solder, collapsible tubes and foil, sheet and pipes and semiconductor technology. Antimony is used as a flame retardant, in fireworks, and in antimony salts are used in the rubber, chemical and textile industries, as well as medicine and glassmaking. The U.S. was 87 percent import reliant in 2012.

Barium

A heavy metal contained in barite. Used as a heavy additive in oil well drilling; in the paper and rubber industries; as a filler or extender in cloth, ink and plastics products; in radiography ("barium milkshake"); as a deoxidizer for copper; a sparkplug in alloys; and in making expensive white pigments.

Bauxite

Rock composed of hydrated aluminum oxides. In the U.S., it is primarily converted to alumina. See "aluminum." The U.S. was 100 percent import reliant in 2012.

Beryllium

Used in the nuclear industry and to make light, very strong alloys used in the aircraft industry. Beryllium salts are used in fluorescent lamps, in X-ray tubes and as a deoxidizer in bronze metallurgy. Beryl is the gem stones emerald and aquamarine. It is used in computers, telecommunication products, aerospace and defense applications, appliances and

automotive and consumer electronics. Also used in medical equipment. The U.S. was 10 percent import reliant in 2012.

Chromite

The U.S. consumes about 6 percent of world chromite ore production in various forms of imported materials, such as chromite ore, chromite chemicals, chromium ferroalloys, chromium metal and stainless steel. Used as an alloy and in stainless and heat resisting steel products. Used in chemical and metallurgical industries (chrome fixtures, etc.) Superalloys require chromium. It is produced in South Africa, Kazakhstan and India. The U.S. was 70 percent import reliant for chromium in 2012.

Clays

Used in floor and wall tile as an absorbent, in sanitation, mud drilling, foundry sand bond, iron pelletizing, brick, light weight aggregate and cement. It is produced in 40 states. Ball clay is used in floor and wall tile. Bentonite is used for drilling mud, pet waste absorbent, iron ore pelletizing and foundry sand bond. Kaolin is used for paper coating and filling, refractory products, fiberglass, paint, rubber and catalyst manufacture. Common clay is used in brick, light aggregate and cement. The U.S. was not import reliant in 2012.

Cobalt

Used primarily in superalloys for aircraft gas turbine engines, in cemented carbides for cutting tools and wear-resistant applications, chemicals (paint dryers, catalysts, magnetic coatings) and permanent magnets. The United States has cobalt resources in Minnesota, Alaska, California, Idaho, Missouri, Montana and Oregon. Cobalt production comes principally from Congo, China, Canada, Russia, Australia and Zambia. The U.S. was 78 percent import reliant in 2012.

Copper

Used in building construction, electric and electronic products (cables and wires, switches, plumbing, heating); transportation equipment; roofing; chemical and pharmaceutical

machinery; and alloys (brass, bronze and beryllium alloyed with copper are particularly vibration resistant); alloy castings; electroplated protective coatings and undercoats for nickel, chromium, zinc, etc. More recently copper is being used in medical equipment due to its anti-microbial properties. The United States has mines in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada and Montana. Leading producers are Chile, Peru, China, United States and Australia. The U.S. was 35 percent import reliant in 2012.

Feldspar

A rock-forming mineral; industrially important in glass and ceramic industries; patter and enamelware; soaps; bond for abrasive wheels; cements; insulating compositions; fertilizer; tarred roofing materials; and as a sizing, or filler, in textiles and paper. In pottery and glass, feldspar functions as a flux. End-uses for feldspar in the U.S. include glass (70 percent) and pottery and other uses (30 percent). The U.S. was 78 percent import reliant in 2012. The U.S. was not import reliant in 2012.

Fluorite (fluorspar)

Used in production of hydrofluoric acid, which is used in the pottery, ceramics, optical, electroplating and plastics industries; in the metallurgical treatment of bauxite; as a flux in open hearth steel furnaces and in metal smelting; in carbon electrodes; emery wheels; electric arc welders; toothpaste; and paint pigment. It is a key ingredient in the processing of aluminum and uranium. The U.S. was 100 percent import reliant in 2012.

Gallium

Gallium is used in integrated circuits, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors and solar cells. It has a new use in chemotherapy for some types of cancer. Integrated circuits are used in defense applications, high performance computers and telecommunications. Optoelectronic devices were used in areas such as aerospace, consumer goods, industrial equipment, medical equipment and telecommunications. Leading sources are Germany, UK, China and Canada. The U.S. was 99 percent import reliant in 2012.

Gold

Used in jewelry and arts; dentistry and medicine; in medallions and coins; in ingots as a store of value; for scientific and electronic instruments; as an electrolyte in the electroplating industry. Mined in Alaska and several western states. Leading producers are China, Australia, United States, Russia and Canada. The U.S. was not import reliant in 2012.

Gypsum

Processed and used as prefabricated wallboard or an industrial or building plaster; used in cement manufacturing; agriculture and other uses. The U.S. was 12 percent import reliant in 2012.

Halite (sodium chloride--salt)

Used in human and animal diet, food seasoning and food preservation; used to prepare sodium hydroxide, soda ash, caustic soda, hydrochloric acid, chlorine, metallic sodium; used in ceramic glazes; metallurgy, curing of hides; mineral waters; soap manufacturing; home water softeners; highway de-icing; photography; in scientific equipment for optical parts. Single crystals used for spectroscopy, ultraviolet and infrared transmission. The U.S. was 19 percent import reliant for salt in 2012.

Indium

Indium tin oxide is used for electrical conductivity purposes in flat panel devices - most commonly in liquid crystal displays (LCDs). It is also used in solders, alloys, compounds, electrical components, semiconductors and research. Indium ore is not recovered from ores in the U.S. China is the leading producer. It is also produced in Canada, Japan and Belgium. The U.S. was 100 percent import reliant in 2012.

Iron Ore

Used to manufacture steels of various types. Powdered iron: used in metallurgy products; magnets; high-frequency cores; auto parts; catalyst. Radioactive iron (iron 59): in medicine; tracer element in biochemical and metallurgical research. Iron blue: in paints, printing inks, plastics, cosmetics, paper dyeing. Black iron oxide: as pigment; in polishing compounds;

metallurgy; medicine; magnetic inks. Most U.S. production is from Michigan and Minnesota. China, Australia, Brazil and Russia are the major producers. The U.S. was not import reliant in 2012.

Lead

Used in lead-acid batteries, gasoline additives (now being eliminated) and tanks, and solders, seals or bearing; used in electrical and electronic applications; TV tubes and glass, construction, communications and protective coatings; in ballast or weights; ceramics or crystal glass; X-ray and gamma radiation shielding; soundproofing material in construction industry; and ammunition. Industrial type batteries are used as a source of uninteruptible power equipment for computer and telecommunications networks and mobile power. United States mines lead mainly in Missouri, but also in Alaska and Idaho. The U.S. was not import reliant in 2012.

Lithium

Compounds are used in ceramics and glass; batteries; lubricating greases; air treatment; in primary aluminum production; in the manufacture of lubricants and greases; rocket propellants; vitamin A synthesis; silver solder; batteries; medicine. Lithium ion batteries have become a substitute for nickel-cadmium batteries in hand held/portable electronic devices. There is one brine operation in Nevada. Australia, Chile and China are major producers. The U.S. was more than 70 percent reliant for lithium in 2012.

Manganese

Ore is essential to iron and steel production. Also used in the making of manganese ferroalloys. Construction, machinery and transportation end uses account for most U.S. consumption of manganese. Manganese ore has not been produced in the U.S. since 1970. Major producers are South Africa, Australia, China, Gabon and Brazil. The U.S. was 100 percent import reliant in 2012.

Mica

Micas commonly occur as flakes, scales or shreds. Ground mica is used in paints, as joint cement, as a dusting agent, in oil well-drilling muds; and in plastics, roofing, rubber and welding rods. Sheet mica is fabricated into parts for electronic and electronic equipment. China and Russia are leading producers. The U.S. was 100 percent import reliant in 2012.

Molybdenum

Used in alloy steels to make automotive parts, construction equipment, gas transmission pipes; stainless steels; tool steels; cast irons; super alloys; and chemicals and lubricants. As a pure metal, molybdenum is used because of its high melting temperatures (4,730 F) as filament supports in light bulbs, metalworking dies and furnace parts. Major producers are China, the United States, Chile and Peru. The U.S. was not import reliant in 2012.

Nickel

Vital as an alloy to stainless steel; plays key role in the chemical and aerospace industries. End uses were transportation, fabricated metal products, electrical equipment, petroleum and chemical industries, household appliances and industrial machinery. Major producers are the Philippines, Indonesia, Russia, Australia and Canada. The U.S. was 49 percent import reliant in 2012.

Perlite

Expanded perlite is used in building construction products like roof insulation boards; as fillers, for horticulture aggregate and filter aids. It is produced in New Mexico and other western states and is processed in over 20 states. Leading producers are the U.S., Greece and Turkey. The U.S. was 24 percent import reliant in 2012.

Platinum Group Metals (PGM)

Includes platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium. Commonly occur together in nature and are among the scarcest of the metallic elements. Platinum is used principally in catalysts for the control of automobile and industrial plant emissions; in jewelry; in catalysts to produce acids, organic chemicals and pharmaceuticals. PGMs used in

bushings for making glass fibers used in fiber-reinforced plastic and other advanced materials, in electrical contacts, in capacitors, in conductive and resistive films used in electronic circuits; in dental alloys used for making crowns and bridge. South Africa, Russia, the U.S. and Canada are major producers. The U.S. was over 50 percent import reliant for most PGMs in 2012.

Phosphate rock

Used to produce phosphoric acid for ammoniated phosphate fertilizers, feed additives for livestock, elemental phosphorus, and a variety of phosphate chemicals for industrial and home consumers. U.S. production occurs in Florida, North Carolina, Idaho and Utah. The U.S. is a major producer. It was not import reliant in 2012.

Potash

A carbonate of potassium; used as a fertilizer, in medicine, in the chemical industry and to produce decorative color effects on brass, bronze and nickel. The leading producers are Canada, Russia and Belarus. The U.S. was 81 percent import reliant in 2012.

Pyrite

Used in the manufacture of sulfur, sulfuric acid and sulfur dioxide; pellets of pressed pyrite dust are used to recover iron, gold, copper, cobalt, nickel; used to make inexpensive jewelry.

Quartz (silica)

As a crystal, quartz is used as a semiprecious gem stone. Crystalline varieties include amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, smoky quartz, etc. Cryptocrystalline forms include agate, jasper, onyx, etc. Because of its piezoelectric properties quartz is used for pressure gauges, oscillators, resonators and wave stabilizes; because of its ability to rotate the plane of polarization of light and its transparency in ultraviolet rays, it is used in heat-ray lamps, prism and spectrographic lenses. Also used in manufacturing glass, paints, abrasives, refractory materials and precision instruments.

Rare Earth Elements (lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium ytterbium and lutetium)

Used mainly in petroleum fluid cracking catalysts, metallurgical additives and alloys, glass polishing and ceramics, permanent magnets and phosphors. It is estimated that 40 pounds of rare earths are used in a hybrid car for rechargeable battery, permanent magnet motor and the regenerative braking system. The U.S. now has one rare earth (bastnasite) mine in California. More than 85 percent of global production is in China. The U.S. was import reliant for most of its rare earth metals in 2012.

Silica

Aluminum and aluminum alloy producers and the chemical industry are major users of silicon metal. Silica is also used in manufacture of computer chips, glass and refractory materials; ceramics; abrasives; water filtration; component of hydraulic cements; filler in cosmetics, pharmaceutical, paper, insecticides; anti-caking agent in foods; flatting agent in paints; thermal insulator; and photovoltaic cells. China is the leading producer. The U.S. was 36 percent reliant on metallurgical grade silicon metal in 2012.

Silver

Used in coins and medals, electrical and electronic devices, industrial applications, jewelry, silverware and photography. The physical properties of silver include ductility, electronics conductivity, malleability and reflectivity. Used in lining vats and other equipment for chemical reaction vessels, water distillation, etc.; a catalyst in manufacture of ethylene; mirrors; silver plating; table cutlery; dental, medical and scientific equipment; bearing metal; magnet windings; brazing alloys, solder. Also used in catalytic converters, cell phone covers, electronics, circuit boards, bandages for wound care and batteries. Silver is produced in the U.S. at over 30 base and precious metal mines primarily in Alaska and Nevada. The leading global producers include Mexico, China, Peru, Chile, Australia, Bolivia and the U.S. The U.S. was 57 percent reliant in 2012.

Sodium Carbonate (soda ash or trona)

Used in glass container manufacture; in fiberglass and specialty glass; also used in production of flat glass; in liquid detergents; in medicine; as a food additive; photography; cleaning and boiler compounds; pH control of water. Most U.S. production comes from Wyoming. The U.S. is a major producer.

Sulfur

Used in the manufacture of sulfuric acid, fertilizers, petroleum refining; and metal mining. Elemental sulphur and byproduct sulfuric acid were produced in over 100 operations in 26 state and the Virgin Islands. The U.S., Canada, China and Germany are major producers.

Tantalum

A refractory metal with unique electrical, chemical and physical properties used to produce electronic components, tantalum capacitors (in auto electronics, pagers, personal computers and portable telephones) ; for high-purity tantalum metals in products ranging from weapon systems to superconductors; high-speed tools; catalyst; sutures and body implants; electronic circuitry; thin-film components. Used in optical glass and electroplating devices. Leading producers are Mozambique, Brazil and Congo. The U.S. was 100 percent reliant in 2012.

Titanium

Titanium mineral concentrates are used primarily by titanium dioxide pigment producers. A small amount is used in welding rod coatings and for manufacturing carbides, chemicals and metals. It is produced in Florida and Virginia. Leading producing countries are South Africa, Australia, Canada and China. The U.S. was 77 percent reliant in 2012.

Titanium and titanium dioxide are used in aerospace applications (in jet engines, airframes and space and missile applications). It is also used in armor, chemical processing, marine, medical, power generation, sporting goods and other non-aerospace applications. Titanium sponge metal was produced in three operations in Nevada and Utah. The leading global producers are China, Japan, Russia and Kazakhstan.

Tungsten

More than half of the tungsten consumed in the United States was used in cemented carbide parts for cutting and wear-resistant materials, primarily in the construction, metalworking, mining, and oil- and gas-drilling industries. The remaining tungsten was consumed to make tungsten heavy alloys for applications requiring high density; electrodes, filaments, wires, and other components for electrical, electronic, heating, lighting, and welding applications; steels, superalloys, and wear-resistant alloys; and chemicals for various applications. China is by far the leading producer. Russia, Canada, Austria and Bolivia also produce tungsten. The U.S. produces very little. It was 42 percent import reliant in 2012.

Uranium

Nearly 20 percent of America's electricity is produced using uranium in nuclear generation. It is also used for nuclear medicine, atomic dating, powering nuclear submarines and other uses in the U.S. defense system. The U.S. received 83 percent of its uranium from other countries in 2012.

Vanadium

Metallurgical use, primarily as an alloying agent for iron and steel, accounted for about 93 percent of the domestic vanadium consumption. Of the other uses for vanadium, the major non-metallurgical use was in catalysts for the production of maleic anhydride and sulfuric acid. China, South Africa and Russia are largest producers. The U.S. was 96 percent reliant in 2012.

Zeolites

Used in animal feed, cat litter, cement, aquaculture (fish hatcheries for removing ammonia from the water); water softener and purification; in catalysts; odor control; and for removing radioactive ions from nuclear plant effluent. The U.S. was not import reliant in 2012.

Zinc

Of the total zinc consumed in the U.S., about 55 percent was used in galvanizing, 21 percent in zinc-based alloys, 16 percent in brass and bronze, and 8 percent in other uses. Zinc compounds and dust were used principally by the agriculture, chemical, paint, and rubber industries.

Major co-products of zinc mining and smelting, in order of decreasing tonnage, were lead, sulfuric acid, cadmium, silver, gold and germanium. Zinc is used as protective coating on steel, as die casting, as an alloying metal with copper to make brass and as chemical compounds in rubber and paints; used as sheet zinc and for galvanizing iron; electroplating; metal spraying; automotive parts; electrical fuses; anodes; dry cell batteries; nutrition; chemicals; roof gutter; engravers' plates; cable wrappings; organ pipes and pennies. Zinc oxide used in medicine, paints, in vulcanizing rubber, sun block. Zinc dust used for primers, paints, precipitation of noble metals; removal of impurities from solution in zinc electrowinning. U.S. production is in three states and 13 mines. Leading producers are China, Australia, Peru and the U.S. The U.S. was 72 percent import reliant in 2012.

TIMAH (Sn)

a. Terdapat dalam bijih : Kasiterit (SnO2)

b. Pengolahan : Kasiterit direduksi dengan C, reaksinya :

SnO2 (s) + 2 C(s) Sn(l) + 2 CO(g)

c. Sifat-sifat :

· Timah terdapat dalam 2 bentuk allotropi, yaitu timah putih dan timah abu-abu. Timah putih berwarna putih perak dan dapat ditempa, stabil pada suhu di atas 13,20C jika di bawah suhu tersebut timah putih berubah menjadi timah abu-abu yg berbentuk serbuk (seperti melapuk). Pelapukan ini mula-mula berlangsung lambat. Akan tetapi, begitu terbentuk timah abu-abu maka proses selanjutnya berlangsung cepat karena timah abu-abu yang terbentuk dapat mengkatalisis proses selanjutnya.

· Relatif lunak, tahan karat, dan titik lelehnya rendah

· Memiliki sifat umum logam

· Timah mengalami oksidasi (korosi) pada permukaannya. Lapisan oksida yang terbentuk menutupi seluruh permukaannya sehingga terlindungi dari korosi selanjutnya.

d. Kegunaan :

¨ Melapisi besi (membuat kaleng/tin plate) kemasan berbagai macam produk. Besi yang dilapisi timah ini tidak mengalami korosi selama lapisannya utuh (tidak tergores dan tidak bocor).

¨ Untuk paduan logam (perunggu : paduan Cu, Sn, Zn dan solder : Sn, Pb)

¨ Dalam persenyawaannya, SnCl2 digunakan sebagai pereduksi dalam pembuatan zat warna, SnF2 digunakan dalam pasta gigi yang mengandung fluorin untuk menguatkan gigi karena SnF2 larut dalam air.

Phosphorescent Coating -Transition Metals

ZnS - Zinc Sulfide Zn, S Sulfur, Hemmimorphite, Zincite, Smithsonite, Franklenite

Ag - Silver Ag Ag, Pyrargyrite, Cerargyrite

Cl - Chlorine Cl Halite

Al - Aluminum Al Bauxite

Cu - Copper Cu Chalcopyrite, Boronite, Enargite, cuprite, malachite, azurite, chrysocolla, chalcocite

Au - Gold Au Au

Y2O2S - Yittrium Sulfate Y

Eu - Europium Eu

KF,MgF2):Mn Potasium-Magnesium Fluorite: Manganese K, F, Mg, Mn Alunite, Orthoclase, Nephelite, Leucite, Apophullite; Fluorite, cryolite, vesuvianite, ;lepidolite: Dolomite, magnesite, espomite, spinel, olivine, pyrope, biotite, talc, pyroxenes

(Zn,Cd)S - Zinc Cadmium Sulfide Cd

Zn2SiO4:Mn, As - ZincSilicate, Manganese, Arsenic As Realgar, Orpiment, Niccolite, Cobalite, Arsenopyrite, Tetrahedrite

Gd2O2S:Tb - Gadolinium Sulfate:Tebrium Gd, Tb

Y2SiO12:Ce - Yitrium Silicate: Cerium Ce Monzanite, Orthite

CRT Glass

Pb - Lead Pb Galena, cerussite, anglesite, pyromorphite

SiO2 Si Quartz

Plastic Case, Keyboard

Thermoplastic - Polypropylene, PVC

CaCO2 _additive Ca Calcite, gypsum, apatite, aragonite

TiO2 - White Pigment Ti Rutile, Ilmenite, Titanite

Amonium Polyphosphate P Apetite, Pyromorphite, Wavellite

LCD, Liquid Crystal Display Monitors

Pb - Lead Pb Galena, cerussite, anglesite, pyromorphite

Thin Film Transistors Si Quartz

Ferro Electric Liquid Crystal Fe Hematite

Indium Tin Oxide Sn Cassiterite,

In Sphalerite (Commonly found with Zinc)

Metal Case

Iron Fe Magnetite, Limonite

Flat Screen Plasma Display Monitors

Glass Si Quartz

Pb - Lead Pb Galena, cerussite, anglesite, pyromorphite

ZnS - Zinc Sulfide Zn, S Sulfur, Hemmimorphite, Zincite, Smithsonite, Franklenite

Ag - Silver Ag Ag, Pyrargyrite, Cerargyrite

Cl - Chlorine Cl Halite

Al - Aluminum Al Bauxite

Cu - Copper Cu Chalcopyrite, Boronite, Enargite, cuprite, malachite, azurite, chrysocolla, chalcocite

Au - Gold Au Au

Y2O2S - Yittrium Sulfate Y Euxenite

Eu - Europium Eu Euxenite

KF,MgF2):Mn Potasium-Magnesium Fluorite: Manganese K, F, Mg, Mn Alunite, Orthoclase, Nephelite, Leucite, Apophullite; Fluorite, cryolite, vesuvianite, ;lepidolite: Dolomite, magnesite, espomite, spinel, olivine, pyrope, biotite, talc, pyroxenes

(Zn,Cd)S - Zinc Cadmium Sulfide Cd

Zn2SiO4:Mn, As - ZincSilicate, Manganese, Arsenic As Realgar, Orpiment, Niccolite, Cobalite, Arsenopyrite, Tetrahedrite

Gd2O2S:Tb - Gadolinium Sulfate:Tebrium Gd, Tb

Y2SiO12:Ce - Yitrium Silicate: Cerium Ce Monzanite, Orthite

Printed Circuit Boards, Computer Chips

Silicon Si Quartz

Cu - Copper Cu Chalcopyrite, Boronite, Enargite, cuprite, malachite, azurite, chrysocolla, chalcocite

Au - Gold Au Au

Ag - Silver Ag Ag, Pyrargyrite, Cerargyrite

Tin Sn Cassiterite,

Al - Aluminum Al Bauxite