Minerals are elements and compounds obtained from the earth’s crust. They occur naturally and possess different physical and chemical properties. These properties give them their functions. Therefore, a mineral is applied in a field that its properties are favored. A majority of these minerals are needed by the body for normal metabolism. However, some are also used economically and other chemically. For instance, some are used to make weapons.
1. Lithium
Lithium is a reactive silvery metal. It is light, however, it is alloyed with other elements to make it sturdier. Lithium is used in batteries, laptops, mobile phones, vehicles, etc. in fact; the demand for lithium keeps growing as it uses double day by night.
2. Platinum
Platinum is widely used for medicine-related fields. For example, it is used for making heart pacemakers. Also, platinum is used in making medical apparatus and gadgets. In telecommunications, platinum is used to make fiber optics.
3. Copper
Copper is used in every electrical appliance. It is also used majorly in the wiring of cars, buildings, etc. it is also applied in making domestic cooking materials such as saucepans.
4. Iron
Iron, like other elements, has many uses, although, it is used mainly for making railway tracks and for reinforcing constructions and buildings. Iron is strong and lasts for extended periods; making it ideal for these purposes.
5. Gold
Gold is a precious metal that is used in almost every service and construction industry in modern times. Gold is used in dentistry, medicine-treatment of cancer, making currencies, as a store of value and wealth, electronics, jewelry, etc. Due to its popularity, gold is becoming very pricy.
6. Silver
Silver is strong and tough. Also, it is a good conductor of both heat and electricity. These prop[ertiues make silver an ideal metal in the production of electrical components. Furthermore, silver does not rust. Hence it is used in the production of kitchen components such as plates and spoons.
7. Zinc
Zinc is used in the body for nutrition purposes. It is also used in making metal alloys such as tin and brass. Furthermore, copper is used in the manufacture of batteries. Zinc is anti-rust. Therefore, it is used in roofing and making ship bodies as a coat. It is used in casting and making die claddings as well.
8. Potassium
Potassium is a reactive element. It is used in the manufacture of fertilizers. Also, the metal is used in the production of weapons aside from it being used in the body for transportation of nerve impulses.
9. Cobalt
Cobalt is used to make powerful magnets. It is used as an alloy with aluminum for electrical vehicle production and innovation.
10. Aluminum
This one of the most widely used minerals with unlimited applications. It can be folded, cut, and sliced. It also can withstand high temperatures. This makes aluminum ideal for the production of iron sheets, doors, windows, cooking equipment, construction of electrical cables, wiring, making planes and jets, etc.
The bottom line
There are hundreds of minerals in existence. This list does not exhaust all of them. Therefore, it captures only a few which are common in shaping human existence.
