Which of the following substances qualifies as a non-metallic mineral?
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Answer: C. Gypsum
Explanation
Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, lacking metallic properties. Mineralogists classify it as a non-metallic mineral due to its chemical composition and physical characteristics. It can be easily scratched with a fingernail, demonstrating the typical softness of many non-metallic minerals. Metallic minerals like iron, copper, and bauxite possess metallic luster and conduct heat and electricity well. Gypsum deposits form through the evaporation of ancient saline bodies of water in sedimentary basins. Manganese, magnesium, and bauxite are all valuable metallic mineral resources mined for industrial metal extraction.
Gypsum is widely pulverized and used in the construction industry to manufacture drywall, plaster, and cement. Agricultural lime and gypsum amendments help improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients to crops. Differentiating metallic and non-metallic minerals is essential for geological exploration and mining operations. Manganese is a hard metallic transition element used primarily in steel production rather than a non-metallic mineral. Magnesium is a light alkaline earth metal mined for structural alloys and chemical applications. Bauxite is the primary aluminum ore and represents a metallic mineral rather than a sulfate like gypsum.
- Subject
- Everyday Science
- Category
- Everyday Science
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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