Uses of minerals native elements part-1

Prof. A. BalasubramanianProf. A. Balasubramanian
Centre for Advanced Studies in EarthCentre for Advanced Studies in Earth
ScienceScience
University of Mysore, IndiaUniversity of Mysore, India
Minerals and Their UsesMinerals and Their Uses
Part-IPart-I

LithosphereLithosphere
 Is a unique sphere of the earthIs a unique sphere of the earth
 It is the sphere of solid rocks andIt is the sphere of solid rocks and
mineralsminerals

 Lithosphere contains a wide variety ofLithosphere contains a wide variety of
natural resources likenatural resources like
 water,water,
 minerals,minerals,
 chemical elements,chemical elements,
 biochemical compounds,biochemical compounds,
 geochemical species,geochemical species,
 hydrochemical species,hydrochemical species,
 oil,oil,
 rocks and many more chemicals for all liferocks and many more chemicals for all life
to use.to use.

 Minerals occupy the prime position inMinerals occupy the prime position in
lithosphere, especially in the outerlithosphere, especially in the outer
layer of the earth, i.e. the crust.layer of the earth, i.e. the crust.
 Earth’s crust contain more number ofEarth’s crust contain more number of
elements that have been discovered soelements that have been discovered so
far.far.
 Among those, there are some elementsAmong those, there are some elements
which are seen in appreciablewhich are seen in appreciable
quantities.quantities.
 A few of them occupy the entire core ofA few of them occupy the entire core of
the earth also.the earth also.

MineralsMinerals
 Minerals are naturally occurringMinerals are naturally occurring
elements or compounds.elements or compounds.
 They have a definite chemicalThey have a definite chemical
composition and a characteristiccomposition and a characteristic
crystal form.crystal form.
 Every mineral has its own physicalEvery mineral has its own physical
properties and chemicalproperties and chemical
composition.composition.

Natural resourcesNatural resources
 Minerals are valuable naturalMinerals are valuable natural
resourcesresources
 Most of them are used in industriesMost of them are used in industries
due to their unique physicaldue to their unique physical
properties, optical properties andproperties, optical properties and
chemical composition.chemical composition.

World of MineralsWorld of Minerals
 About 3000 typical minerals are found inAbout 3000 typical minerals are found in
nature.nature.
 Many of them occur in varieties of rockMany of them occur in varieties of rock
types, structures, dimensions and shapes.types, structures, dimensions and shapes.
 They are all occurring as a part of theThey are all occurring as a part of the
lithospheric rocks and their structures.lithospheric rocks and their structures.

Composition of MineralsComposition of Minerals
 Minerals may be composed of a singleMinerals may be composed of a single
element, like gold (Au) or a combination ofelement, like gold (Au) or a combination of
elements.elements.
 Minerals composed of more than oneMinerals composed of more than one
element are bound together by electricalelement are bound together by electrical
bonding.bonding.

Eight Major Mineral GroupsEight Major Mineral Groups
 Minerals are organized, mainly according to theirMinerals are organized, mainly according to their
chemistry.chemistry.
The common mineral groups are:The common mineral groups are:
1.1. Native ElementsNative Elements
2.2. Oxides ( of Silicon, semi-metals, metals and IntermediateOxides ( of Silicon, semi-metals, metals and Intermediate
oxides)oxides)
3.3. Sulphides, Selenides, Tellurides, Arsenides & AntimonidesSulphides, Selenides, Tellurides, Arsenides & Antimonides
4.4. Haloids-chlorides, bromides, iodides & FluoridesHaloids-chlorides, bromides, iodides & Fluorides
5.5. Oxygen salts- ( Carbonates, Nitrates , Borates ,Oxygen salts- ( Carbonates, Nitrates , Borates ,
Phosphates, Arsenates, Vanadates , Sulfates,Phosphates, Arsenates, Vanadates , Sulfates,
Chromates, Tellurates, Borates, Uranates, Tungstates &Chromates, Tellurates, Borates, Uranates, Tungstates &
Molybdates )Molybdates )
6.6. SilicatesSilicates
7.7. Mineraloids &Mineraloids &
8.8. Organics- Hydrocarbons.Organics- Hydrocarbons.

Sub-classes of Native ElementsSub-classes of Native Elements
There are four sub-classes in thisThere are four sub-classes in this
group:group:
A.A. Native metalsNative metals
B.B. Metallic alloysMetallic alloys
C.C.Non-metals andNon-metals and
D.D.Semi-metals.Semi-metals.

Native ElementsNative Elements
 Native elements, as the name implies,Native elements, as the name implies,
are minerals containing individual orare minerals containing individual or
combined chemical elements.combined chemical elements.
 This group contains a large number ofThis group contains a large number of
minerals that are composed of more thanminerals that are composed of more than
one element.one element.
 Hence, they are further classified intoHence, they are further classified into
sub-classes.sub-classes.

Native ElementsNative Elements
 The Elements group of minerals includeThe Elements group of minerals include
more than one hundred known minerals.more than one hundred known minerals.
 This is a diverse class when taken as aThis is a diverse class when taken as a
whole. Most of this diversity is due to thewhole. Most of this diversity is due to the
diversity of the Non-metals Subclass.diversity of the Non-metals Subclass.

Metals subclassMetals subclass
 The Metals Subclass and metal alloysThe Metals Subclass and metal alloys
contains metals whose properties arecontains metals whose properties are
similar due to their common characterssimilar due to their common characters
of crystallization and bonding.of crystallization and bonding.
 The greatest difference in the metals isThe greatest difference in the metals is
the color.the color.
 The non-metals are extremely diverse.The non-metals are extremely diverse.
 The non-metals include some elementsThe non-metals include some elements
which considered as semi-metals.which considered as semi-metals.

Metal alloysMetal alloys
 MetalMetal alloysalloys are combinations of different metals inare combinations of different metals in
one mineral.one mineral.
 All native metals never occur in their pure forms. Most ofAll native metals never occur in their pure forms. Most of
them are impure.them are impure.
 However, they are consistent in their composition.However, they are consistent in their composition.
 Alloys are also composed of semi-metals. These areAlloys are also composed of semi-metals. These are
further classified asfurther classified as sulfides, Selenides,sulfides, Selenides, thethe
Tellurides,Tellurides, thethe AntimonidesAntimonides and theand the Arsenides.Arsenides.
 The main difference between elementalThe main difference between elemental alloysalloys andand
these semi-metal alloys is the presence of covalentthese semi-metal alloys is the presence of covalent
bonding in these minerals as opposed to the strictlybonding in these minerals as opposed to the strictly
metallic bonding in pure metals and their metal alloys.metallic bonding in pure metals and their metal alloys.

 The most difficult to classify are theThe most difficult to classify are the
metal/non-metalmetal/non-metal mineralmineral
combinations.combinations.
 These minerals, which combineThese minerals, which combine
metals such as iron with the verymetals such as iron with the very
nonnon-metallic elements of carbon,-metallic elements of carbon,
nitrogen, phosphorous and silicon arenitrogen, phosphorous and silicon are
quite unique and quite rare.quite unique and quite rare.

1. Native Elements1. Native Elements

Native MetalsNative Metals
Include the most common elements likeInclude the most common elements like
1)1) AluminumAluminum AlAl
2)2) CadmiumCadmium CdCd
3)3) ChromiumChromium CrCr
4)4) CopperCopper CuCu
5)5) GoldGold AuAu
6)6) IndiumIndium InIn
Contd..

Native MetalsNative Metals (Contd.)(Contd.)
7)7) IridiumIridium (Ir, Os, Ru)(Ir, Os, Ru)
8)8) IronIron FeFe
9)9) LeadLead PbPb
10)10) MercuryMercury HgHg
11)11) NickelNickel NiNi
12)12) PalladiumPalladium PdPd
13)13) PlatinumPlatinum PtPt
Contd..

Native MetalsNative Metals ( Contd..)( Contd..)
14)14) RhodiumRhodium (Rh, Pt)(Rh, Pt)
15)15) SilverSilver AgAg
16)16) TelluriumTellurium TeTe
17)17) TinTin SnSn
18)18) TitaniumTitanium TiTi
19)19) ZincZinc ZnZn
About 19 native metals

Metals are unique elementsMetals are unique elements
Perfect fundamental characters likePerfect fundamental characters like
 Malleability, ductility, metallic luster andMalleability, ductility, metallic luster and
conductivity for heat and electricity.conductivity for heat and electricity.
 Positive or basic compounds.Positive or basic compounds.

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

CadmiumCadmium CdCd
 Cadmium is a very soft, silvery-white metallicCadmium is a very soft, silvery-white metallic
element.element.
 Cadmium is used in plating and alloying,Cadmium is used in plating and alloying,
pigments, plastics, and batteries.pigments, plastics, and batteries.
 Cadmium is obtained from the ore mineralsCadmium is obtained from the ore minerals
Sphalerite (Zn,Cd)S and Greenockite (CdS)Sphalerite (Zn,Cd)S and Greenockite (CdS)
 It is so soft that it can be cut with a knife.It is so soft that it can be cut with a knife.
 Cadmium has many chemical similarities to zinc,Cadmium has many chemical similarities to zinc,
but is less reactive with acids than is zinc.but is less reactive with acids than is zinc.

 The single most important use of cadmium is inThe single most important use of cadmium is in
the production of nickel-cadmium ("Ni-Cad")the production of nickel-cadmium ("Ni-Cad")
batteries.batteries.
 Nickel-cadmium batteries are rechargeable andNickel-cadmium batteries are rechargeable and
have found wide use in cellular phones, hand-have found wide use in cellular phones, hand-
held cordless power tools, cameras, portableheld cordless power tools, cameras, portable
computers, and a wide variety of householdcomputers, and a wide variety of household
products.products.
 Cadmium sulfide (also calledCadmium sulfide (also called cadmium yellowcadmium yellow) is) is
used as a paint pigment. It is also used inused as a paint pigment. It is also used in
solders & green phosphor of TV tubes.solders & green phosphor of TV tubes.
 Cadmium is used to make low-temperatureCadmium is used to make low-temperature
melting alloys.melting alloys.

ChromiumChromium CrCr
 Chromium is a hard, bluish metallic element (Cr).Chromium is a hard, bluish metallic element (Cr).
 Chromium is obtained from the ore mineralChromium is obtained from the ore mineral
Chromite (Mg,Fe)(Cr,Al,Fe)Chromite (Mg,Fe)(Cr,Al,Fe)22OO44
 The mineral, crocoite (PbCrOThe mineral, crocoite (PbCrO44, lead chromate), is, lead chromate), is
a variety known as “red lead” because of thea variety known as “red lead” because of the
beautiful orange-red color.beautiful orange-red color.
 Chromium is used in the production of stainlessChromium is used in the production of stainless
and heat-resistant steel, full-alloy steel, superand heat-resistant steel, full-alloy steel, super
alloys and other alloys.alloys and other alloys.

Copper CuCopper Cu
 Copper is a reddish metal that can beCopper is a reddish metal that can be
easily molded or shaped. It is an essentialeasily molded or shaped. It is an essential
element for all living things.element for all living things.
 It does not degrade. It occurs naturally inIt does not degrade. It occurs naturally in
rocks, soil, water, sediments, plants androcks, soil, water, sediments, plants and
animals.animals.
 It is present normally in 50 mg/kg of theIt is present normally in 50 mg/kg of the
earth’s crust.earth’s crust.

CopperCopper CuCu
 Copper compounds are used in treating plantCopper compounds are used in treating plant
diseases, eliminate algae from water, and as adiseases, eliminate algae from water, and as a
preservative for wood, leather and fabrics.preservative for wood, leather and fabrics.
 Copper is used in electric cables and wires,Copper is used in electric cables and wires,
switches, plumbing; heating, electrical, andswitches, plumbing; heating, electrical, and
roofing materials; electronic components;roofing materials; electronic components;
industrial machinery and equipment;industrial machinery and equipment;
transportation; consumer and general products;transportation; consumer and general products;
coins; and also in jewelry.coins; and also in jewelry.

GoldGold AuAu
 One of the most widely known elements in theOne of the most widely known elements in the
world is gold. A highly valued and respectedworld is gold. A highly valued and respected
metal in human civilization.metal in human civilization.
 Gold is used in dentistry and medicine, jewelryGold is used in dentistry and medicine, jewelry
and arts, medallions and coins, and in ingots.and arts, medallions and coins, and in ingots.
 It is also used for scientific and electronicIt is also used for scientific and electronic
instruments, computer circuitry, as an electrolyteinstruments, computer circuitry, as an electrolyte
in the electroplating industry, and in manyin the electroplating industry, and in many
applications for the aerospace industry.applications for the aerospace industry.

Gold AuGold Au
 Gold is the heaviest metal known - six to sevenGold is the heaviest metal known - six to seven
times heavier than its nearest competitor.times heavier than its nearest competitor.
 Gold can be hammered so thin that sunlight canGold can be hammered so thin that sunlight can
shine through it - so thin that a pile of 200,000shine through it - so thin that a pile of 200,000
separate sheets would be only an inch high.separate sheets would be only an inch high.
 A single ounce of gold can be drawn into a wireA single ounce of gold can be drawn into a wire
60 miles long60 miles long

GoldGold
 Most of the gold that is used in theMost of the gold that is used in the
production of jewelry.production of jewelry.
 About 10% is used in coinage or in theAbout 10% is used in coinage or in the
financial stores of governments.financial stores of governments.
 The remaining 12% is consumed in a wideThe remaining 12% is consumed in a wide
range of other uses which includerange of other uses which include
electronics, medicine, dentistry,electronics, medicine, dentistry,
computers, awards, pigments, guilding,computers, awards, pigments, guilding,
and optics.and optics.

GoldGold
 Gold is used to treat rheumatoid arthritisGold is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis
victims with a success rate of about 70%.victims with a success rate of about 70%.
 Gold is used in window glass and the faceGold is used in window glass and the face
plates in the helmets of astronauts toplates in the helmets of astronauts to
deflect dangerous infrared radiation.deflect dangerous infrared radiation.
 Gold is inactive chemically.Gold is inactive chemically.
 It is not affected by air, heat, moisture orIt is not affected by air, heat, moisture or
ordinary solvents.ordinary solvents.

IndiumIndium InIn
 Indium is a soft, silver-white metallic element.Indium is a soft, silver-white metallic element.
Indium was named afterIndium was named after indigoindigo, a significant, a significant
color line in its atomic spectrum.color line in its atomic spectrum.
 Indium was discovered in 1863.Indium was discovered in 1863.
 Indium is very stable in both air and water; itIndium is very stable in both air and water; it
does react with some acids.does react with some acids.
 It forms only a very few rare minerals, such asIt forms only a very few rare minerals, such as
indite, which is never abundant enough to beindite, which is never abundant enough to be
considered as an ore of indium.considered as an ore of indium.

IndiumIndium
 Indium has the unusual physical propertyIndium has the unusual physical property
that when it is bent (that is, when it isthat when it is bent (that is, when it is
stressed) it creates a sound similar instressed) it creates a sound similar in
pitch to a scream.pitch to a scream.
 Indium is not necessary for any biologicalIndium is not necessary for any biological
purpose.purpose.
 It has been found that small amounts ofIt has been found that small amounts of
indium can cause an increase inindium can cause an increase in
metabolic rate.metabolic rate.

 Indium is used to make what are calledIndium is used to make what are called thin filmthin film
coatingscoatings which are used to make suchwhich are used to make such
electronic devices as liquid crystal displayselectronic devices as liquid crystal displays
(LCDs).(LCDs).
 The compound indium-tin oxide (ITO) is used toThe compound indium-tin oxide (ITO) is used to
make LCDs and this is the largest use ofmake LCDs and this is the largest use of
indium, accounting for 50% of its annualindium, accounting for 50% of its annual
consumption.consumption.
 Indium, as indium phosphide, is used to makeIndium, as indium phosphide, is used to make
photovoltaic devices (devices that transformphotovoltaic devices (devices that transform
light energy into electricity), semi-conductors,light energy into electricity), semi-conductors,
high-speed transistors, specialized solders andhigh-speed transistors, specialized solders and
metal alloys.metal alloys.
 Indium alloys have been used in control rodsIndium alloys have been used in control rods
for nuclear reactors.for nuclear reactors.

IronIron
 Iron is a metallic element composing aboutIron is a metallic element composing about
5 % of the earth’s crust.5 % of the earth’s crust.
 When pure, it is dark, silver-grey metal.When pure, it is dark, silver-grey metal.
 It is a reactive element and oxidizes veryIt is a reactive element and oxidizes very
easily.easily.
 Iron is one of the three major naturallyIron is one of the three major naturally
occurring metal.occurring metal.
 The other two are cobalt and nickel.The other two are cobalt and nickel.

IronIron FeFe
 Iron ore is used to manufacture steels ofIron ore is used to manufacture steels of
various types and other metallurgicalvarious types and other metallurgical
products, such as magnets, auto parts,products, such as magnets, auto parts,
and catalysts.and catalysts.
 The Earth's crust contains about 5% iron.The Earth's crust contains about 5% iron.
 Iron is the fourth most abundant elementIron is the fourth most abundant element
in the crust.in the crust.

IronIron
 Iron is used mainly for making steel.Iron is used mainly for making steel.
 The principal ores of iron areThe principal ores of iron are
 Hematite, and Magnetite.Hematite, and Magnetite.
 It is used in metallurgy products, magnets,It is used in metallurgy products, magnets,
auto-parts and as catalyst.auto-parts and as catalyst.
 Iron is essential to animal life andIron is essential to animal life and
necessary for the health of plants.necessary for the health of plants.

LeadLead PbPb
 Lead is a very heavy element. It is a soft,Lead is a very heavy element. It is a soft,
blue-grey metallic element. The symbol Pbblue-grey metallic element. The symbol Pb
comes from the Latin word Plumbumcomes from the Latin word Plumbum
means used for plumbing.means used for plumbing.
 Galena is the ore for lead.Galena is the ore for lead.
 Lead is used to safely store radioactiveLead is used to safely store radioactive
materials because it absorbs radiationmaterials because it absorbs radiation
from the radioactive isotopes.from the radioactive isotopes.

LeadLead PbPb
 In ancient times, water pipes were madeIn ancient times, water pipes were made
using lead.using lead.
 Lead is used in batteries, construction,Lead is used in batteries, construction,
ammunition, television tubes, nuclearammunition, television tubes, nuclear
shielding, ceramics, weights, and tubes orshielding, ceramics, weights, and tubes or
containers.containers.
 The United States is largest producer,The United States is largest producer,
consumer, and recycler of lead metal.consumer, and recycler of lead metal.

Mercury HgMercury Hg
 Mercury is the only common metal liquid atMercury is the only common metal liquid at
ordinary temperature.ordinary temperature.
 Mercury is a silvery white metal. It is aMercury is a silvery white metal. It is a
poor conductor of heat as compared withpoor conductor of heat as compared with
other metals. It is a fair conductor ofother metals. It is a fair conductor of
electricity.electricity.
 It easily forms alloys with many metals andIt easily forms alloys with many metals and
form amalgams.form amalgams.

MercuryMercury HgHg
 Mercury is extracted from the mineralMercury is extracted from the mineral
cinnabar and is used in electrical products,cinnabar and is used in electrical products,
electrolytic production of chlorine andelectrolytic production of chlorine and
caustic soda, paint, and industrial andcaustic soda, paint, and industrial and
control instruments (thermometers andcontrol instruments (thermometers and
thermostats).thermostats).
 It is used for making flasks, thermometers,It is used for making flasks, thermometers,
barometers, diffusion pumps and manybarometers, diffusion pumps and many
other instruments.other instruments.

MercuryMercury
 It is used in making mercury vapor lampsIt is used in making mercury vapor lamps
and advertisement sign boards.and advertisement sign boards.
 Mercury is also used making pesticidesMercury is also used making pesticides
and mercury switches and other electronicand mercury switches and other electronic
instruments.instruments.
 It is used for making mercury cells forIt is used for making mercury cells for
caustic soda and chlorine production,caustic soda and chlorine production,
dentistry and in anti-fouling paints.dentistry and in anti-fouling paints.

NickelNickel NiNi
 Nickel is a silvery-shiny metallic element.Nickel is a silvery-shiny metallic element.
 It can be hammered into thin sheets.It can be hammered into thin sheets.
 Nickel, iron and cobalt are the only threeNickel, iron and cobalt are the only three
elements known to be Ferro-magnetic. Ofelements known to be Ferro-magnetic. Of
these, nickel is least magnetic.these, nickel is least magnetic.
 It was discovered in 1751 at Sweden.It was discovered in 1751 at Sweden.
 It was named after the mineral name ofIt was named after the mineral name of
Niccolite.Niccolite.

NickelNickel NiNi
 Nickel is vital as an alloy to stainless steel,Nickel is vital as an alloy to stainless steel,
and it plays a key roll in the chemical andand it plays a key roll in the chemical and
aerospace industries.aerospace industries.
 Leading producers are Canada, Norway,Leading producers are Canada, Norway,
and Russia.and Russia.
 It is used in making nonferrous alloys, andIt is used in making nonferrous alloys, and
as a coating on other metals to resistas a coating on other metals to resist
corrosion.corrosion.

NickelNickel
 It is used in the production of coins,It is used in the production of coins,
batteries, and as catalysts for certainbatteries, and as catalysts for certain
chemical reactions.chemical reactions.
 Nickel is added to glass to give a greenNickel is added to glass to give a green
color.color.
 Nickel is involved in the transmission ofNickel is involved in the transmission of
genetic code- DNA, RNA, etc.genetic code- DNA, RNA, etc.

Platinum Group of Metals(PGM)Platinum Group of Metals(PGM)
 PGM's include platinum, palladium, rhodium,PGM's include platinum, palladium, rhodium,
iridium, osmium, and ruthenium.iridium, osmium, and ruthenium.
 These elements commonly occur together inThese elements commonly occur together in
nature and are among the scarcest of thenature and are among the scarcest of the
metallic elements.metallic elements.
 Platinum is a silver-grey metal.Platinum is a silver-grey metal.
 It is among the rarest elements in the earth’sIt is among the rarest elements in the earth’s
crust.crust.

PlatinumPlatinum
 As a mineral it occurs in dark silicate rocksAs a mineral it occurs in dark silicate rocks
with minerals containing iron andwith minerals containing iron and
magnesium.magnesium.
 It is both metallic, malleable and ductile.It is both metallic, malleable and ductile.
 It was first discovered in Spain in 1735.It was first discovered in Spain in 1735.
 Because it is silver-grey in color, it wasBecause it is silver-grey in color, it was
named after the Spanish word for silver,named after the Spanish word for silver,
Plata.Plata.

PlatinumPlatinum
 Geologically, platinum is found in thinGeologically, platinum is found in thin
layers of metal ores called sulphides.layers of metal ores called sulphides.
 It is also recovered through recycling.It is also recovered through recycling.
 Platinum is used principally in catalyticPlatinum is used principally in catalytic
converters for the control of automobileconverters for the control of automobile
and industrial plant emissions.and industrial plant emissions.

PlatinumPlatinum PtPt
 Is used in jewelry;Is used in jewelry;
 It is also used in catalysts to produceIt is also used in catalysts to produce
acids, organic chemicals andacids, organic chemicals and
pharmaceuticals.pharmaceuticals.
 Platinum plays a role in dental alloys andPlatinum plays a role in dental alloys and
used for making crowns and bridges.used for making crowns and bridges.

PalladiumPalladium PdPd
 Palladium is a steel-white metal. It does notPalladium is a steel-white metal. It does not
tarsnish in air. It is the least dense and has thetarsnish in air. It is the least dense and has the
lowest melting point than Platinum.lowest melting point than Platinum.
 It is easily attacked by nitric and sulfuric acids.It is easily attacked by nitric and sulfuric acids.
 It absorbs 900 times its volume of hydrogenIt absorbs 900 times its volume of hydrogen
forming Pd2H.forming Pd2H.
 Palladium is a good catalyst.Palladium is a good catalyst.
 It is mainly used in hydrogenation andIt is mainly used in hydrogenation and
dehydrogenation reactions.dehydrogenation reactions.

PalladiumPalladium
 White gold is an alloy of gold decolorizedWhite gold is an alloy of gold decolorized
by the addition of Palladium.by the addition of Palladium.
 Palladium can be beaten into very thinPalladium can be beaten into very thin
leaves.leaves.
 It is also used in dentistry, watch-making,It is also used in dentistry, watch-making,
and also in making surgical instruments.and also in making surgical instruments.

RhodiumRhodium (Rh, Pt)(Rh, Pt)
 Rhodium was discovered in 1803 from aRhodium was discovered in 1803 from a
crude platinum ore from South America.crude platinum ore from South America.
 It is a silvery white metal and under redIt is a silvery white metal and under red
hot conditions it changes slowly intohot conditions it changes slowly into
resquioxide in air. And at higherresquioxide in air. And at higher
temperature, it converts back to thetemperature, it converts back to the
element. It has a higher melting pointelement. It has a higher melting point
and lower density than platinum. It isand lower density than platinum. It is
highly reflective, hard and durable.highly reflective, hard and durable.

RhodiumRhodium
 It is an alloying agent to harden PlatinumIt is an alloying agent to harden Platinum
and Palladium.and Palladium.
 It is used in furnace windings, thermo-It is used in furnace windings, thermo-
coupling elements, glass fibre production,coupling elements, glass fibre production,
electrodes for aircraft spark plugs, andelectrodes for aircraft spark plugs, and
laboratory crucibles.laboratory crucibles.
 It is also used in jewlery, for decorationIt is also used in jewlery, for decoration
and as a catalyst.and as a catalyst.

IridiumIridium (Ir, Os, Ru)(Ir, Os, Ru)
 Iridium is the chemical element with atomic number 77,Iridium is the chemical element with atomic number 77,
and is represented by the symbol Ir.and is represented by the symbol Ir.
 It is a very hard, brittle, silvery-white transition metal of theIt is a very hard, brittle, silvery-white transition metal of the
platinum family.platinum family.
 Iridium is the second-densest element (after osmium).Iridium is the second-densest element (after osmium).
 It is the most corrosion-resistant metal, even atIt is the most corrosion-resistant metal, even at
temperatures as high as 2000 °C.temperatures as high as 2000 °C.
 Iridium was discovered in 1803 among insolubleIridium was discovered in 1803 among insoluble
impurities in natural platinum.impurities in natural platinum.
 It was named after the goddess Iris for her personificationIt was named after the goddess Iris for her personification
of the rainbow.of the rainbow.

 Iridium is one of the least abundant elements inIridium is one of the least abundant elements in
the Earth's crust, having an average massthe Earth's crust, having an average mass
fraction of 0.001 ppm in crustal rock.fraction of 0.001 ppm in crustal rock.
 Iridium is found in nature as an uncombinedIridium is found in nature as an uncombined
element or in natural alloys; especially theelement or in natural alloys; especially the
iridium–osmium alloys, osmiridium (osmiumiridium–osmium alloys, osmiridium (osmium
rich), and iridiosmium (iridium rich).rich), and iridiosmium (iridium rich).
 Within the Earth's crust, iridium is found atWithin the Earth's crust, iridium is found at
highest concentrations in three types of geologichighest concentrations in three types of geologic
structure: igneous deposits (crustal intrusionsstructure: igneous deposits (crustal intrusions
from below), impact craters, and depositsfrom below), impact craters, and deposits
reworked from one of the former structures.reworked from one of the former structures.

 Iridium has many industrial and medical applications.Iridium has many industrial and medical applications.
 The Corrosion and heat resistance makes iridium anThe Corrosion and heat resistance makes iridium an
important alloying agent.important alloying agent.
 Devices that must withstand extremely highDevices that must withstand extremely high
temperatures are often made from iridium. For example,temperatures are often made from iridium. For example,
high-temperature crucibles are made of iridium.high-temperature crucibles are made of iridium.
 Iridium compounds are used as catalysts in the CativaIridium compounds are used as catalysts in the Cativa
process for carbonylation of methanol to produce aceticprocess for carbonylation of methanol to produce acetic
acid.acid.
 The pigmentThe pigment iridium blackiridium black, which consists of very finely, which consists of very finely
divided iridium, is used for painting porcelain with andivided iridium, is used for painting porcelain with an
intense black color.intense black color.

 Iridium–osmium alloys were used to tipIridium–osmium alloys were used to tip
fountain pen nibs.fountain pen nibs.
 The first major use of iridium was in 1834The first major use of iridium was in 1834
in nibs mounted on gold.in nibs mounted on gold.
 Since 1944, the famous Parker 51Since 1944, the famous Parker 51
fountain pen was fitted with a nib tipped byfountain pen was fitted with a nib tipped by
a ruthenium and iridium alloy (with 3.8%a ruthenium and iridium alloy (with 3.8%
iridium).iridium).
 An iridium–platinum alloy was used for theAn iridium–platinum alloy was used for the
touch holes or vent pieces of cannon.touch holes or vent pieces of cannon.

SilverSilver AgAg
 Silver has been known and used sinceSilver has been known and used since
ancient times. It was used as currency.ancient times. It was used as currency.
 It is highly priced metal due to its beautyIt is highly priced metal due to its beauty
and usefulness. It is soft and malleable.and usefulness. It is soft and malleable.
 It has a bright metallic luster. In nature itIt has a bright metallic luster. In nature it
occurs as thin sheets and long wires.occurs as thin sheets and long wires.
 The ore mineral of silver is Argentite,The ore mineral of silver is Argentite,
which is a silver sulphide.which is a silver sulphide.

SilverSilver AgAg
 Used in photography and jewelry.Used in photography and jewelry.
 It is used in electronics, because of itsIt is used in electronics, because of its
very high conductivity.very high conductivity.
 It was used as a currency - generally inIt was used as a currency - generally in
some form of an alloy,some form of an alloy,
 in lining vats and other equipment forin lining vats and other equipment for
chemical reaction vessels and waterchemical reaction vessels and water
distillation units.distillation units.

Silver is also used as aSilver is also used as a
 catalyst in manufacture of ethylene,catalyst in manufacture of ethylene,
mirrors, electric conductors, batteries,mirrors, electric conductors, batteries,
silver plating, table cutlery, dental,silver plating, table cutlery, dental,
medical, and scientific equipment,medical, and scientific equipment,
electrical contacts, bearing metal, magnetelectrical contacts, bearing metal, magnet
windings, brazing alloys, solder.windings, brazing alloys, solder.
 Silver is mined in approximately 56Silver is mined in approximately 56
countriescountries

TelluriumTellurium TeTe
 Tellurium is a metallic, silvery-whiteTellurium is a metallic, silvery-white
element.element.
 Some even describe its appearance asSome even describe its appearance as
"very metallic.""very metallic."
 It was discovered in 1783 by Baron FranzIt was discovered in 1783 by Baron Franz
Joseph of Romania.Joseph of Romania.

TelluriumTellurium
 Tellurium is very brittle and easilyTellurium is very brittle and easily
pulverized.pulverized.
 It does not react with air or water.It does not react with air or water.
 As a commodity, tellurium is used inAs a commodity, tellurium is used in
industry as pure tellurium metal, telluriumindustry as pure tellurium metal, tellurium
dioxide (TeOdioxide (TeO22), and alloyed (that is, mixed)), and alloyed (that is, mixed)
with other metals.with other metals.

TelluriumTellurium
 Tellurium has no known benefit toTellurium has no known benefit to
humans.humans.
 It does have a strange effect on humans,It does have a strange effect on humans,
though.though.
 When tellurium is ingested, even in veryWhen tellurium is ingested, even in very
small amounts, it causes very bad, garlic-small amounts, it causes very bad, garlic-
smelling breath and body odor.smelling breath and body odor.

TelluriumTellurium
 Tellurium is added to selenium-basedTellurium is added to selenium-based
photoreceptors to broaden the spectralphotoreceptors to broaden the spectral
range of copiers.range of copiers.
 Tellurium is also used in other electronicTellurium is also used in other electronic
applications, and in the production ofapplications, and in the production of
blasting caps for explosives.blasting caps for explosives.

TelluriumTellurium
 There are a very small number of telluriumThere are a very small number of tellurium
minerals occurring on earth.minerals occurring on earth.
 It combines with oxygen to form tellurite,It combines with oxygen to form tellurite,
and with gold and silver to form sylvaniteand with gold and silver to form sylvanite
(Au,Ag)Te(Au,Ag)Te22..
 The most common gold telluride mineral isThe most common gold telluride mineral is
called calaverite(AuTecalled calaverite(AuTe22).).

TinTin SnSn
 Tin is a soft, silvery white metal with aTin is a soft, silvery white metal with a
highly crystalline structure.highly crystalline structure.
 It is highly malleable and ductile.It is highly malleable and ductile.
 When a bar of tin is bent, a crackingWhen a bar of tin is bent, a cracking
sound is emitted, which is caused by thesound is emitted, which is caused by the
friction of tin crystals.friction of tin crystals.
 Tin exists in nature as ten stable isotopes.Tin exists in nature as ten stable isotopes.

TinTin SnSn
 The principal ore of tin is cassiterite.The principal ore of tin is cassiterite.
 Tin is used in the manufacture of cans andTin is used in the manufacture of cans and
containers, electrical equipment, andcontainers, electrical equipment, and
chemicals.chemicals.
 The major uses were as follows:The major uses were as follows:
 electrical, 28%; cans and containers, 19%;electrical, 28%; cans and containers, 19%;
construction, 13%; transportation, 12%;construction, 13%; transportation, 12%;
and other, 28%.and other, 28%.

TitaniumTitanium TiTi
 Titanium is a strong lightweight metal often usedTitanium is a strong lightweight metal often used
in airplanes.in airplanes.
 When titanium combines with oxygen, it formsWhen titanium combines with oxygen, it forms
titanium dioxide (TiO2), a brilliant white pigmenttitanium dioxide (TiO2), a brilliant white pigment
used in paint, paper, and plastics.used in paint, paper, and plastics.
 Major deposits of titanium minerals are found inMajor deposits of titanium minerals are found in
Australia, Canada, India, Norway, South Africa,Australia, Canada, India, Norway, South Africa,
Ukraine, and the United States.Ukraine, and the United States.

ZincZinc ZnZn
 Zinc is a blue-grey metallic element.Zinc is a blue-grey metallic element.
 At room temperature it is brittle and at 100At room temperature it is brittle and at 100
deg.C it becomes malleable.deg.C it becomes malleable.
 It is a moderately good conductor ofIt is a moderately good conductor of
electricity.electricity.
 It is resistant to corrosion in air or water.It is resistant to corrosion in air or water.
 It is recovered from a number of minerals.It is recovered from a number of minerals.

Uses of ZincUses of Zinc
 Zinc is non-reactive in air and water.Zinc is non-reactive in air and water.
 It is applied in thin layers to iron and steelIt is applied in thin layers to iron and steel
products that need to be protected fromproducts that need to be protected from
rusting.rusting.
 As an alloying metal with copper, it is usedAs an alloying metal with copper, it is used
to make brass, andto make brass, and

ZincZinc ZnZn
 Zinc is used as chemical compounds inZinc is used as chemical compounds in
rubber and paints.rubber and paints.
 Zinc is used as sheet zinc and forZinc is used as sheet zinc and for
galvanizing iron, electroplating, metalgalvanizing iron, electroplating, metal
spraying, automotive parts, electricalspraying, automotive parts, electrical
fuses, anodes, dry cell batteries and asfuses, anodes, dry cell batteries and as
fungicides.fungicides.

Zinc is also used inZinc is also used in
 chemicals, roof gutters, engravers' plates,chemicals, roof gutters, engravers' plates,
cable wrappings, organ pipes, in mints,cable wrappings, organ pipes, in mints,
 as sacrificial anodes used to protect shipas sacrificial anodes used to protect ship
hulls from galvanic action,hulls from galvanic action,
 in catalysts, in fluxes, in phosphors, andin catalysts, in fluxes, in phosphors, and
 in additives to lubricating oils and greases.in additives to lubricating oils and greases.

Zinc oxideZinc oxide
 Is used in medicine, in paints, as anIs used in medicine, in paints, as an
activator and accelerator in vulcanizingactivator and accelerator in vulcanizing
rubber, as an electrostatic andrubber, as an electrostatic and
photoconductive agent in photocopying.photoconductive agent in photocopying.

B. Metals and their alloysB. Metals and their alloys
 The Metals and their alloys and theThe Metals and their alloys and the
Nonmetals belong to this group.Nonmetals belong to this group.
 Metal alloys are minerals that areMetal alloys are minerals that are
composed of combinations ofcomposed of combinations of
different metals in one mineral.different metals in one mineral.

C. NON-METALSC. NON-METALS
 Like sulphur, carbon, siliconLike sulphur, carbon, silicon
 Are solids, brittle, often transparent toAre solids, brittle, often transparent to
light-radiation, are poor conductors forlight-radiation, are poor conductors for
heat and electricity.heat and electricity.
 They play the negative or acid part in aThey play the negative or acid part in a
simple compound.simple compound.

D. SEMI-METALSD. SEMI-METALS
 Are also called as metalloidsAre also called as metalloids
 Which have physical characteristics ofWhich have physical characteristics of
metals to a lesser degree ( eg. More ormetals to a lesser degree ( eg. More or
less brittle type)less brittle type)

THANK YOUTHANK YOU
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Uses of minerals native elements part-1

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