MINERAL RESOURCES

Mineral Occurrence-concentration of mineral that is considered valuable by someone somewhere of

that of scientific or technical interest.
Mineral Deposit-mineral occurrence of sufficient size and grade or concentration to enable extraction
under the most favorable conditions.
Ore Deposit-mineral deposit that has been tested and known to be sufficient size, grade and accessibility
to be mined at a profit.
MINERAL RESOURCES-a volume of rock enriched in one or more useful materials.
Two Major Categories
1. Metallic Resource
ex: Gold, Silver, Tin, Copper, Lead, Zinc, Iron, Nickel, Chromium, and Aluminum.
2. Nonmetallic Resources-
ex: sand, gravel, gypsum, halite, Uranium, dimension stone.
How do mineral deposits occur?
-Two cycles determine how mineral deposits are formed
Rock Cycle
-the geologic process involved in the rock cycle play major role in the accumulation and
concentration of valuable elements/ minerals.
-the composition, temperature, pressure and cooling process of the molten material determine not
only the rock type formed but also the minerals it contain.
-Igneous Rocks contain original or primary minerals. Sedimentary Rocks from secondary
minerals.
Aggregate- rock or mineral material used as filler in cement, asphalt, plaster, and other materials.
Ore-naturally-occurring material from which a minerals of economic value can be extracted.
Plate Tectonics- mineral deposits that are formed in one place can be transported to another geographic
location as a result of tectonic forces.