industrial minerals

Industrial minerals are natural minerals extracted from Earth's crust that are used in manufacturing and construction rather than as sources of metals. They include materials like quartz, clay, limestone, and gypsum. These minerals are vital for producing products such as glass, ceramics, cement, paint, and plastics. They are valued for their specific physical and chemical properties, which make them essential raw materials in various industrial processes. Unlike energy minerals or metal ores, industrial minerals typically do not undergo extensive processing before being used in their final applications.