Minerals play an important role in forming rocks and shaping the Earth's surface. They are also important to human wealth and welfare. The document outlines the timeline of how the value and uses of various minerals have changed over time. It details how minerals like talc, gypsum, fluorite and quartz are used in everyday products. Metals like copper, iron, and steel are used widely in infrastructure and manufacturing. Other minerals like sulfur are used in matches, medicine, and fertilizer. The concluding section asks students how they can help conserve and preserve natural mineral sources.

1. Minerals play an important role in
forming rocks and shaping Earth’s
surface. When humans began
making tools out of iron great
progress was made in advancing
the world through industries
Minerals are important to human
wealth and welfare:

2. Below is a timeline showing how the value and uses of
minerals have changed over time .

4. MINERALS AND
THEIR USES

5. talc is used in powders
and make-up

6. gypsum is used in drywall
or sheetrock

7. fluorite is used in toothpaste

8. quartz (found in sand) is
used in making glass

9. Copper is used in electrical
wiring, jewelry and coins

10. Halite is used to deice roads, and to
season/preserve food

11. Calcite is used in tums to help acid
indigestion and in cement

12. Pyrite: ore of iron, is also
known as “fool’s gold”
Magnetite: iron ore
Hematite: an ore of iron
and the red pigment used
for color
Most automobiles, machine tools, the hulls of
large ships, building parts and machine parts
are made out of iron.
Steel is made by combining IRON with other
metals. Stainless steel is used in building parts,
cooking pots and pans, cutlery and surgical
equipment. It is also used in aircraft and
automobiles

13. Sulfur is also an ore: match heads, fireworks, medicine,
gunpowder and fertilizer.
Sulfur is used to vulcanize
rubber.
Vulcanization makes rubber
tougher. It ensures that rubber
maintains its shape.
Car tires, shoe soles, water/
air hoses and ice hockey
pucks are all made from
vulcanized rubber

14. Magnetite & hematite: are magnetic
Calcite & Fluorite: fluorescence
Talc & Graphite: feels greasy

15. Metallic minerals like gold, silver & copper: are easily shaped

16. Activity 4
Upon knowing the value of minerals
in our everyday life, as a student how
can you help in conserving and
preserving the natural sources of
these minerals? (for example, graphite
is a mineral found in pencil).
Explain your answers through a poem,
a slogan, a poster or a song.