Chapter 25, Problem 4TE

What two mineral groups provide the most of the ore that society needs?

To determine

The two mineral groups that provide the most of ore that society needs.

Answer to Problem 4TE

The two mineral groups are silicates and non-silicates.

Explanation of Solution

The Silicates cover around $90\%$ of the Earth’s crust and have a great bond with oxygen such that it is never found as a pure element and form Silica (SiO2). The silicates are further divided as ferromagnesian (rich in Fe or Mg) and non-ferromagnesian (less in Fe or Mg).

The most commonly found mineral is Feldspar: a non-ferromagnesian (rich in Al, Na, K or Ca, + Si and O₂) and Quartz (SiO₂). Non- Silicates comprise of $8\%$ of the Earth’s crust by mass.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the two mineral groups are silicates and non-silicates.