Last updated on February 14th, 2023 at 02:37 pm
Minerals are those in which individual crystals are composed of unit cells or basic unit layers of two or more types. Minerals function as regulators of metabolic activities in the body. An element that combines with a variety of other elements to make various minerals but out of them, only a few are viable sources of that metal. Such sources are called ores.
The Difference Between Mineral and Ore is that metals that occur naturally in the earth’s crust are called minerals whereas, Minerals that can profitably be used to get the metal are called ores. Another significant Difference Between Ore and Mineral is that Ore always contains a good percentage of metal while Minerals may or may not contain a good percentage of metals.
Table of Contents
Difference Between Mineral and Ore:
The answer to What is the Difference Between a Mineral and an Ore is elaborated in a tabular column for the readers to understand easily.
| Mineral | Ore |
|---|---|
| Minerals have definite crystalline structure | Ore does not have a definite crystalline structure |
| These are found in nature, as well. They are solids with a certain chemical makeup. | These are found in nature. They are uniform solids out of which metals may be obtained cheaply. |
| All the naturally occurring substances that are present in the earth’s crust are known as Minerals | Ores are usually used to extract metals economically. A large number of ores are present. |
| Minerals are native forms in which metals exist. | Ores are mineral deposits. |
| All minerals are not ores | All ores are minerals. |
Difference Between Mineral and Ore with Example includes Clay is the mineral of Aluminium and Bauxite and Cryolite are the ores of Aluminium.
Minerals
Minerals are solid substances found in nature but are not alive. The atoms which make up a mineral are fitted together to form a crystal. The chemical composition that is the kinds of atoms in a given kind of crystal is the same for every crystal of that kind although impurities or matter that is not part of the crystal may be included. Gold, diamond, rock salt and the graphite used to make the “lead” in pencils are examples of minerals.
Classification Of Minerals
There are two types of minerals. They are
- Metallic Minerals
- Non-metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals serve as a potential source of metal and exhibit luster in their appearance. They consist of metals in their chemical composition. Metallic Minerals can be extracted through mining. They are further classified into
- Ferrous Minerals
- Non-ferrous Minerals
Non-Metallic Minerals
Non-metallic minerals are minerals which either show a non-metallic luster or shine in their appearance. Extractable metals are not present in their chemical composition. Limestone, gypsum, and mica are examples of non-metallic minerals.
Ores
Ore is mined from the earth and then treated or refined, usually by smelting, to extract valuable metals or minerals. An ore’s grade relates to the concentration of the desired minerals.Ore mainly comprises silt or natural rock that is made up of one or more precious minerals, usually metals.
Ore Concentration
Ores are broken and ground initially, followed by the removal of matrices from the fine ore. This is referred to as ore concentration. Based on the composition of ore, it can be done in a variety of ways. It is usually done using one of four methods:
- Method of Froth Floatation
- Method of Leaching
- Separation by gravity
- Separation by Electromagnetism
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Difference Between Mineral and Ore
Let’s Write the Difference Between Ore and Mineral here
- Ores contain a good quantity of metals that can be profitably mined whereas minerals are naturally occurring metals or their compounds.
- Ores contain impurities that can be used and all ores are minerals. Minerals may contain impurities that can not be used and all minerals may not be ores.
Take a look at the Difference Between Mineral and Ore in Chemistry
Mineral
- Minerals contain low percentage of metal
- Metal cannot be extracted easily from minerals.
- Clay is the mineral of Aluminium.
Ore
- Ore contain a large percentage of metal
- Ores can be used for the extraction of metals on a large scale readily and economically.
- Bauxite is the ore of Aluminium.
Difference Between Mineral and Ore: FAQs
Minerals are solid substances which are found in nature but are not alive.
Minerals have definite crystalline structure whereas, Ore do not have a definite crystalline structure.
Method of Froth Floatation, method of leaching, separation by gravity and separation by electromagnetism are the methods of Ore Concentration.
Clay is the mineral of Aluminium.
Minerals are classified as Metallic minerals and Non-Metallic minerals.
