Common Nonsilicate Mineral Groups

Mineral Group Example Mineral Picture How People Use Them

Oxides Hematite (Fe2O3)
(Magnetite is another type of oxide!)
Click for full size Ore of iron
Sulfides Pyrite (FeS2) Click for full size Known as fool’s gold
Sulfates Gypsum (CaSO4 (+2H2O)) Click for full size Used to make plaster
Halides Halite (NaCl) Click for full size Table salt
Carbonates Calcite (CaCO3) Click for full size Used to make cement
Native Elements Sulfur (S) Click for full size An ingredient of drugs and chemicals

* Click on images above for full size.

Last modified June 12, 2003 by Lisa Gardiner.

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Hematite

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Pyrite

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