Metallic minerals are minerals that contain one or more metals in their raw form. They are usually found in igneous and metamorphic rock formations. Metallic minerals are the main sources of metals and provide a strong base for the development of the metallurgical industry. They exhibit a metallic shine or luster in their appearance. Some examples of metallic minerals include:
- Iron and steel minerals: Magnetite, hematite, goethite, limonite, siderite
- Aluminum minerals: gibbsite, boehmite, diaspore
- Copper minerals
- Silver
- Bauxite
- Manganese
- Gold
When metallic minerals are melted, a new product is formed. Metallic minerals are further classified into two types: ferrous minerals and non-ferrous minerals. Ferrous minerals are those minerals that exhibit magnetic characteristics due to the presence of iron in the form of hydroxides, carbonates, or sulfides. Hematite, magnetite, and manganese are examples of ferrous minerals. Ores of metallic minerals are located generally in igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks.
