what is non metallic minerals

Non-metallic minerals are minerals that do not contain any metal substances in them. They lack metallic characteristics like good electric and thermic conductivity. When metallic minerals are melted, a new product is formed, but in the case of non-metallic minerals, you don’t get any new product after such a process. Non-metallic minerals are often found embedded in young fold mountains and sedimentary rocks. Some examples of non-metallic minerals include building materials such as stone, clay, and sand, salt deposits, natural gemstones, mineral deposits with essential chemicals and fertilizers, among others. Non-metallic industrial minerals are geologic materials that are mined for their commercial value but are not fuel and are not sources of metals. Non-metallic minerals use primarily coal, natural gas, and petroleum coke as energy sources for heat and as electricity for conveyors. The construction industry is the largest user of non-metallic mineral products, accounting for nearly 1.2 trillion dollars’ worth of material in 2014.