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Minerals – A general view
Minerals are naturally occurring substances which are formed by a special geological process, which has a characteristic chemical composition of minerals range from pure elements to various complex salts. A true mineral is a substance with a defined chemical composition with crystalline structure. The study of the natural minerals is known as mineralogy.
A naturally occurring mineral is an inorganic solid with a specific crystalline structure. These crystalline structures have a great influence over the minerals physical properties. For instance the diamond and the graphite have the same chemical composition but have different physical properties. For example the graphite is very soft whereas the diamond is very hard. A rock usually has one or more minerals. These minerals are formed when it has some particular combination of chemicals and under certain temperatures and stable conditions.
Minerals such as quartz and mica are abundantly present in rocks. Some other minerals such as epidote, chlorite, augite, olivine, magnetite, hematite, hornblende and limonite are available only in rare places. More than half of the known minerals known are very rare. The internal crystal structure can be determined by a technique of X-ray diffraction even if the mineral grains are very small. The minerals found are often accompanied with rock dust and these can be separated by some special process.
What is the role of minerals in our body?
Certain minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorous are very important for our growth, just like the vitamins. They keep us healthy. These minerals are used by the body build strong bones. They are also used for secreting some hormones. Our body needs two types of minerals namely macro minerals and trace minerals. As the name suggests, the macro minerals are required in larger amounts while the trace minerals are required only in trace amounts. Below are some of the minerals which are available from food.
Calcium is one of the macro mineral which is very important for the growth and strengthening of your bones. It also helps to build strong and healthy teeth. The foods such as salmon, leafy green vegetables, orange juice, cereals and dairy products like milk and cheese are rich in calcium. The next mineral is iron. Iron plays a vital role in transportation of oxygen to the body parts from your lungs. Iron also helps in the formation of haemoglobin. Iron is high in foods such as meat, eggs, grains, dried fruits, vegetables and in beans. Zinc is another mineral which helps you a lot in strengthening and backing up your immune system. It speeds up the healing process. Foods like lamb, pork, beef and legumes are high in zinc. These minerals are very essential and when they are not available for your body it can lead to very serious health problems.