Minerals are classified in several ways. Geologists classify minerals according to their chemical composition and crystalline structure. Some minerals consist of only one element, while others of two or more elements. Generally, minerals can be classified into two categories— metallic and non-metallic. Metallic minerals are subdivided into ferrous and non-ferrous.

Iron ore, manganese ore, chromite, pyrite, tungsten, nickel and cobalt are included in ferrous minerals. Some non-ferrous metals are gold, silver, copper, lead, bauxite, tin and magnesium.

Limestone, nitrate, potash, dolomite, mica, gypsum, coal and petroleum are some more examples of non-metallic minerals.

1. Metallic Minerals.

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2. Non-Metallic Minerals.