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Home , Mineral, Stibnite

40 Common Minerals and Their Uses

Aluminum Beryllium The most abundant metal element in Earth’s Used in the nuclear and to make light, crust. Aluminum originates as an oxide called but strong alloys used by the aircraft industry. alumina. is the main source of Beryllium are used in fluorescent lamps, aluminum and is imported from Jamaica, Brazil, X-ray tubes and as a deoxidizer in bronze metal- Guinea, Guyana, etc. It’s used in transportation lurgy. It is used in computers, telecommunication (automobiles), packaging, building/construction, and electronics products, aerospace and de- electrical, machinery and other applications. The fense applications, appliances, automotive and U.S. was 52 percent import reliant for aluminum consumer electronics, and medical applications. in 2016. The U.S. was 10 percent import reliant in 2016. A native element, antimony metal is extracted The U.S. consumes about 5 percent of world from stibnite ore and other minerals. It is used chromite ore production in various forms of im- as a hardening alloy for , especially storage ported materials, such as chromite ore, chromite batteries and cable sheaths. It’s also used in chemicals, chromium ferroalloys, chromium bearing metal, type metal, solder, collapsible metal and stainless steel. It’s used as an alloy in tubes and foil, sheet and pipes and semiconduc- stainless and heat resisting steel products. It’s tor technology. Antimony is used as a flame re- also used in chemical and metallurgical indus- tardant, in and in antimony salts, which tries (chrome fixtures, etc.). Superalloys require are used in the rubber, chemical and textile chromium. It is produced in South Africa, Ka- industries, as well as medicine and glassmaking. zakhstan and Russia. The U.S. was 58 percent The U.S. was 83 percent import reliant in 2016. import reliant for chromium in 2016. Barium Clays A heavy metal contained in barite. It’s used as It’s used in floor and wall tile as an absorbent, in a heavy additive in oil well drilling; in the paper , drilling, foundry bonding, and rubber industries; as a filler or extender in in pelletizing, brick, light weight cloth, ink and plastics products; in radiography and cement. Ball clay is used in floor and wall (“barium milkshake”); as a deoxidizer for copper; tile. is used for drilling mud, pet waste a sparkplug in alloys; and in making expensive absorbent, pelletizing and foundry sand white pigments. bond. Kaolin is used for paper coating and filling, refractory products, , paint, rubber and Bauxite catalyst manufacture. Common clay is used in composed of hydrated aluminum oxides. brick, light aggregate and cement. The U.S. was In the U.S., it is primarily converted to alumina. not import reliant in 2016. See “aluminum.” The U.S. was more than 75 percent import reliant on bauxite in 2016.

101 Constitution Avenue N.W. | Suite 500 East | Washington, DC 20001 | 202. 463. 2667 | www.nma.org (fluorspar) It’s used primarily in superalloys for aircraft gas It’s used in production of hydrofluoric , which turbine engines, cemented carbides for cutting is used in the pottery, ceramics, optical, electro- tools and wear-resistant applications, chemi- plating and plastics industries; in the metallurgi- cals (paint dryers, catalysts, magnetic coatings) cal treatment of bauxite; as a flux in open hearth and permanent magnets. The U.S. has cobalt steel furnaces and in metal ; in carbon in Minnesota, , , electrodes; emery wheels; electric arc welders; , Missouri, Montana and Oregon. Cobalt toothpaste; and paint pigment. It is a key ingredi- production comes principally from Congo, , ent in the processing of aluminum and . Canada, Russia, and Zambia. The U.S. The U.S. was 100 percent import reliant in 2016. was 74 percent import reliant in 2016. Gallium Copper Gallium is used in integrated circuits, light-emit- It’s used in building construction; electric and ting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors and solar electronic products (cables and wires, switches, cells. It has a new use in chemotherapy for plumbing, heating); transportation equipment; some types of cancer. Integrated circuits are roofing; chemical and pharmaceutical machin- used in defense applications, high performance ery; and alloys (, bronze and beryllium computers and telecommunications. Opto- alloyed with copper are particularly vibration electronic devices were used in areas such as resistant); alloy castings; electroplated protective aerospace, consumer goods, industrial equip- coatings; and undercoats for , chromium, ment, medical equipment and telecommunica- zinc, etc. More recently, copper is being used tions. Leading sources are China, , UK in medical equipment due to its anti-microbial and Ukraine. The U.S. was 100 percent import properties. The has copper mines reliant in 2016. in Arizona, New , Utah, , Montana and Michigan. Leading producers are Chile, Chi- na, , U.S., Congo and Australia. The U.S. Gold is used in jewelry and arts; dentistry and was 34 percent import reliant in 2016. medicine; medallions and coins; ingots as a store of value; scientific and electronic instru- ments; and as an electrolyte in the electroplat- A rock-forming , it’s industrially import- ing industry. It is mined in Alaska and several ant in glass and ceramic industries; patter and western states. Leading producers are China, enamelware; soaps; bond for wheels; Australia, Russia, U.S. and Canada. The U.S. cements; insulating compositions; fertilizer; was not import reliant in 2016. tarred roofing materials; and as a sizing, or filler, in textiles and paper. In pottery and glass, feld- spar functions as a flux. End uses for feldspar in Processed and used as prefabricated wallboard the U.S. include glass (60 percent) and pottery or an industrial or building plaster; used in ce- and other uses (40 percent). The U.S. was 10 ment ; agriculture and other uses. percent import reliant in 2016. The U.S. was 12 percent import reliant in 2016.

101 Constitution Avenue N.W. | Suite 500 East | Washington, DC 20001 | 202. 463. 2667 | www.nma.org ( chloride ) and electronic applications (TV tubes and glass); It’s used in human and animal , both a sea- construction, communications and protective soning and a preservative. It’s also used to pre- coatings; ballast or weights; ceramics or crystal pare sodium hydroxide, soda , caustic soda, glass; X-ray and gamma radiation shielding; , chlorine, metallic sodium, soundproofing material and ammunition. Indus- ceramic glazes, metallurgy, curing of hides, min- trial type batteries are used as a source of un- eral , soap manufacturing, home interuptible power equipment for computer and softeners, highway de-icing, photography and telecommunications networks and mobile power. in scientific equipment for optical parts. Single Lead is mined mainly in Missouri, but also in crystals used for spectroscopy, and Alaska, Idaho and Washington. The U.S. was 30 infrared transmission. The U.S. was 23 percent percent import reliant in 2016. import reliant for salt in 2016. Lithium Indium Compounds are used in ceramics and glass; Indium oxide is used for electrical conductivi- batteries; lubricating greases; air treatment; ty purposes in flat panel devices most commonly primary aluminum production; lubricants and in liquid crystal displays (LCDs). It is also used greases; rocket propellants; vitamin A synthesis; in solders, alloys, compounds, electrical compo- silver solder; batteries; and medicine. Lithium nents, semiconductors and research. Indium ore batteries have become a substitute for is not recovered from in the U.S. China is nickel- batteries in hand held/portable the leading producer. It is also produced in Ko- electronic devices. There is one brine operation rea, , Canada, and Belgium. The in Nevada. Australia, Chile, Argentina and China U.S. was 100 percent import reliant in 2016. are major producers. The U.S. was more than 50 percent reliant for lithium in 2016. Iron Ore Used to manufacture steels of various types. It’s used in powdered iron, metallurgy products, Ore is essential to iron and steel production. It’s magnets, high-frequency cores, auto parts, also used in the making of manganese ferroal- catalysts. Radioactive iron (iron 59) is used in loys. Construction, machinery and transportation medicine and in biochemical and metallurgical end uses account for most U.S. consumption of research. Iron blue is used in paints, printing manganese. Manganese ore has not been pro- inks, plastics, cosmetics and paper dyeing. duced in the U.S. since 1970. Major producers Black iron oxide is used as pigment, polishing are South Africa, China, Australia, Gabon and compounds, metallurgy, medicine and magnetic Brazil. The U.S. was 100 percent import reliant inks. Most U.S. production is in Michigan and in 2016. Minnesota. Australia, China, Brazil and Russia are the major producers. The U.S. was not im- port reliant in 2016. Lead It’s used in lead-acid batteries, tanks, solders and seals or bearings. It’s also used in electrical

101 Constitution Avenue N.W. | Suite 500 East | Washington, DC 20001 | 202. 463. 2667 | www.nma.org Metals (PGMs) Mica commonly occurs as flakes, scales or PGMs includes platinum, palladium, , shreds. Ground mica is used in paints, iridium, osmium and ruthenium. They common- cement, dusting agents, oil well-drilling ly occur together in nature and are among the and plastics, roofing, rubber and welding rods. scarcest of the metallic elements. Platinum is Sheet mica is fabricated into parts for electronic used principally in catalysts for the control of and electronic equipment. China and Russia are automobile and industrial emissions, jew- leading producers. The U.S. was 100 percent elry, catalysts to produce , organic chem- import reliant in 2016. icals and pharmaceuticals. PGMs are found in bushings for making glass used in -re- inforced plastic and other advanced materials, It’s used in alloy steels to make automotive electrical contacts, capacitors, conductive parts, construction equipment, gas transmission and resistive films used in electronic circuits pipes, stainless steels, tool steels, cast , and dental alloys used for making crowns and super alloys and chemicals and lubricants. As a bridges. South Africa, Russia, U.S., Zimbabwe pure metal, molybdenum is used because of its and Canada are major producers. The U.S. was high melting temperature (4,730 F) as filament more than 45 percent import reliant for most supports in light bulbs, metalworking dies and PGMs in 2016. furnace parts. Major producers are China, Chile, U.S. and Peru. The U.S. was not import reliant Phosphate Rock in 2016. It’s used to produce phosphoric acid for ammo- niated phosphate fertilizers, feed additives for Nickel livestock, elemental , and a variety Vital as an alloy to stainless steel, it plays a key of phosphate chemicals for industrial and home role in the chemical and aerospace industries. consumption. U.S. production occurs in Florida, End uses are transportation, fabricated metal North Carolina, Idaho and Utah. The U.S. is a products, electrical equipment, petroleum and major producer. It was 3 percent import reliant in chemical industries, household appliances and 2016. industrial machinery. Major producers are the Philippines, Canada, Russia, Australia and New Potash Caledonia. The U.S. was 25 percent import It’s a of . It’s used as a reliant in 2016. fertilizer, in medicine, in the . It also can produce decorative color effects on Perlite brass, bronze and nickel. The leading producers Expanded perlite is used in building construc- are Canada, Russia and Belarus. The U.S. was tion products like roof insulation boards and as 90 percent import reliant in 2016. fillers. It’s also used for horticulture aggregate and filter aids. It’s produced in New Mexico and other western states and processed in more It’s used in the manufacture of , sulfuric than 20 states. Leading producers are Turkey, acid and sulfur dioxide. Pellets of pressed pyrite Greece, U.S., Japan and Hungary. The U.S. was are used to recover iron, gold, copper, 19 percent import reliant in 2016. cobalt and nickel. It’s also used to make inex- pensive jewelry.

101 Constitution Avenue N.W. | Suite 500 East | Washington, DC 20001 | 202. 463. 2667 | www.nma.org (Silica) China is the leading producer. The U.S. was 38 As a crystal, quartz is used as a semiprecious percent reliant on metal in 2016. . Crystalline varieties include ame- thyst, citrine, rose quartz, , etc. Silver Cryptocrystalline forms include , , It’s used in coins and medals, electrical and , etc. Because of its piezoelectric proper- electronic devices, industrial applications, jew- ties, quartz is used for pressure gauges, oscil- elry, silverware and photography. The physical lators, resonators and wave stabilizes. Because properties of silver include ductility, electronics of its ability to rotate the plane of conductivity, malleability and reflectivity. It’s used of light and its transparency in ultraviolet rays, in lining vats and other equipment for chemical it’s used in heat-ray lamps, prism and spectro- reaction vessels, water distillation, in the manu- graphic lenses. It’s also used in manufacturing facture of ethylene, mirrors, silver plating, table glass, paints, , refractory materials and cutlery, dental, medical and scientific equipment, precision instruments. bearing metal, magnet windings, brazing alloys and solder. It’s also used in catalytic converters, Rare Earth Elements (Rare Earth El- cell phone covers, electronics, circuit boards, ements (lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, bandages for wound care and batteries. Silver is neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, produced in the U.S. at more than 30 base and gadolinium, , , holmium, erbi- precious metal mines primarily in Alaska and um, and lutetium) Nevada. The leading global producers include They are used mainly in petroleum fluid crack- Mexico, Peru, China, Chile and Australia. The ing catalysts, metallurgical additives and al- U.S. was 67 percent reliant in 2016. loys, glass polishing and ceramics, permanent magnets and phosphors. It is estimated that 40 Sodium Carbonate (soda ash or ) pounds of rare earths are used in a hybrid car Used in glass container manufacture; in fiber- for rechargeable battery, permanent magnet mo- glass and specialty glass; also used in produc- tor and regenerative braking systems. The U.S. tion of flat glass; in liquid detergents; in medi- no longer produces rare earth (bastnasite). More cine; as a additive; photography; cleaning than 80 percent of global production is in China. and boiler compounds; pH control of water. Most The U.S. was import reliant for 100 percent of its U.S. production comes from Wyoming. The U.S. rare earth metals in 2016. is a major producer and was not import reliant in 2016. Silica Aluminum and aluminum alloy producers and Sulfur the chemical industry are major users of silicon It’s used in the manufacture of sulfuric acid, metal. Silica is also used in manufacture of fertilizers, petroleum refining and metal . computer chips, glass and refractory materials, Elemental sulphur and byproduct sulfuric acid ceramics, abrasives, water filtration systems, were produced in more than 100 operations in component of hydraulic cements, filler in cos- 27 states. The U.S., China, Russia and Canada metics, pharmaceutical, paper, insecticides, are major producers. The U.S. was 9 percent anti-caking agents in , flatting agents in import reliant in 2016. paints, thermal insulators, and photovoltaic cells.

101 Constitution Avenue N.W. | Suite 500 East | Washington, DC 20001 | 202. 463. 2667 | www.nma.org sten was consumed to make heavy Tantalum is a refractory metal with unique alloys for applications requiring high , electrical, chemical and physical properties used including electrodes, filaments, wires, and other to produce electronic components, including components for electrical, electronic, heating, tantalum capacitors (found in auto electron- lighting, and welding applications. It can also ics, pagers, personal computers and portable be found in steels, superalloys, wear-resistant telephones). High-purity tantalum metals can be alloys and chemicals for various applications. found in products ranging from weapon systems China is by far the leading producer. Vietnam, to superconductors, high-speed tools, catalysts, Russia, Bolivia, Austria and Spain also produce sutures and body implants, electronic circuitry tungsten. The U.S. produces very little. It was and thin-film components. It’s used in optical more than 25 percent import reliant in 2016. glass and electroplating devices. Leading pro- ducers are Congo, Rwanda, Brazil and China. Uranium The U.S. was 100 percent reliant in 2016. Nearly 20 percent of U.S. electricity is produced using uranium in nuclear generation. It is also used for nuclear medicine, atomic dating, pow- Titanium mineral concentrates are used primarily ering nuclear submarines and other uses in the by pigment producers. A small U.S. defense system. The U.S. received about amount is used in welding rod coatings and for 80 percent of its uranium from other countries in manufacturing carbides, chemicals and metals. 2016. It is produced in Florida, Georgia and Virginia. Leading producing countries are South Africa, China, Australia, Mozembique and Canada. The Vanadium’s metallurgical use is primarily as an U.S. was 91 percent reliant in 2016. alloying agent for iron and steel - accounting for about 94 percent of domestic vanadium con- Titanium and titanium dioxide are used in aero- sumption. Of the other uses for vanadium, the space applications (i.e., engines, airframes major non-metallurgical use is in catalysts for and space and missile applications). It is also the production of maleic anhydride and sulfuric used in armor, chemical processing, marine, acid. China, Russia and South Africa are large medical, power generation, sporting goods and producers. The U.S. was 100 percent reliant in other non-aerospace applications. Titanium 2016. sponge metal was produced in three operations in Nevada and Utah. The leading global produc- ers are China, Japan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Zeolites are used in animal feed, cat litter, Ukraine. cement, aquaculture (fish hatcheries for remov- ing ammonia from the water), water softener Tungsten and purification, catalysts, odor control and for More than half of the tungsten consumed in the removing radioactive from nuclear plant U.S. was used in cemented carbide parts for effluent. The U.S. was not import reliant in 2016. cutting and wear-resistant materials - primarily in the construction, metalworking, mining, and oil- and gas-drilling industries. The remaining tung-

101 Constitution Avenue N.W. | Suite 500 East | Washington, DC 20001 | 202. 463. 2667 | www.nma.org Zinc Of the total zinc consumed in the U.S., most was used in galvanizing. Other primary uses included brass, bronze and zinc-based alloys. Zinc compounds and dust were used principally by the agriculture, chemical, paint, and rubber industries.

Major co-products of zinc mining and smelt- ing, in order of decreasing tonnage, were lead, sulfuric acid, cadmium, silver, gold and germani- um. Zinc is used as protective coating on steel, as die casting, as an alloying metal with copper to make brass and as chemical compounds in rubber and paints. It’s also used as sheet zinc and for galvanizing iron; electroplating; metal spraying; automotive parts; electrical fuses; anodes; dry cell batteries; ; chemicals; roof gutter; engravers’ plates; cable wrappings; organ pipes; and pennies. Zinc oxide is used in medicine, paints, vulcanized rubber and sun block. Zinc dust can be used for primers, paints, precipitation of noble metals and removal of impurities from in zinc electrowinning. U.S. production is in five states and 12 mines. Leading producers are China, Australia, Peru, the U.S. and India. The U.S. was 82 percent import reliant in 2016.

Sources: The U.S. , Facts About Minerals (National Mining Association); Mineral Infor- mation Institute; the Information Administration

11/2017

101 Constitution Avenue N.W. | Suite 500 East | Washington, DC 20001 | 202. 463. 2667 | www.nma.org