NCERT · Class 10 · Social Science · Geography: Minerals and Energy ResourcesDifferentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous minerals. Give two examples of each.

Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances with a definite chemical composition. Metallic minerals are broadly classified into ferrous and non-ferrous minerals based on their iron content:

1. Ferrous Minerals:

   • These are metallic minerals that contain iron content in their chemical composition.
   • They form the backbone of the metallurgical industries and account for about three-fourths of the total value of the production of metallic minerals in India.
   • Examples: Iron ore, Manganese, Nickel, and Cobalt.

2. Non-Ferrous Minerals:

   • These are metallic minerals that do not contain iron content.
   • They play a vital and indispensable role in various industries such as electrical, metallurgical, engineering, and die-casting industries.
   • Examples: Copper, Bauxite, Lead, Zinc, and Gold. \nIn conclusion, while ferrous minerals are essential for heavy steel manufacturing, non-ferrous minerals provide properties like resistance to corrosion and high electrical conductivity.