Definition of non-metallic minerals

Rocks, minerals, and select naturally occurring and synthetic materials of economic value, exclusive of fuel and metallic ore minerals. The select materials include peat, mineral-derived materials such as lime and cement, and synthetic versions of gemstones, abrasives, graphite, and calcite. Generally, non-metallic minerals undergo no chemical or mineralogical alteration for and in their end-uses; are low-price, high-volume commodities such as construction materials; are higher-priced and large-volume commodities that are raw materials in the chemical and agricultural industry; and very high price but very low volume materials such as gemstones. A characteristic of non-metallic minerals is that, in most cases, they maintain their form and physical properties through processing to final end use.

See Also: industrial minerals

Ref: AGI, Indust. Miner.