Minerals are used in our everyday life
See how many minerals which make up the common household items (listed below) you know.
- Carpet
- Plumbing fixtures
- Fireplaces
- Nails and screws
- Driveway and foundation
- Insulation
- Solder copper pipes and wiring
- Toothpaste
- Baby powder
- Plant fertilizers
Answers
- Carpet contains calcium carbonate and limestone
- Plumbing fixtures contain copper, zinc, nickel, chrome, clay, iron
- Fireplaces contain stone brick, iron
- Nails and screws are made from iron and zinc
- Driveway and foundation contain limestone, clay, shale gypsum, aggregate
- Insulation contains silica, feldspar, vermiculite
- Solder copper pipes and wiring are made from lead or tin
- Toothpaste contains calcium carbonate, limestone, sodium carbonate and fluorine
- Baby powder contains talc
- Plant fertilizers contain potash, phosphate, nitrogen, sulphur
The Missouri Geological Survey determines the availability, quantity and quality of metallic and industrial minerals of the state as well as provides technical assistance and geologic information to those who are developing, marketing, managing or regulating the state’s mineral resources. We also maintain production and value records for minerals and energy commodities produced in the state; compile and maintain databases containing information about drill logs, described sections, mineral prospects, abandoned underground mines, geologic mapping and active mineral producers. Additionally, we maintain a repository of nearly 3,000 drill core containing nearly 3 million feet of core; and conduct programs to improve the public’s understanding of the geologic and mineral resources of the state and to increase the public’s appreciation of geology and mining to our society. Visit our webpage about industrial minerals for additional information.
Stop by our Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology to see our collection of minerals, rocks and fossils. We are open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for self-guided tours. We are located at 111 Fairgrounds Road in Rolla, Missouri. Admission is free. –Joe
