Question

Answer the following question in one or two paragraphs

Describe the importance of minerals.

Answer 1

Minerals play an important role in our daily lives. A number of things of our daily use such as doorknobs, latches, window grills, utensils, etc. are made of minerals. Iron and its alloy, steel, is used in making bridges, buildings, and wide range of machines and tools, which have made our life simpler and easier. Copper wires are used in our electrical and electronic gadgets. Copper tools and utensils are also widely used. Gold and silver are used in making our jewellery. Aluminium extracted from bauxite is used to make aeroplanes, our fastest means of transport. Mica is used in electrical goods and limestone is used as the cement in constructing houses and buildings.
Coal, petroleum and natural gases are important energy or power resources. Coal is used for various purposes like cooking, heating and producing electricity, and in various industries. Once petroleum is refined, we obtain different products such as petrol, diesel, kerosene, cooking gas, etc. Vehicles such as cars, trucks, trains, etc. run on petrol and diesel. Kerosene is used for cooking and other purposes. Products such as plastics and cosmetics are also made from petroleum. Natural gas is used as a fuel in cars, buses, etc. and hence are important for the agricultural sector as well.