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Antimony
Used as a flame retardant, hardening alloy for
lead, especially storage batteries and cable sheaths; also used in
bearing metal, type metal, solder; collapsible tubes and foil, and
semiconductor technology.
For more Info:
http://www.mii.org/commonminerals.html#Ant
Bismuth
The majority of bismuth is consumed in bismuth
alloys, and in pharmaceuticals and chemicals. The remainder is used in
ceramics, paints, catalysts, and a variety of minor applications.
For more Info:
http://www.mii.org/Minerals/photobis.html
Cadmium
About three quarters of the cadmium consumed annually is used to make
nickel-cadmium ("Ni-Cad") batteries. They are rechargeable and have
found wide use in cellular phones, hand-held cordless power tools,
cameras, portable computers, and a wide variety of household products.
These applications account for the majority of the Ni-Cad batteries
produced. The remaining represents batteries used for emergency power
supplies in hospital rooms, for emergency lights, telephone exchanges,
etc. Cadmium is useful in a small number of other applications. Cadmium
sulfide (also called cadmium yellow) is used as a paint pigment. Cadmium
is used to make low-temperature melting alloys, such as solder and
Wood’s Metal for indoor sprinkler systems. The latter is an alloy of
50%Bi, 25%Pb, 12.5% Sn, and 12.5%Cd which melts at about 71 degrees
Celsius, the temperature of a very hot shower. Cadmium compounds are
used both in black and white and color television tubes. It is used as a
stabilizing compound in plastics.
For more Info:
http://www.mii.org/Minerals/photocad.html
Cesium (Cs20)
Cesium and cesium compounds have a number of
interesting uses and applications. They are used as catalysts in
chemical reactions. Because it is easily ionized by light, metallic
cesium is used in photoelectric cells and infrared detectors. (An
element that is ionized is transformed from a neutrally charged element
into an electrically charged ion.) Cesium compounds are used in
specialized alkaline batteries that are designed to work in subzero
climates. Cesium carbonate is used in the production of special glass
and glass products. The most accurate clock in the world, the "atomic
clock," measures time based on the very precise vibration of the
electrons in the outer shell of the cesium atom. This clock is accurate
within 5 seconds every 300 years! Cesium-137 is radioactive and may be
used for radiation therapy to treat certain cancers. Space travel
engineers have discovered that burning cesium in space is a very
efficient form of fuel that is determined 140 times more efficient than
any other fuel.
For more Info:
http://www.mii.org/Minerals/photocesium.html
Cobalt
Cobalt is used in superalloys for
jet engines, chemicals (paint driers, catalysts, magnetic coatings,
pigments, rechargeable batteries), magnets, and cemented carbides for
cutting tools.
For more Info:
http://www.mii.org/commonminerals.html#Ant
Columbium (niobium)
Columbium, in the form of ferrocolumbium, is used
mostly as an additive in steel making and in superalloys for such
applications as heat-resisting and combustion equipment, jet engine
components, and rocket subassemblies; in cemented carbides; and in
superconductors.
For more Info:
http://www.mii.org/commonminerals.html#Ant
Copper
Some of the most common and widespread applications
are in electrical transmissions, water pipes, castings and heat
exchangers. World wide over two thirds of copper is used in wire and
cable. Copper is the best non-precious metal conductor of electricity.
For more Info:
www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/scho-ecol/main_e.htm
www.icsg.org/factbook/copper_world/properties_uses.htm
Gold
Gold is mostly used in jewelry, coins and ornamentation , but is also
used in electronics, dentistry, and the aerospace industry.
For more Info:
www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/scho-ecol/main_e.htm
Ilmenite
Ilmenite supplies about 90% of the world’s demand for titanium minerals.
These minerals are used to produce titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment,
titanium metal and welding rod coatings. Approximately 95% of titanium
is consumed in the form of titanium dioxide (TiO2), a white pigment in
paints, paper, and plastics. TiO2 pigment is characterized by its
purity, refractive index, particle size, and surface properties. The
titanium oxide pigment is processed into a non-toxic white pigment for
use in the paints, plastics, paper, ink, textile and ceramics
industries. Titanium metal is used as a strong, lightweight, corrosion
resistant metal for aircraft and spacecraft bodies.
For more Info:
http://www.ga.gov.au/education/minerals/ilmenite.html
Indium
Indium is used to make thin film coatings which are used to make such
electronic devices as liquid crystal displays (LCDs). The compound
indium-tin oxide (ITO) is used to make LCDs and this is the largest use
of indium, accounting for 50% of annual consumption. Indium, as indium
phosphide, is used to make photovoltaic devices (devices that transform
light energy into electricity), semi-conductors, high-speed transistors,
specialized solders and metal alloys. Indium alloys have been used in
control rods for nuclear reactors.
For more Info:
http://www.mii.org/Minerals/photoindium.html
Iron Ore
Iron ore is used
in the manufacture of steel.
For more Info:
www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/scho-ecol/main_e.htm
Lead
The single largest use
for lead is in the manufacture of lead-acid batteries. Lead is still
used as a protective sheathing for underground and underwater cables.
Certain lead compounds are used as paint pigments.
For more Info:
www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/scho-ecol/main_e.htm
Lithium (Li20)
Lithium compounds are used in ceramics and glass; in primary aluminum
production; in the manufacture of lubricants and greases; rocket
propellants; vitamin A synthesis; silver solders; underwater buoyancy
devices, and batteries.
For more Info:
http://www.mii.org/commonminerals.html
Magnesium
Uses include flashlight
photography, flares, and pyrotechnics, including incendiary bombs. It is
one third lighter than aluminum, and in alloys is essential for airplane
and missile construction. The metal improves the mechanical,
fabrication, and welding characteristics of aluminum when used as an
alloying agent. Magnesium is used in producing nodular graphite in cast
iron, and is used as an additive to conventional propellants. It is also
used as a reducing agent in the production of pure uranium and other
metals from their salts. The hydroxide (milk of magnesia), chloride,
sulfate (Epsom salts), and citrate are used in medicine. Dead-burned
magnesite is employed for refractory purposes such as brick and liners
in furnaces and converters.
For more Info:
http://pearl1.lanl.gov/periodic/elements/12.html
Molybdenum
The two largest uses of molybdenum are as an alloy
in stainless steels and in alloy steels. Stainless steels have the
strength and corrosion-resistant requirements for water distribution
systems, food handling equipment, chemical processing equipment, home,
hospital, and laboratory requirements. Alloy steels arestronger and
tougher steels needed to make automotive parts, construction equipment,
and gas transmission pipes. Other major uses as an alloy include: tool
steels, bearings, dies, machining components; cast irons, for steel mill
rolls, auto parts, crusher parts; super alloys for use in furnace parts,
gas turbine parts, and chemical processing equipment. Molybdenum is also
used in the chemicals and lubricant industries. Molybdenum has uses as
catalysts, paint pigments, corrosion inhibitors, smoke and flame
retardants, dry lubricants, on space vehicles and it is resistant to
high loads and temperatures. As a pure metal, molybdenum is used because
of its high melting temperatures (4,730 F.) as filament supports in
light bulbs, metal-working dies and furnace parts.
For more Info:
http://www.mii.org/commonminerals.html#Ant
Nickel
Large amounts of nickel are used in the specialty
steel industry for stainless steel and related alloys. Stainless steel
also contains some molybdenum, titanium and nickel, to increase its
resistance to corrosion. Nickel is used in nonferrous alloys (or mixed
with metals other than steel) and superalloys (metal mixtures designed
to withstand extremely high temperatures and/or pressures, or to have
high electrical conductivity). Nickel is used as a coating on other
metals to slow down corrosion. It is also used for a variety of purposes
including the production of coins, nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal
hydride batteries; as a catalyst for certain chemical reactions; and, as
a colorant, nickel is added to glass to give it a green color.
Rechargeable nickel-hydride batteries are widely used for cellular
phones, video cameras, and other electronic devices. Nickel-cadmium
batteries are used primarily to power cordless tools and appliances.
For more Info: www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/scho-ecol/main_e.htm
http://www.mii.org/commonminerals.html#Ant
Platinum group
Platinum Group Metals include platinum, palladium,
rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, and iridium. Platinum and palladium are used
principally as catalysts for the control of automobile and industrial
plant emissions; as catalysts to produce acids, organic chemicals, and
pharmaceuticals. PGMs are used in bushings for making glass fibers used
in fiber-reinforced plastic and other advanced materials, in electrical
contacts, in capacitors, in conductive and resistive films used in
electronic circuits; in dental alloys used for making crowns and
bridges; in jewelry.
For more Info:
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/platinum/
Selenium
Selenium is a photovoltaic substance converting
light energy directly into electricity. It also displays a
photoconductive action, in which electrical conductivity increases as
more and more light shines on the selenium. These unique features make
selenium useful for photocells used to power everything from handheld
calculators to large-scale photocells used to convert sunlight into
electrical energy.Selenium has other interesting electrical properties.
It can be used in devices to convert alternating current (AC)
electricity to direct current (DC) electricity. These special converters
are called rectifiers. Selenium is used in the production of glass to
remove the color from the glass used to make bottles. It is used in
specialized sheet glass for windows where it reduces the amount of heat
that enters a building from sunlight. It is also used to make a variety
of chemicals and pigments; it is used in anti-dandruff shampoos, steel
alloys, human dietary supplements, and rubber production.
For more Info:
http://www.mii.org/Minerals/photoselenium.html
Silver
Silver is used in photography; jewelry; in electronics because of its
very high conductivity; as currency, generally in some form of an alloy;
in lining vats and other equipment for chemical reaction vessels, water
distillation, etc.; catalyst in manufacture of ethylene; mirrors;
electric conductors; batteries; silver plating; table cutlery; dental,
medical, and scientific equipment; electrical contacts; bearing metal;
magnet windings; brazing alloys, solder.
For more Info:
http://www.mii.org/commonminerals.html#ag
Tantalum (Ta2O5)
Tantalum is a refractory metal with unique
electrical, chemical, and physical properties that is used mostly as
tantalum metal powder in the production of electronic components, mainly
tantalum capacitors. Alloyed with other metals, tantalum is also used in
making cemented carbide tools for metal working equipment, and in the
production of superalloys for jet engine components.
For more Info:
http://www.mii.org/commonminerals.html#Ant
Tellurium
Half of the tellurium consumed each year is used to improve the
machinability of special iron and steel products. It is alloyed with
copper to make copper more ductile (that is, easier to stretch into
wires), and with lead to prevent corrosion. These, and other nonferrous
tellurium alloys, account for approximately 10% of tellurium use.
Tellurium is also used to make catalysts and chemicals. Some of these
chemicals are used in the petroleum industry and in making rubber.
Tellurium is added to selenium-based photoreceptors to broaden the
spectral range of copiers. Tellurium is also used in other electronic
applications, and in the production of blasting caps for explosives.
For more Info:
http://www.mii.org/Minerals/phototellurium.html
Tungsten
Tungsten is mixed with carbon to make a very strong, very resistant
material called tungsten carbide. Tungsten carbide is used to make
cutting tools and wear-resistant tools for metalworking, drilling for
oil and gas, mining, and construction. Because it has such a very high
melting point and low vapor pressure, tungsten is used in high
temperature situations. For instance, the filaments in light bulbs are
made of tungsten. It is used in other applications in electronics as
well. When added to steel, tungsten increases its strength. It is
alloyed (mixed with) other metals to make "superalloys" which have
special physical properties of high strength and heat resistance. Some
of the applications for such superalloys are in turbine engines for jet
aircraft and energy generation. Other alloys bearing tungsten are used
for armaments, heat sinks, radiation shielding, weights and
counterweights, wear-resistant parts and coatings.
For more Info:
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/tungsten/
Uranium (U)
Uranium is a dense metal most commonly used in the
nuclear power industry to generate electricity. Nuclear weapons require
a source of energy and uranium, plutonium and radioactive hydrogen
provide this source. It has uses outside of the nuclear power industry.
It is used as a target for X-ray production, as a shield against
radiation, as a counterweight for aircraft control surfaces and in the
gyroscopes of inertial guidance systems. Uranium compounds have been
used for centuries to color glass. Depleted uranium is used to fabricate
armor-piercing conventional munitions and tank armor plating.
For more Info:
http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele092.html,
http://interactive.usask.ca/ski/mining/search/mineral_types/energy/uranium/uses.html,
http://www.ieer.org/fctsheet/uranium.html
Zinc
The greatest use for zinc is as a coating for iron and steel products to
make them resistant to rust and corrosion.
For more Info:
www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/scho-ecol/main_e.htm |
