After discussing dolomite, which contains both calcium and magnesium, we now turn to a mineral that is almost purely magnesium carbonate — Magnesite. What is Magnesite? Let’s begin with the textbook definition: Magnesite is a magnesium carbonate mineral with the chemical formula: MgCO₃ It usually forms in magnesium-rich rocks and comes in three common forms:…
In the last section, we’ve talked about limestone. Now, imagine a close cousin of limestone — similar in structure, but with a subtle chemical twist. That’s Dolomite. What is Dolomite? Let’s begin with the technical identity: Dolomite is a mineral compound made up of calcium magnesium carbonate with the formula:CaMg(CO₃)₂ If limestone is primarily calcium…
Let’s begin by visualising this: imagine you are walking on a beach filled with shells, corals, and tiny marine organisms. Over millions of years, these remains get buried under more and more layers. What forms from them? Limestone. So, what is Limestone? Limestone is a sedimentary rock—this means it is formed by the accumulation and…
Diamonds—known to most people as precious stones—are much more than ornaments. From the lens of economic geography, they are strategic minerals with significant industrial and commercial value. What is a Diamond? Let’s begin with a fundamental definition: This is why faceted diamonds sparkle with brilliance—something geographers should understand not emotionally, but structurally. How Are Diamonds…
Graphite is a naturally occurring form of carbon, but it’s not just any form—it is the most stable form of pure carbon under normal temperature and pressure conditions. You may also come across its older names—Plumbago or Black Lead. But be careful! Despite the name “black lead,” graphite has nothing to do with lead (Pb)….
When students hear the word “minerals,” the imagination often jumps to shiny metals, ores, and alloys. But an equally important world exists alongside them — the world of non-metallic minerals. These minerals do not glitter like gold or conduct electricity like copper, yet they quietly support almost every structure, industry, and technology around us. In…
Let’s begin with a question many students might ask: “What is Chromite, and why should I care about it in Economic Geography?” Because Chromite is the only commercially viable source of Chromium — a metal that is crucial for industrial strength, national security, and modern technology. What is Chromite? Chromite is a metallic oxide mineral,…
Let’s begin with a fundamental point: Molybdenum (symbol: Mo) is a silvery-grey refractory metal, which means it can withstand very high temperatures without deforming or corroding. However, like many other strategic metals, it does not occur freely in nature. The main ore from which molybdenum is extracted is called Molybdenite (MoS₂) – a sulphide mineral….
Let us begin with the very basic question: What is Nickel? Nickel is a silvery-white metal. But remember – like gold or silver, it is not found in its native or free state in nature. It always occurs in combination with other metals – most notably copper, uranium, and others. That means, to extract nickel,…
Let’s start with a basic premise: Copper does not come out of the Earth in pure form. It has to be liberated from impurities, and that liberation process is what we call smelting. Copper smelting plays a foundational role in modern life — from electrical wiring, motors, electronics, plumbing, to renewable energy systems. 🔬 Smelting…
