The
mineral is usually a natural inorganic substances having a definite chemical compositions and
are the individual units of rocks forming the crust of the earth. Though the term mineral is
applied only to natural inorganic substances, the coal and petroleum are included under
minerals even though they are of organic origin. On the basis of its usefulness, all the
minerals can be grouped into Economic minerals and Rock forming minerals. Silicates are the
most important rock forming minerals. Accordingly the major silicate families such as silica
group, Feldspar group, Mica group and Garnet group of minerals have been displayed.
The minerals may be
identified by their physical, chemical and optical properties. Above all the minerals are the
backbone of our modern industries.