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The Ten Most Dangerous Minerals and Why
(from the perspective of human health) (Gordon Brown's opinion)

10.  Cinnabar (HgS) Main source of mercury

9.  Galena (PbS)    Main source of lead

8.  Pyrite (FeS 2 )    Main source of acid mine waters associated with sulfide mine tailings. As-containing pyrite

7. Fluorite (CaF 2 ) major fluorine-containing mineral

6. (tie) Quartz (SiO 2 )    Quartz in fine particulate form causes respiratory effects (silicosis or silicotuberculosis).

6. (tie) Chrysotile (Mg 3 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4 ) Known as white asbestos. Chronic exposure can cause a progressive lung disease

5. K-Feldspar (KAlSi 3 O 8 ) contains small quantities of radioactive uranium, a major source of Pb

4. Phenacite ( BeSiO 4 ) Beryllium (Be)-containing dust is highly poisonous.

3. Erionite (NaK 2 MgCa 1.5 )[Al 8 Si 28 ]O 72 28H 2 O) A fibrous zeolite (sometimes referred to as a molecular sieve).  Known to induce malignant mesotheliomas in humans

2. Hydroxyapatite (Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 (OH)) form deposits in human heart valves and arteries

1. Crocidolite (Na 2 (Fe 2+ , Mg) 3 Fe 3+ 2 Si 8 O 22 (OH) 2 ) Known as blue asbestos. Lung diseases, including lung and mesothelial cancer

The Ten Most Beneficial Minerals and Why
(from the perspective of human usage) (Gordon Brown's opinion)

10. Bauxite and Al-hydroxides  Major sources of aluminum

9. (tie)  Iron oxides      Major source of iron for steel-making

9. (tie) Copper minerals   Major source of copper

8. Ferrihydrite (~Fe(OH) 3 )   Sorbers of toxic heavy metals and metalloids such as As, Se, Pb, etc.

7. Zeolites   Known as molecular sieves, zeolites are commonly used in the cracking of petroleum to make gasoline, in chemical catalysis, and as cation exchangers in softening H 2 O.

6. Gypsum (CaSO 4 2H 2 O)  An important component of cements.

5. Salt (NaCl)  An essential nutrient.

4. Quartz (SiO 2 )   cutting tools and weapons (producing sharp edges), semiconductors (Silicon Valley).

3. (tie) Calcite (CaCO 3 )  Calcite sequesters CO 2 in the lithosphere

3. (tie) Phosphates   Essential plant nutrient used in fertilizers.

2. Hydroxypatite (Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 (OH))   bones and teeth

1. Clay minerals   holding nutrient elements, which are necessary for plant growth

Want to Learn More? Teachers?

Download this word document with longer explanations for each mineral.

Power Point Slide Show of these lists with the longer explanations and photos ( 3.5 Mb)