Mode of Occurrence of Minerals

 

Mode of Occurrence of Minerals

Minerals are usually found in “ores”. The term ore is used to describe an accumulation of any mineral mixed with other elements. Minerals generally occur in the following forms:

• In igneous and metamorphic rocks, minerals may occur in the cracks, crevices, faults or joints.
• In sedimentary rocks, a number of minerals occur in beds or layers.
• The decomposition of surface rocks and the removal of soluble constituents also form the minerals.
• Minerals also occur as alluvial deposits in the sands of valley floors and the base of hills.
• The ocean waters contain vast quantities of minerals.