USES OF MINERALS IN EVERYDAY LIFE

FOOD
 Halite, or salt, is used to flavor food.
 Calcium carbonate is used in bread, cakes, soups and cereal, and some food additives are
manufactured using natural minerals.
 Diatomite and bentonite clay are both used to clarify drinks, such as beer, fruit juices and
wine.
 Selenium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as beef, tuna, turkey and rice.
MEDICINE

 Silica is used in the making of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food products.

 Kaolinite is a clay mineral that is sometimes added to medicines you swallow and to lotions
that you rub on your skin.
 Mercury is used in thermometers and is also used in making fillings for the teeth.
 Gold is also used to fill cavities, and to construct caps for teeth.
 Gypsum is used to make plaster which are used to make casts.
 Selenium is commonly added to vitamin products or sold on its own in the form of a
mineral supplement.
 Beryllium salts are used in x-ray tubes and as a deoxidizer in bronze metallurgy.
 Bismuth compounds are used in stomach-upset medicines, treatment of stomach ulcers,
soothing creams, and cosmetics.
 Iodine is used in iodized salt to prevent goiter, and in first aid boxes as an antiseptic
OTHER USES
 Halite is also used in glass, paint, plastics, synthetic rubbers and cosmetics.
 Talc is included in paint and paper to add colour and texture. It is also found in baby
powder, cosmetics and lotions
 Silica is used as an ingredient in paper and paint.
 Mica makes toothpaste and cosmetics sparkle.
 Fluorite is used in making toothpaste.
 Bismuth compounds are used in cosmetics.