What is materials are made from (which substances of earth)?

Question

I'm trying to find any natural resources on my country that can be utilized in industrial quantities. I have no strong background in geology nor on what materiel are made from. So In order to achieve my goal. I tried to find any a guide that show me what is the material are made from, and where to find these substances from which these materials are made. for example:
- what the glass are made from (which substance of earth)?
- what ceramics are made from?
- what solar cells are made from?
- where gold usually found?
etc ...

I know this is a vague question. But any hint will be appreciated.
thanks

Answer 1

Glass is made from sand (its the silica in the sand). Solar Cells *i think* are also made of silica. So, if your country has a lot of sand (desert or beaches) that would be a start.

Gold occurs where gold occurs. Its either there or it isn't; the past geologic events would have had to do something to cause gold to be deposited in an area. The only way to find out is to look.

Also, areas in & around volcanoes can be sources of many natural resources that are found deep in the earth but are brought to the surface as a result of the volcanic activity.