2007-09-09 06:56:30 · 1 answers · asked by teenwolf 13 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
1. manufacturing plastics (wollastonite)
2. filters (sand)
3. aggregates for cement (sand and gravel)
4. building materials (gypsum, marble and granite)
5. kitty litter (diatomaceous earth)
6. fertilizer (potash)
7. drill fluids (bentonite)
8. medicine (barite and talc)
9. lubricants (graphite and molybdenite)
10. glossy paper (kaolinite)
I don't think it would be too hard to find many more uses for rock - abrasives, road/rail ballast, decorative stone, aquarium gravel, hand cleaners, paint, computer chips, glass, roofing shingles, ceramics - its a long list, not to mention metallic minerals like gold, copper, iron, aluminum, lead, zinc, uranium, tungsten, titanium, etc.
If it can't be grown, it's gotta be mined!
(Slogan of Nevada Mining Association)
2007-09-09 10:02:21 · answer #1 · answered by minefinder 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋