Which of the following is a non-metallic mineral?

Concept

Mineral resources are commonly classified as metallic or non-metallic according to whether they serve as sources of metals.

Metallic mineral resources contain metal-bearing compounds from which a metal is extracted; non-metallic minerals are used for properties other than yielding a metal.

Application

Gypsum is hydrated calcium sulfate (CaSO4·2H2O). It is used in plaster, cement, and wallboard and does not serve as an ore for extracting a metal, so it is classified as a non-metallic mineral.

Contrast

• Bauxite is the principal ore material for aluminium.

• Hematite is an important iron ore.

• Limonite is an iron-bearing ore material.

Result

Therefore, the non-metallic mineral among the given choices is gypsum.