Introduction

We use a variety of materials in our daily lives. These substances fall into two categories: pure and impure. Elements and compounds are pure substances; mixtures are impure substances. Scientists have discovered 118 elements thus far.

These elements fall into three categories: metals, nonmetals, and metalloids, depending on their characteristics. The bulk of the 118 elements in the current periodic table are metals, with very few being metalloids and extremely few being non-metals. We discussed the history, properties, and importance of metal, nonmetal, and metalloid in a previous lesson. Throughout this course, we will discover the locations, functions, and methods of purification of these metals in nature.

Minerals

With a few exceptions, almost all metals are present in the earth's crust as compounds. Minerals are naturally occurring substances and elements. Metals originate from minerals. Metallic and nonmetallic materials make up the majority of the rocks that are found on Earth's surface. One or more mineral kinds make up some rocks. While reactive metals like sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, and so on are found in compounds, non-reactive metals like gold, silver, and the like are found in their pure form in the natural world. In nature, almost all minerals are pure, crystalline, inorganic, and solid. In this sense, minerals are defined as pure, solid, and crystalline substances that are present in nature. Their chemical formula is set. Silicate minerals make up almost 90% of the earth's crust. In addition, it contains phosphate, sulfate, carbonate, oxide, and sulfide ores. Various sections of Nepal are home to minerals such as coal, red clay, hematite, cuprite, granite, limestone, talc, and so on. Minerals may be found in several locations in Nepal, including Dang, Salyan, Rolpa, Gulmi, Pyuthan, Lalitpur, Palpa, and Nawalparasi.