Which one of the following is a non-metallic mineral?

Minerals are broadly classified into metallic and non-metallic categories based on their chemical and physical properties. Metallic minerals contain metals in their raw form and are further divided into ferrous (containing iron) and non-ferrous (lacking iron) types [1]. Iron ore is a primary ferrous metallic mineral, while copper and bauxite (the ore for aluminium) are classified as non-ferrous metallic minerals [1][2][3]. In contrast, non-metallic minerals do not contain metal elements in their chemical composition and do not yield new products upon melting. Mica is a prominent example of a non-metallic mineral, widely used in the electrical and electronics industries due to its insulating properties [1][2]. Other examples of non-metallic minerals include limestone, gypsum, and salt [2]. Therefore, among the given options, mica is the only non-metallic mineral.

Sources

1. [1] INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Types of ypes of Mineral Resources > p. 54
2. [2] INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Types of ypes of Mineral Resources > p. 53
3. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > Figure 3.9 > p. 50