Question 15 • Grade 8 World Cultures and Geography A
Answer:
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:Minerals are naturally occurring substances found beneath the Earth’s surface. They are typically classified into two groups: metallic and nonmetallic. Metallic minerals include gold, silver, and copper. Nonmetallic minerals are the most widely used minerals in the world. People use them to construct homes and commercial buildings and to make materials like concrete, glass, and computer chips. Nonmetallic minerals include rare, highly valued gemstones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, aquamarine, and topaz. They also includes ores, like bauxite (used to make aluminum) and iron.