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Minerals, especially feldspar, are also used in
making pottery and porcelain. Optical and scientific apparatus use
minerals like quartz, fluorite, gypsum and mica for their optical
properties.
The same minerals that are needed by plants for
growth are the same minerals we have been discussing. Fertilizers
provide the essential elements of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen.
These elements are found in certain minerals including apatite
(phosphorus), sylvite (potassium) and soda niter (nitrogen). They are
ground into powder, so their mineral can be easily absorbed by plants.
Even humans require minerals for their body. For
example kaolin, a clay mineral can absorb water and acids. Kaopectate, a commercial product used to control
diarrhea, is made up of kaolin. Minerals are important in more ways than
one!
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Products from feldspar
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