Mineralbased

Mineral-based is an adjective used to describe substances derived from inorganic minerals. It covers materials produced from rock-forming and industrial minerals, as well as additives and pigments sourced from minerals. The term is commonly applied in construction, manufacturing, cosmetics, and agriculture, and is distinct from organic or synthetic materials.

Common constituents include silicates such as quartz and feldspars; oxides such as aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide; carbonates like calcite and dolomite; sulfates such as gypsum; and phosphates such as apatite. Minerals may be naturally occurring or refined into higher-purity forms for specific uses.

Production involves mining, beneficiation, milling, and refining, with occasional modification to achieve targeted particle sizes, purities, or forms (powders, pellets, fibers, or ceramics). Some mineral-based materials are used untreated, while others become components of composites, coatings, or architectural systems.

Applications span construction materials (cement, aggregates), ceramics and glass, pigments and coatings (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide), catalysts and adsorbents, electronics (silicon-based components), cosmetics (mineral-based makeup with zinc oxide or mica), and soil amendments (phosphates and limestones).

Environmental and economic considerations include extraction impacts, energy use, and waste management. Mineral-based materials can offer durability and thermal stability, but resource depletion and processing footprints require sustainable sourcing, recycling, and regulatory oversight.