The most fundamental division of commodities is into metal, nonmetallics, mineral feuls , and structural materials . The term 'nonmetallics' is customary in these classifications. The chief nonmetallics produced in Canada are potash, sulphur, salt, gypsum, and asbestos.
Structural materials comprise sand, gravel, clay, cement, and stone of various kinds.
Nonmetallics and structural materials are commonly spoken of collectively as industrial minerals , the word 'rocks' sometimes being included but 'industrial minerals' is generally understood to include rocks used in industry. The mineral fuels are petroleum, natural gas and its byproducts, and coal. Some Hand-outs will be provided. Economic Geology Photo Gallery - photo gallery of building stone and aggregate operations in Maine.