Classification of Resources based on Mode of Origin

  1. Igneous Processes
    1. Igneous Rocks — Granite
    2. Magmatic Concentrations — Magnetite, Chromite, Diamonds
    3. Sublimation — Sulfur
    4. Contact Metamorphism — Magnetite, Chalcopyrite, Galena, Sphalerite, Scheelite, Graphite
    5. Hydrothermal Solutions — Most Metallics(Gold, Silver, Copper, Lear, Zinc, Mercury, Molybdenum)
    6. Pegmatites — Gems, Feldspar, Mica, Uranium
  2. Sedimentary Processes
    1. Depositional Processes
      1. Sedimentary Rocks (Derital) – Sandstone
      2. Chemical Precipitates — Salt, Gypsum, Limestone
      3. Organic Deposits — Coal, Oil, Gas
    2. Weathering Processes
      1. Residual Concentrations — Bauxite, Clays, Manganese Ore, Barite, Iron Ores
      2. Mechanical Concentration (Placers) — Gold, Tin, Gems, Platinum, Ilmenite, Monzanite
    3. Ground Water Processes
      1. Potable Water
      2. Natural Brines — Bromine, Iodine
      3. Secondary Enrichment– Copper Ores
  3. Metamorphic Processes
    1. Already Present, Textural Change — Marble, Slate
    2. Made Possible By Metamorphism, Usually Non-Metallic — Talc, Asbestos, Graphite, Garnet, Kyanite