Question

Do an Internet search to determine what minerals are extracted from the ground in order to manufacture the following products: a. Stainless steel utensils b. Cat litter c. Tums brand antacid tablets d. Lithium batteries e. Aluminum beverage cans

Short answer

Stainless steel: Iron, nickel, chromium; Cat litter: Bentonite clay; Tums: Calcium carbonate; Lithium batteries: Lithium; Aluminum cans: Aluminum from bauxite.

Step-by-step solution

Stainless Steel Utensils

Stainless steel is primarily composed of iron, nickel, and chromium. These minerals are extracted from the ground in the form of iron ore, nickeline, and chromite. Iron ore is a key component in manufacturing stainless steel, while nickel enhances the metal's corrosion resistance, and chromium provides a shiny finish.

Cat Litter

Most cat litter is made from clay, specifically bentonite clay, which is mined from the ground. Bentonite has absorbent properties that help in clumping when exposed to moisture, making it effective for use in cat litter products.

Tums Brand Antacid Tablets

Tums antacid tablets contain calcium carbonate as the active ingredient. Calcium carbonate is extracted from minerals like limestone and marble. It neutralizes stomach acid, providing relief from symptoms of indigestion.

Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries require lithium, which is extracted from minerals like spodumene and petalite. Lithium is an essential component due to its high electrochemical potential and energy density, making it ideal for use in rechargeable batteries.

Aluminum Beverage Cans

Aluminum cans are produced using aluminum metal extracted from the mineral bauxite. Bauxite is refined to produce alumina, which is then smelted to obtain pure aluminum used in beverage cans due to its lightweight and recyclability.

Key concepts

Stainless Steel Composition

Stainless steel is a widely used material known for its durability and resistance to rust. The composition of stainless steel is primarily iron, carbon, chromium, and often includes nickel.
Chromium is critical because it forms a protective layer that prevents oxidation (rust), while nickel adds additional corrosion resistance.
To create stainless steel, minerals such as:

• Iron ore: This is the primary source of iron, which is essential for the structure of stainless steel.
• Nickeline: This is a source of nickel, enhancing toughness and corrosion resistance.
• Chromite: Where chromium is extracted from, providing the shiny, rust-proof surface.

These minerals are extracted from the earth through mining and then processed to produce stainless steel, found in utensils and a variety of other products.

Bentonite Clay in Cat Litter

Bentonite clay is the key ingredient in most clumping cat litters due to its natural absorbent and expansive properties when wet.
When bentonite clay absorbs moisture, it expands and forms clumps, making it easy to scoop out waste from a cat's litter box while keeping the rest of the litter dry and odor-free.
Here’s how bentonite clay works:

• Absorbency: It can absorb several times its weight in liquids, keeping the litter box dry.
• Clumping: Upon contact with moisture, it forms solid clumps that are easily removed.

Bentonite clay is a natural mineral, mined directly from the earth, making it a practical choice for pet owners concerned with both convenience and cleanliness.

Calcium Carbonate Uses

Calcium carbonate is a commonly found and highly versatile substance used in a variety of applications, from construction to health. It’s most known for its role in antacid tablets like Tums, where it neutralizes stomach acid to relieve heartburn.
Some of its uses include:

• Antacid: Neutralizes stomach acid for digestive relief.
• Construction Material: Used in the production of cement and even building stone.
• Food Additive: Acts as a calcium supplement and a stabilizer for products.

Minerals such as limestone and marble are key sources of calcium carbonate, extracted through mining processes.

Lithium Sources

Lithium is a crucial element in modern technology, especially for rechargeable batteries found in phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. It is valued for its lightweight and high energy density.
Lithium is obtained from:

• Spodumene: A pyroxene mineral rich in lithium.
• Petalite: Another lithium-bearing mineral.

These minerals are mined and processed to extract lithium, supporting the rise of sustainable energy through efficient battery technology.

Bauxite to Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight, highly conductive metal used in various products, from kitchen foil to aircraft parts. However, before it becomes metal, it starts as minerals. Bauxite is the primary ore of aluminum. Here’s how it turns into aluminum:

• Bauxite Mining: Extracting bauxite, the raw form containing alumina.
• Refining: Bauxite is refined to alumina (aluminum oxide) using the Bayer process.
• Smelting: Alumina is then smelted using the Hall-Héroult process to obtain pure aluminum metal.

Aluminum’s characteristics like lightness, corrosion resistance, and recyclability make it ideal for beverage cans, showcasing the journey of bauxite to a consumer product.