Types of Minerals. When most of us think about minerals, we relate to gold, silver and other elements like them. However, there are certain nutrients like iron and potassium which are also minerals. Here, we explain to you the various types of minerals. The word mineral is used to refer to two different kinds of components. One is the dietary minerals, and second is the elements formed due to geographical processes, simply called minerals. A mineral is solid matter having a crystalline atomic or molecular structure.