Science DQ

Need help with the anwser below. 250-300 words. No plagirism , no work cited from wikipedia. Due 3/18/15

 

All living things need various minerals and nutrients to survive, such as salt, magnesium, oxygen, iron, and water. Humans also use them for nonbiological purposes. Which mineral has been the most useful for human civilization, and why?  Please dont use the examples iron or copper.