Minerals that either occur naturally at a microscopic size or that are crushed down are called what?

Minerals that occur naturally at a microscopic size or are crushed down are referred to as "microminerals" or more commonly as "fineness" or "powdered minerals." In specific industries, such as construction and manufacturing, they may be termed "filler materials" or "mineral fillers," which are used to improve the characteristics of other materials. These minerals are often utilized in ceramics, paints, plastics, and other composite materials due to their ability to enhance performance and reduce costs.

Overall, the processing of minerals into micro-sized particles underscores their versatility and importance across various applications in materials science and engineering.