Definition of mineral
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Definition of Mineral
Naturally Occurring and Inorganic
A mineral is defined as a naturally occurring, inorganic substance. This means that minerals are not man-made and are not the result of biological processes involving plants or animals 24. They are formed through geological processes and are found in the Earth's crust .
Crystalline Structure
One of the key characteristics of minerals is their crystalline structure. This means that the atoms, ions, or molecules in a mineral are arranged in an orderly and repeating pattern 147. This crystalline structure is what gives minerals their distinct physical properties and shapes.
Definite Chemical Composition
Minerals have a definite chemical composition, which can either be exact or can vary within certain limits 248. For example, the mineral halite has a chemical composition of NaCl, while quartz is composed of SiO2 . Some minerals can have variations in their chemical composition without changing their basic identity .
Physical Properties
Minerals are characterized by specific physical properties such as hardness, color, luster, and density. These properties are determined by the mineral's chemical composition and crystalline structure 47. For instance, the hardness of a mineral is measured on the Mohs scale, which ranges from talc (the softest) to diamond (the hardest).
Classification and Nomenclature
Minerals are classified into different groups based on their chemical composition and crystalline structure. This classification helps in identifying and studying minerals more effectively 29. The names of minerals often end with the suffix "-ite" and can include prefixes to indicate variations in their composition. For example, Mn-Cummingtonite is a variation of cummingtonite where manganese replaces some of the iron and magnesium .
Variability and Special Cases
While most minerals are solid, there are exceptions. Some minerals, like native mercury, are liquid at room temperature, and others, like natural gas, are gaseous . Additionally, minerals can exist in different states (solid, liquid, gas) depending on temperature and pressure conditions .
Importance and Applications
Minerals play a crucial role in various industries, including metallurgy, gemology, and construction. They are essential for manufacturing everyday items such as jewelry, machinery, and building materials . The study of minerals, known as mineralogy, is a vital field that spans multiple disciplines and has significant practical applications 29.
Conclusion
In summary, a mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic substance with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure. These characteristics define its physical properties and its classification within the broader field of mineralogy. Understanding these properties is essential for various industrial applications and scientific research.
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