Minerals definition in geology
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Minerals in Geology: Basic Definition and Key Characteristics
In geology, minerals are most commonly defined as naturally occurring, inorganic solids that have a definite chemical composition and an ordered internal crystal structure. This means that minerals are the basic building blocks of rocks and are characterized by their chemical and physical uniformity, as well as their crystalline nature Wenk2004Onal2020.
Chemical and Structural Homogeneity of Minerals
A mineral is typically described as being chemically and structurally homogeneous. This means that each mineral has a specific chemical formula and a consistent internal arrangement of atoms, which gives it unique physical properties such as hardness, color, and crystal shape Wenk2004Onal2020. For example, quartz, biotite, and feldspar are minerals that make up granite, while hematite and magnetite are key minerals in iron ores .
Formation and Classification of Minerals
Minerals form through geological processes, either from inorganic or, in some cases, organic substances. They can be made up of a single element or a combination of elements, and their classification is based on properties like chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical characteristics Trump2017Onal2020. The study of minerals, known as mineralogy, involves identifying and classifying minerals based on these features Wenk2004Onal2020.
Evolution of the Mineral Definition in Geology
The definition of a mineral has evolved over time. Historically, minerals were considered the basic, non-living building blocks of the Earth, and mineralogy was a broad field encompassing all earth materials Wenk2004Putirka2014. Over time, the definition has become more specific, focusing on naturally occurring, crystalline, and chemically uniform substances Wenk2004Putirka2014. However, legal and industrial definitions of minerals may differ from the strict geological meaning, sometimes including materials that geologists would not classify as true minerals .
Minerals as Earth’s Building Blocks
Minerals are the solid materials that make up the Earth’s crust and are essential for understanding geological processes and Earth’s history. They provide information about the conditions under which rocks form and are crucial for technological and societal development due to their unique properties and uses Dutrow2022Khakimov2024.
Conclusion
In summary, in geology, minerals are defined as naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and an ordered internal structure. They are the fundamental components of rocks and are classified based on their chemical and physical properties. The definition of minerals has become more precise over time, but their importance in understanding Earth’s processes and supporting human society remains central to the field of geology Wenk2004Trump2017Dutrow2022+4 MORE.
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Toward a definition of a mineral sample in geology
A "subrock" sample in geology can be defined as a probability sample when every mineral species' distribution function in the subrock converges to one distribution, allowing for more precise analysis of discrete distributions.
The Environmental Geology of Mineral Deposits
Natural environmental signatures of mineral deposits are the concentrations and chemical, mineralogical, or biological forms of metals and other constituents in soils, waters, sediments, plants, and organisms before mining.
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