Main PageA. DEFINITION
Definition:
Naturally occurring, inorganic, crystalline solid of restricted composition; natural chemical compounds.|
Naturally occurring |
Excludes synthetic, man-made materials like steel and concrete |
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Inorganic |
Not the result of organic (living) activity, like trees or bones |
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Crystalline |
Composed of a geometric arrangement of atoms; not glass |
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Solid |
Excludes liquids and gases like water and air |
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Restricted composition |
Definite composition like NaCl for salt and SiO2 for quartz |
Geological minerals differ from nutritional minerals, which are actually elements like Ca, Fe, K, etc.
Everyday examples include halite (salt), sylvite (lite salt), gypsum (plaster), calcite (cement), and talc.
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