what is a mineral

This site explains about minerals.

http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/geology/min_intro.html&edu=elem

any of a class of substances occurring in nature, usually comprising inorganic substances, as quartz or feldspar, of definite chemical composition and usually of definite crystal structure, but sometimes also including rocks formed by these substances as well as certain natural products of organic origin, as asphalt or coal.

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and a definite crystalline structure. Minerals can be found in various forms, colors, and properties, and they are the building blocks of rocks. To understand what a mineral is, we can follow these steps:

1. Naturally occurring: Minerals are formed through geological processes without any human intervention. They can be found in rocks, soil, or as mineral deposits within the Earth's crust.

2. Inorganic: Minerals are not formed by living organisms. While some substances may resemble minerals, they must be formed through non-biological processes to be considered minerals.

3. Solid: Minerals exist in a solid state of matter, with a well-defined structure and particles that are packed closely together. They can range in size from tiny grains to large crystals.

4. Chemical composition: Each mineral has a specific chemical formula and is composed of elements in certain proportions. For example, quartz is composed of silicon and oxygen (SiO2), while calcite consists of calcium, carbon, and oxygen (CaCO3).

5. Crystalline structure: Minerals have an ordered internal arrangement of atoms that creates a repeating, geometric pattern called a crystal lattice. This structure gives minerals their distinct shape and properties such as cleavage and hardness.

By considering these characteristics, we can identify and categorize substances as minerals or not. It is worth noting that not all solids found in nature are minerals; substances such as coal or amber, for instance, are organic in origin and thus not considered minerals.