Why are mineral kids not considered true minerals?
A. They lack a defined chemical composition
B. They lack a defined crystalline structure
C. They are not naturally occuring substances
D. They are not in a solid state of matter
A. They lack a defined chemical composition
The reason why mineraloids are not considered true minerals is primarily because they lack a defined crystalline structure. In contrast to minerals, which have an organized and repeating atomic arrangement, mineraloids lack this characteristic. Mineraloids can have a similar chemical composition to minerals, but their atoms are arranged in a disorganized or amorphous manner, unlike the ordered lattice structure observed in minerals. Therefore, option B, which states that mineraloids lack a defined crystalline structure, is the correct answer. However, it is worth noting that some mineraloids may also lack a well-defined chemical composition, as mentioned in option A. Mineraloids can exist in various states of matter, not just in a solid state, as mentioned in option D. Lastly, option C is not a correct answer, as mineraloids can still be naturally occurring substances.
The correct answer is A. They lack a defined chemical composition.
To understand why mineral kids are not considered true minerals, let's first define what a mineral is. A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid that is formed through a specific geological process. It has a defined chemical composition and a crystalline structure.
Now, let's examine each option:
A. They lack a defined chemical composition: This is the correct answer. Mineral kids, such as playdough or clay, do not have a specific chemical composition because they are made up of various substances like water, minerals, and additives. Their composition can vary depending on the specific brand or formula.
B. They lack a defined crystalline structure: Although mineral kids do not have a crystalline structure, this is not the main reason why they are not considered true minerals. Some minerals, like volcanic glass or amorphous silica, do not have a crystalline structure but are still classified as minerals due to their defined chemical composition.
C. They are not naturally occurring substances: While mineral kids are synthetic materials that are created by humans, this is not the primary reason why they are not considered true minerals. Many synthetic minerals, such as lab-grown diamonds, have the same chemical composition and crystal structure as naturally occurring minerals and are considered to be genuine minerals.
D. They are not in a solid state of matter: This is not the main reason why mineral kids are not considered true minerals. While most minerals are indeed in a solid state, there are a few exceptions, such as liquid mercury, which is still classified as a mineral.
In conclusion, mineral kids are not considered true minerals because they lack a defined chemical composition.