Mineral

Mineral

A Mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid that has a crystal structure and a defined chemical composition. For a substance to be classified as a mineral, it must be solid and have ordered internal structure with a defined chemical composition. It must also be formed by natural geological processes. This definition is based on the Mandarino criteria, a set of guidelines developed by the International Mineralogical Association in 1995.

Characteristics

Minerals are identified by analyzing their physical properties. These properties include luster, hardness, color, streak, cleavage, fracture, and crystal habit. Other properties, such as magnetism, radioactivity, and fluorescence, can also be used to identify certain minerals.

Classification

Minerals are classified based on their chemical composition. There are eight major chemical groups. These are the silicates, oxides, sulfides, sulfates, halides, carbonates, phosphates, and native elements.

Economic importance

Minerals are of great economic importance and are a significant resource for human society. They are used in a wide range of applications, from construction materials and fertilizers to electronics and jewelry.

See also

• Rock
• Gemstone
• Ore
• Petrology
• Geology

References

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External links

• Mindat.org - The Mineral Database
• Webmineral.com

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