What is a Mineral?© Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. 94-4651Visit www.newpathlearning.com for Online Learning Resources.13Coalmade from the remainsof living organismsQuartz inorganic mineralCoalrock made from remainsof living organismsMinerals1 - naturally occurring2 - inorganic (nonliving)3 - solid substancesolid4hematitefeldsparquartzhalitefluoriteA rock is not a mineral. It is composed of one or more minerals and sometimes contains organic material. Coal is considered a rock.A substance must meet four criteria to be classified as a mineral. Second, minerals are inorganic, nonliving substances. They cannot be made up of any material that was once a living organism. solidgoldThird, a mineral must be a solid substance. It has volume and shape, and is not a liquid or gas.And fourth, every mineral has a specific crystal structure with particles arranged in a repeated pattern. A mineral's atomic structure determines its crystal structure. First, it must be naturally occurring. Minerals are always formed by natural processes, such as cooling molten lava.2
< Page 2 | Page 4 >