What is a mineral

1
What is a mineral?

• A mineral is any naturally formed inorganic solid
  that has a definite crystalline structure, and a
  chemical formula.

2
Minerals are Naturally Formed

• Minerals must be formed by natural processes such
  as volcanic activities or evaporation and
  condensation in caves.

3
Inorganic

• Minerals must be inorganic. This means that they
  cannot be living or have once been living.

4
Solids

• Minerals must occur naturally in a solid state
  somewhere on earth.

5
Crystalline Structure

• A crystal is a repeated pattern of packed ions or
  atoms. To be a mineral a substance must have
  this crystalline structure.

6
Chemical Formula

• Minerals are pure. This means that they must be
  an element or a compound. They cannot be mixtures

7
How do we identify minerals?

• The streak test The color of the powder
• The luster test The way it reflects light
• The hardness test The way it resists being
  scratched