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Questions and Answers
List five characteristics an earth material must have in order to be considered a mineral.
List five characteristics an earth material must have in order to be considered a mineral.
- Naturally occurring, 2. Solid substance, 3. Orderly crystalline structure, 4. Definite chemical composition, 5. Variation allowed in composition.
Which of the following materials are not classified as minerals? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following materials are not classified as minerals? (Select all that apply)
- Water (correct)
- Gold
- Wood (correct)
- Synthetic diamonds (correct)
- Ice
Define the term rock. How do rocks differ from minerals?
Define the term rock. How do rocks differ from minerals?
A rock is any solid mass of mineral or mineral-like matter that occurs naturally. Rocks differ from minerals as they are more loosely defined and can consist of multiple minerals.
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Minerals
- Naturally occurring substances that form through geological processes.
- Must be solid at room temperature and maintain a solid form without changing to a liquid.
- Feature an orderly crystalline structure, meaning atomic ions are arranged in a repetitive pattern.
- Have a definite chemical composition, allowing for some variation in elements present.
- Inorganic in nature, meaning they are not made from living organisms.
Classification of Materials as Minerals
- Gold qualifies as a mineral due to its natural occurrence and solid state.
- Water is not classified as a mineral because it is not a solid substance.
- Synthetic diamonds are excluded from mineral classification as they are man-made and do not occur naturally.
- Ice is recognized as a mineral as it is a solid form of water.
- Wood does not qualify as a mineral because it is organic material and originates from living organisms.
Definition and Differences Between Rocks and Minerals
- A rock is defined as any solid mass of mineral or mineral-like matter that occurs naturally.
- Rocks differ from minerals in that they are not strictly defined like minerals and can be composed of one or more minerals.
- Unlike minerals, rocks can have a more complex composition and structure, often incorporating various types of materials.
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