1. A mineral is a naturally-occurring, inorganic solid that exhibits a crystalline structure and can be represented by a chemical formula. 2. The different properties of a mineral,... 1. A mineral is a naturally-occurring, inorganic solid that exhibits a crystalline structure and can be represented by a chemical formula. 2. The different properties of a mineral, such as luster, color, streak, hardness, and specific gravity, are used in identifying specific types of minerals. 3. Rock-forming minerals are the minerals that are commonly found in all types of rocks. 4. The rock cycle is the process that allows one to see how rocks change and accumulate other Earth materials. 5. External processes, such as weathering, erosion, and deposition, help in shaping Earth's surface as well as contributing in the formation of sedimentary rocks. 6. Sedimentary rocks are rocks formed from weathered materials that are transported, compacted, and cemented. Their most distinguishing feature is their strata or layers. 7. Metamorphic rocks are formed from either sedimentary rocks or igneous rocks that are exposed to high pressure and temperature and interacted with chemically-active fluids to trigger metamorphism. 8. Igneous rocks are formed from the crystallization of either magma or lava. Read more