2006-10-25 16:08:39 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
BO has the best answer--it does not fit the geologist's definition of a mineral (the most important being that it is inorganically formed):
"A mineral is a naturally occurring homogeneous solid, inorganically formed, with a definite chemical composition and an ordered atomic arrangement."
2006-10-26 03:59:33 · answer #1 · answered by ncg2111 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Minerals are natural compounds formed through geological processes. The term "mineral" encompasses not only the material's chemical composition, but also the mineral's structure. Minerals range in composition from pure elements and simple salts to very complex silicates with thousands of known forms. The study of minerals is called mineralogy. To be classified as a "true" mineral, a substance must be a solid and have a crystal structure. It must also be a naturally-occurring, homogeneous substance with a defined chemical composition. Traditional definitions excluded organically derived material. However, the International Mineralogical Association in 1995 adopted a new definition: a mineral is an element or chemical compound that is normally crystalline and that has been formed as a result of geological processes The best answer (although wrong) is b, coal is not inorganic
2016-05-22 14:37:34 · answer #2 · answered by Elizabeth 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't meet the "mineral rules". Mainly, coal lacks a defined crytsal lattice and, as mentioned several times already, is organic (carbon-based), esentialy composed of decayed plants. Just because it is made of one element, does not necessarily preclude it being a mineral or not. For example, sulfur is a mineral.
2006-10-25 20:12:03 · answer #3 · answered by B.O. 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
coal is a organic compound meaning it was made from once living things...which also means it isn't a mineral...
2014-12-15 11:46:46 · answer #4 · answered by superman_gmc 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
coal is made up of the remains of plants that have been compressed and "cooking" for three of four mllion years. Minerals are usually considered metals, eg iron or copper. as has already been stated, coal is made primarily of carbon.
2006-10-25 18:32:02 · answer #5 · answered by Bheal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the same reason chocolate cake isn't considered a mineral. It isn't.
2006-10-26 10:52:16 · answer #6 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Coal doesn't have a crystal structure nor is it made soley from nature. Coal is made of decayed plants.
2006-10-29 11:54:17 · answer #7 · answered by K-chan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it is organic based.
2006-10-25 16:11:41 · answer #8 · answered by October 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because it's carbon, which is an element.
2006-10-25 17:03:15 · answer #9 · answered by stitchfan85 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋