what are the characteristics that make a mineral different from other solid materials of the earth like rocks?

Question

thanks

Answer 1

Here are 6 expert quotes that answer your question:

"A mineral is an element or chemical compound that is normally crystalline and that has been formed as a result of geological processes" (Nickel, E. H., 1995).

"Minerals are naturally-occurring inorganic substances with a definite and predictable chemical composition and physical properties." (O' Donoghue, 1990).

"A mineral is a naturally occurring homogeneous solid, inorganically formed, with a definite chemical composition and an ordered atomic arrangement" (Mason, et al, 1968).

"These... minerals ...can be distinguished from one another by individual characteristics that arise directly from the kinds of atoms they contain and the arrangements these atoms make inside them" (Sinkankas, 1966).

"A mineral is a body produced by the processes of inorganic nature, having usually a definite chemical composition and, if formed under favorable conditions, a certain characteristic atomic structure which is expressed in its crystalline form and other physical properties" (Dana & Ford, 1932).

"Every distinct chemical compound occurring in inorganic nature, having a definite molecular structure or system of crystallization and well-defined physical properties, constitutes a mineral species" (Brush & Penfield, 1898).

Answer 2

A mineral is a naturally occuring substance with a characteristic crystal structure. The chemical composition varies within a specific range. A rock is a bunch of minerals fused together.

Answer 3

The above answers are more or less correct.

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic, crystalline substance. That means, with very few exceptions, the chemistry, crystal structure, hardness, color, etc are uniform for every mineral. Examples are quartz, calcite, spodumene, aegerine, galena, , topaz, tourmaline, etc., and even ice but not coal. Minerals can be metallic such as pyrite or non-metallic such as rhodonite.

Rocks are composed of one or minerals by sedimentary, igneous, and or metamorphic processes. Rocks do not have a defined chemical composition, and their physical properties vary according to their mineralogy and where on the rock you are looking. Examples are granite, slate, rhyolite, basalt, gneiss, sandstone, conglomerate etc. Most granites are composed of varying amounts of quartz, feldspar, mica, and hornblende, so more than one mineral makes up a granite, and that is why they have the chartacteristic "black and white" texture we are so familiar with.

In some cases a rock can be composed of only one mineral, such as limestone, sandstone, gypsum, and dunite.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

Rocks are composed of minerals but minerals are not composed of rocks.
A mineral usually consists of oxides,silicates and sulfides of one or more metallic elements.