i just want a definition on what a rock and on what a mineral is. Please don't make it too complicated. I tried wikipedia but i couldn't understand what the word's meaning.
2007-12-29 10:33:29 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
A rock contains 2 or more minerals, where as a Mineral consists of one element.
2007-12-29 10:38:08 · answer #1 · answered by garrett1415 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The definition of a mineral is a naturally occurring substance, comprised of only one type of molecule, inorganic, and having a set crystal structure, that is, its atoms arrange themselves in specific patterns.
A rock is an assemblage of 2 or more minerals and are usually classified by how much of each mineral is present.
2007-12-29 21:30:53 · answer #2 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to define a rock is to say that it is an indefinite mixture of naturally occurring substances, mainly minerals. Its composition may vary in containment of minerals and organic substances, and are never exact. They can range from tiny microscopic grains of minerals or organic substances to coarse agglomerates of different minerals, where the individual minerals are easily discernible. They may range in size from tiny pebbles to huge mountains. Rocks make up the earth’s crust. Many rocks are not solid -- such as magma, soil, and clay. In general, the only people interested in rocks are geologists and paleontologist who are interested in the scientific nature and dating of the rocks. Different mineral deposits can be found in related rock formations, providing use by estimating what minerals rock formations may contain.
A mineral, by definition, is any naturally occurring, inorganic substance, often additionally characterized by an exact crystal structure. Its chemical structure can be exact, or can vary within limits. Elements that occur naturally are also considered minerals.
All minerals belong to a chemical group, which represents their affiliation with certain elements or compounds. The classified chemical groups are known as: Elements, Sulfides, Oxides, Halides, Carbonates, Nitrates, Borates, Sulfates, Chromates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Vanadates, Tungstates, molybdates, and Silicates. Some of these chemical groups have sub-categories, which may be categorized in some mineral references as separate groups.
All minerals belong to various crystal structure groups, classified according to the way the atoms of the mineral are arranged. Minerals also have distinctive properties, such as color, hardness, crystal habit, specific gravity, luster, fracture, and tenacity. Many of these properties can vary among a single mineral, within limits. Many minerals exhibit certain properties that others do not, such as fluorescence and radioactivity.
2007-12-30 00:27:13 · answer #3 · answered by cai :") 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A mineral has a definite formula - for example, the mineral olivine has the formula (Mg,Fe)2SiO4.
It ALWAYS has this formula.
A rock can be any number of minerals joined together, and does not have to be of a specific formula. If you give the rock a name - hornblende for example, then you can call it a mineral with a formula like Ca2(Mg,Fe)4Al(Si7Al)O22(OH,F)2
Basically, a rock is a mutt, whereas although a mineral is NOT composed of only one element, it still has a definite pedigree.
2007-12-29 20:00:21 · answer #4 · answered by attakkdog 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Stone is a collection of minerals, is the iron, magnesium any element that can be solid, which can store over time and form the famous stone.
Mineral and every element that man can use to your well being, is in the construction of houses cars, electronic materials ...
2007-12-29 18:45:16 · answer #5 · answered by Pegazus 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋