Minerals are inorganic substances with distinct chemical composition and highly ordered atomic structures that form through natural processes and are found in many rocks. As essential elements, small amounts of mineral substances are essential to human bodies as well.
The Institute of Mining and Metallurgy’s definition of minerals encompasses naturally occurring crystalline substances with variable composition and structure, such as Mackinawite (Fe, Ni)9S8 for instance, that fall within this definition.
They are solid
Minerals are naturally-occurring solids with a well-defined chemical composition and highly ordered atomic structure that are distinguished from synthetic materials produced in laboratories. There are over 10,000 known mineral species; however, only several hundred make up major parts of rocks (rock-forming minerals).
Most minerals possess crystalline structures and can be classified by their crystal habit, which defines their shape. For instance, galena (iron sulfide) has cubic crystals with black to dark gray hues and metallic luster resembling those on your finger nail. It also boasts hardness similar to your own nails!
Some minerals can be classified by their chemical composition, like quartz (silicon dioxide), which has a clear-cut chemical formula. Other minerals have more complex chemical formulae; silicate minerals make up most of Earth’s crust and contain molecular ions known as silicon-oxygen tetrahedrons as building blocks.
They are a part of living things
Minerals are essential parts of living things, providing bones and teeth, shells and stomach lining with structural support. Researchers still do not fully understand how living organisms produce minerals; however they have made strides towards unraveling biomineralization processes such as those utilized by lobsters to build shells after molting. Researchers have now decoded how ACC production occurs within their stomachs – providing answers on biomineralization for lobsters specifically!
Minerals are naturally-occurring solids with distinct chemical composition and an ordered arrangement of atoms, distinguishable from their lab-produced equivalents. Most rocks contain multiple species of minerals. A mineral can be identified using physical characteristics like hardness, lustre streak and cleavage – or by using X-ray diffraction techniques which help identify them further.
They are a part of the Earth’s crust
International Mineralogical Association recognizes over 5,000 different minerals. These form in nature and possess crystalline structures; they may consist of just one element or, more frequently, multiple. Minerals can also be found in rocks; most of our planet’s crust consists of mixtures of minerals known as rocks; simple examples include calcite and hematite while more complex options like granite may exist as well.
Mineral content depends on both rock type and geographic region. Felsic rocks, rich in silica and feldspars, typically exhibit light colors while mafic rocks feature darker hues containing magnesium and iron that often become metamorphosed into gneiss over time.
Metals are abundant throughout both continental and oceanic crust, where they are extracted through hydrothermal systems at mid-ocean ridges or sedimentary deposits. Pyrite, magnetite and chalcopyrite are among the most frequently occurring metal ores while others such as olivine forsterite fayalite are major ore bodies; iron deposits also frequently form banded iron formations in sedimentary and igneous rocks.
They are a part of the human body
Minerals play an essential part in maintaining human health, playing multiple roles that include helping the body absorb nutrients, regulate nerve and muscle function, maintain acid-base balance and water balance and supporting enzyme systems. A deficiency in certain minerals such as iron can result in certain disorders; anemia being one such example.
Minerals are naturally-occurring solids with defined chemical composition and ordered internal structure that form naturally, typically over time. Some natural solids with defined crystal forms but no ordered internal arrangement may still be considered minerals; such substances are known as mineraloids.
Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, sodium and potassium are the most frequently encountered minerals. Other notable minerals include iron, zinc, fluoride chromium copper selenium molybdenum. Most people can obtain enough of these essential elements from diet alone but some may require supplementation – these minerals can be found in fresh food like beans vegetables whole grains meat dairy products etc.
