Definitions of Minerals

Question 1

Minerals, simply put, are the…

Answer 1

basic building blocks of a lot of Earth materials

Question 2

What are two examples of materials that minerals are the building blocks for?

Answer 2

Rocks and soil

Question 3

In order for something to be a mineral it has to meet _____ characteristics, criteria, necessary conditions.

Answer 3

5

Question 4

These characteristics, criteria, are…

Answer 4

1. solid
2. naturally occurring
3. Has to have a crystal structure
4. Has to have a specific chemical composition
5. Formed inorganically

Question 5

Is plastic a mineral?

Answer 5

No, because it is man-made

Question 6

Explain what a specific chemical composition means

Answer 6

For example, every quartz crystal or molecule is made up of 1 silicon atom bonded to 2 oxygen atoms, so it has a chemical formula of SiO2

Question 7

Are leaves, plants, and bones considered a mineral?

Answer 7

No, they are organic

Question 8

Is Ice a mineral?

Answer 8

Yes

Question 9

Are bones considered minerals?

Answer 9

No

Question 10

Is Coal considered a mineral?

Answer 10

No, it is organically formed

Question 11

Is steel considered a mineral?

Answer 11

NO it is man-made