Question

What is a mineral?

Answer 1

Minerals are defined by Geologists as a “homogenous, naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure.”Rocks are combinations of homogeneous substances called minerals.

• In nature, minerals are found in varied forms, ranging from the softest talc to the hardest diamond.
• Majority of the rocks have different minerals in different proportions. However there are some rocks like limestone which contain only a single mineral.
• Only a few minerals are abundantly found in most of the rocks, although over 2000 minerals have been identified.
• A certain combination of elements will result in the formation of a particular mineral.
• Chemical and physical conditions play an important role in the formation of these minerals.
• This in turn results in the formation of minerals which possess a wide range of density, lustre, crystal forms, hardness, colours.
• In our daily life we find many things which are made up of metal.
• Various metals are extracted from the minerals which are embedded in the rocks, found on the earth’s crust.
• It is impossible to live without minerals in the lives of humans.
• Everything we see and use in our lives like tall buildings, aircrafts, ships, trains, buses, cars, roads, railway lines, machineries to a tiny pin, all are made from minerals.
• Minerals are also present in the food that we eat.
• At different stages of development, humans have used minerals in ceremonial and religious rites, festivals, decorations etc.