Question

Amber, which is made from hardened tree resin, is a gem. Although amber is often used in jewelry, it is not a mineral. Which statement explains why amber is not a mineral? Responses It is not solid. It is not solid. - no response given It is not valuable. It is not valuable. - no response given It is not inorganic. It is not inorganic. - no response given It is not natural.

Answer 1

The correct response that explains why amber is not a mineral is: It is not inorganic.

Minerals are defined as naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure. Since amber is derived from organic materials (specifically, tree resin), it does not meet the inorganic criterion, thus categorizing it as an organic gemstone rather than a mineral.