A mineral is defined by several key characteristics:
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Naturally Occurring: Minerals form through natural geological processes, not artificially created.
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Inorganic: Most minerals are inorganic, meaning they are not formed from organic (living) material. Some exceptions exist, such as certain biogenic minerals.
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Solid: Minerals are solid at room temperature and have a definite, ordered crystalline structure.
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Definite Chemical Composition: Each mineral has a specific chemical formula that can vary but has a consistent ratio of elements.
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Crystalline Structure: Minerals have a highly ordered atomic arrangement, which results in specific crystallographic forms. This contributes to their physical properties, such as symmetry and cleavage.
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Physical Properties: Minerals possess specific physical properties, including hardness, luster, color, streak, cleavage, and density, which help in their identification.
These characteristics make minerals distinct from other naturally occurring substances, such as rocks (which are made up of multiple minerals) and organic materials.