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When we began studying mining, we kept
hearing the word ‘mineral’ all the time. Mining takes
rocks,
gemstones, and minerals out of the ground. We
thought it would be a good idea to find out what a mineral
really is. The dictionary says that a mineral is: “a
naturally occurring … solid substance having a definite chemical
composition and characteristic crystalline structure, color, and
hardness.” [American Heritage
Dictionary] This means that minerals are formed by nature
and are solid. They are made up of chemicals that form
crystals. They are identified by the characteristics that are in
all pieces of the same mineral, no matter where it's found. Zinc [Zn] + Sulfur [S] + Iron [Fe] = Sphalerite If you look at the Periodic Table of Elements that is linked above, you will see how many different elements there are. This makes lots of different combinations and lots of different rocks, minerals, and gemstones. Most minerals are a combination of two or more different elements.
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Citations: Fuller, Sue. Rocks & Minerals. London: Dorling Kindersley, 1995. "Mineral." World Book Encyclopedia. 2000 ed.
"Mineral." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English
Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Zim, Herbert S. Rocks and minerals: a guide to familiar minerals, gems, ores and rocks. New York: Golden Press, 1957. |