Final answer:
A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a defined chemical composition and crystal structure. Rocks such as granite consist of minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica, which retain their distinct mineral properties even when broken into smaller pieces. Ice can be considered a mineral if it is naturally occurring and not man-made.
Step-by-step explanation:
A mineral is defined as a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and a characteristic crystalline structure. In essence, minerals are not products of human creation but rather form through natural processes. For instance, ice is considered a mineral because it is a naturally occurring inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition (H2O) and a crystal structure, as long as it is not man-made, while water, being a liquid, is not classified as a mineral.
Rocks support the definition of minerals by being composed of one or multiple minerals. Common rocks like granite, are made up of a combination of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. Each of these constituents retains its own mineral identity within the rock. For example, when granite is broken down into smaller pieces, the resulting fragments of quartz still retain their individual mineral properties. The study of such minerals found within rocks is crucial for geologists to identify and understand the origin and nature of the rocks.