Final Answer:
A mineral is a naturally occurring, geologically formed, solid substance with a crystalline structure and a definite chemical composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Minerals are naturally occurring substances that are formed through geological processes. They must have a solid state, meaning they maintain a fixed volume and shape at ordinary temperatures. This characteristic distinguishes them from liquids and gases. The formation of minerals involves various geological processes such as cooling and solidification from molten rock, precipitation from a solution, or the alteration of pre-existing minerals under high temperature and pressure.
Additionally, minerals exhibit a crystalline structure, meaning their atoms or ions are arranged in an ordered and repeating pattern. This arrangement gives minerals their unique physical properties, such as cleavage and hardness. The definite chemical composition of minerals further sets them apart. Each mineral has a specific combination of elements in fixed proportions. For example, quartz (SiO₂) is a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen in a 1:2 ratio.
Understanding the chemical composition is crucial for mineral identification. It involves analyzing the elemental makeup of a mineral through techniques like X-ray diffraction or spectroscopy. By determining the distinct combination of elements, geologists can classify and identify minerals. In summary, the definition of a mineral encompasses its natural occurrence, geological formation, solid state, crystalline structure, and a specific chemical composition, making it a distinct and identifiable component of the Earth's crust.
Full Question:
is a naturally occurring, formed geologically, solid, crystalline structure, definite chemical composition.