Final answer:
Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a specific chemical composition and crystalline structure. Common properties used in identification include composition, texture, color, hardness, and presence of vesicles. Quartz is an example of a common mineral identifiable by these properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Minerals are defined as naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and a characteristic crystalline structure. This means they are formed by natural processes, not by human intervention, and they are solid at room temperature. Not all solids qualify as minerals; for example, ice is considered a mineral because it is a solid form of water and not man-made, whereas water in its liquid form is not.
When identifying minerals, there are common observable properties geologists look for:
Although specialized equipment can provide detailed analysis of minerals, field identification is often based on these physical properties. Quartz, for example, is a common mineral that can be identified by its ability to scratch glass and its presence in many rock types.
Understanding these properties is essential for classifying different rock types and understanding the environments in which they formed. Common minerals like quartz and others from the group of seven that make up most of the Earth's crust are crucial for geologists in the field as they provide insight into the geological history of an area.