Final answer:
Ice, when naturally occurring, such as in glaciers, is classified as a mineral since it is an inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition (H2O) and a characteristic crystalline structure. Man-made ice is not considered a mineral as it is not naturally occurring.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ice is classified as a mineral when it is naturally occurring. As per the definition, a mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic, solid substance with a definite chemical composition and a characteristic crystalline structure. Ice meets these criteria when it forms naturally, as in glaciers or ice caps.
It has a definite chemical composition, H2O, and a crystalline structure that becomes evident when it freezes. It is also inorganic, meaning it does not consist of the complex carbon-based molecules that characterize life.
However, ice that is man-made, such as the kind produced by refrigerators or ice machines, does not qualify as a mineral because it is not naturally occurring. Additionally, ice must be in a solid form to be considered a mineral; therefore, water in its liquid state does not meet the criteria.