Final answer:
Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a specific chemical composition and crystalline structure, significant as building blocks of rocks and essential nutrients for the body. Quartz is a common example, and iron ore is a significant mineral in Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Are Minerals?
A mineral is defined as a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and a characteristic crystalline structure. Minerals are found all around the world and are the basic building blocks of rocks. Most rocks are composed of combinations of minerals, and some rocks, like granite, are made up of several different minerals.
Common Minerals and Their Occurrences
There are over five thousand known minerals, but a small number of these make up the majority of the Earth's crust. For example, quartz is one of the most common minerals found on Earth. Additionally, minerals are essential for good health, as they are required by the body in both macro quantities (like calcium and magnesium) and trace amounts (like iron and zinc).
In Europe, for instance, iron ore is a significant mineral deposit found in countries such as Sweden, France, and Ukraine. Other mineral resources include copper, lead, bauxite, and many more, which have been crucial in supporting the industrialization of the continent.