Definition of a mineral

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Definition of a Mineral: Key Characteristics

A mineral is defined as a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite, but sometimes variable, chemical composition and an ordered atomic structure. This definition is widely accepted in the field of mineralogy and is based on several essential criteria Aydinalp2012Mukherjee2011Wenk2004+3 MORE.

Naturally Occurring and Inorganic

Minerals must form through natural processes, not as a result of human activity or artificial synthesis. They are typically inorganic, meaning they are not produced by living organisms, although some exceptions exist for substances formed by geological and biochemical processes Aydinalp2012Mukherjee2011Wenk2004+2 MORE.

Solid State and Homogeneity

A mineral is always a solid under normal Earth conditions. It is homogeneous, meaning it has a uniform structure and composition throughout any given sample Aydinalp2012Wenk2004Cubanite2019+1 MORE.

Definite Chemical Composition

Minerals have a specific chemical formula, though some variation can occur due to isomorphism or minor substitutions of elements. This chemical composition distinguishes one mineral species from another Aydinalp2012Mukherjee2011Wenk2004+3 MORE.

Ordered Atomic Arrangement

The atoms in a mineral are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern, which gives the mineral its characteristic crystalline structure. This ordered structure is a key factor that separates minerals from other naturally occurring substances like glass or mineraloids, which lack such order Aydinalp2012Wenk2004Cubanite2019+2 MORE.

Mineral Species and Classification

Each mineral species is defined by a unique combination of chemical composition and crystal structure. Variations within a species can occur, but all samples share the same fundamental properties. The concept of a "mineral species" is similar to the biological concept of species, grouping together natural crystals with similar structural and chemical characteristics Wenk2004Hawthorne2021.

Legal and Broader Definitions

In legal and industrial contexts, the definition of a mineral can vary. Some laws include substances like oil, gas, or coal as minerals, while others do not. The specific definition often depends on the context and jurisdiction Reeves1979Trump2017.

Conclusion

In summary, a mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic, homogeneous solid with a definite chemical composition and an ordered atomic structure. This definition is central to the science of mineralogy and is used to distinguish minerals from other natural materials and synthetic substances Aydinalp2012Mukherjee2011Wenk2004+4 MORE.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

An Introduction to Mineralogy

A mineral is a naturally-occurring solid with a definite chemical composition and ordered atomic arrangement, formed by inorganic processes.

2012·

0citations

·C. Aydinalp

DOI

Minerals and Their Chemical Classification

Minerals are classified into chemical groups based on their chemical structure, which is essential for various applications in metallurgy, gem-industry, and other fields.

2011·

4citations

·S. Mukherjee

DOI

Minerals: Classification and names of minerals

Minerals are naturally occurring solids with well-defined chemistry, formed by geological and biochemical processes, and each mineral is an "individual" with different morphologies, properties, and variations in internal structure.

2004·

0citations

·H. Wenk et al.

DOI

Meaning of the word minerals

The definition of mineral in law varies by state, with oil and gas considered minerals in Texas, while coal and lignite are questionable in North Dakota.

1979·

2citations

·G. Reeves

Executive Order 13817: A Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals

Executive Order 13817 aims to ensure secure and reliable supplies of critical minerals, essential for the County's economy and the well-being of the State.

2017·

52citations

·Donald J. Trump

Metals from Ores: An Introduction

Ores are mixtures of minerals, and most are processed for a single metal, while some yield multiple metals, with some yielding only one metal.

2019·

0citations

·Cubanite et al.

International Mineralogical Association, Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names: Definition of a mineral

This report clarifies zeolite nomenclature, allowing complete substitution by elements other than Si and Al, and distinguishing species based on topologically distinctive compositional series.

Highly Cited

1980·

183citations

Mineralogy and Petrology·

DOI

The Complete Technology Book on Minerals & Mineral Processing

This book covers mining, mining machineries, geopolymerisation, non ferrous metals production, and alumina processing, with a focus on India's rich mineral resources and industrial base.

2020·

0citations

Minerals Matter: Science, Technology, and Society

Minerals are fundamental to science, technology, and society, providing essential information and templates for technologically advanced materials.

2022·

2citations

·B. Dutrow

GSA Today·

DOI

Ontology, archetypes and the definition of ‘mineral species’

A mineral species is defined by its name, end-member formula and Z, space group, and bond topology, with its chemical composition limited by compositional boundaries between end members with the same bond topology.

2021·

13citations

·F. Hawthorne et al.

Mineralogical Magazine·

DOI

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