Minerals, continued
Minerals are naturally occurring, in organic compounds, having a specific chemical formula and possessing a crystalline structure. Breaking this definition down, we learn that minerals:
- form naturally in the environment
- must be nonliving (although organic processes can contribute to their formation)
- be comprised of a consistent combination of elements
- possess a regular crystal structure
The chemical formula for a mineral defines the elemental composition of the substance and this, along with its atomic structure (crystal form), dictates the physical and other properties it possesses. One of the most common types of minerals found in the environment is quartz, an often clear crystal found in many types of rocks and the basic mineral of many sand beaches. The chemical formula for quartz is SiO2 (silicon dioxide), meaning that the mineral is formed from the combination of one atom of silicon (Si) and two atoms of oxygen. Large samples of quartz clearly exhibit the mineral’s distinctive six-sided crystal form.
Rock crystal on black background
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