A mineral is a naturally occurring solid, homogeneous substance with a definite chemical composition, and have a specific crystalline structure, a highly ordered atomic structure, and specific physical properties, formed through geological processes.
A rock is an aggregate of one or more minerals. Some rocks are predominantly composed of just one mineral. Other rocks contain many minerals, and the specific minerals in a rock can vary widely.. The vast majority of the rocks of the Earth's crust consist of quartz, feldspar, mica, chlorite, kaolin, calcite, epidote, olivine, augite, hornblende, magnetite, hematite, limonite and a few other minerals.
A main determining factor in the formation of minerals in a rock mass is the chemical composition of the mass, for a certain mineral can be formed only when the necessary elements are present in the rock.
Every year, almost 2000 minerals are discovered. Two types of minerals are usually found by the researchers based on their chemical components. In fact, only a few dozen are common within the rocks of the Earth's crust so it is only a limited number of minerals that you are likely to find in your backyard.
There are many different types of minerals and each type is made of particular types of atoms. The atoms are bonded together and arranged in a special way called a crystal lattice, a network of atoms. The lattice of atoms is what gives a mineral its crystal shape.
Minerals are needed by the body in small amounts to help it function properly and stay strong. Iron, calcium, potassium, and sodium are some of essential minerals. Humans need small amounts of about 14 minerals to maintain normal body function and good health. Read More
