Question

What are five main characteristics of a mineral

Answer 1

• Minerals are natural

• Minerals are inorganic

• Minerals are solids

• Menirals have definite chemical composition

• Minerals have  crystalline structure

Explanation:

• Minerals are natural

Minerals should be found in nature. Elements made laboratories are not actual minerals like masquerading as rubies or sapphires. All naturally available crystals are not minerals like opal and amber.

• Minerals are inorganic

Minerals are not under any class of organic compounds. Almost all known minerals come from inorganic processes. Some minerals originate from organic processes like pearls.

• Minerals are solids

Minerals exist only as solids. Solids have a defined volume and shape, and they cannot be compressed any further. Minerals are rigid.

• Definite chemical composition

Each mineral has a unique combination of atoms that cannot be found in other minerals. The strength of mineral can be defined by the type of bond a mineral has. Some minerals, like gold and diamond, have only one element in it.

• Crystalline structure

Minerals form crystals that have repeated arrangements of ions. Minerals have different shapes depending on the size of the ion. Crystals usually take six types of shapes.