An atom can be defined as the smallest unit comprising of matter that forms all chemical elements. Thus, atoms are basically the building blocks of matters and as such defines the structure of a chemical element.
Generally, these atoms are typically made up of three distinct particles and these are protons, neutrons and electrons.
Hence, all the physical properties of a mineral result from the mineral's internal arrangement of atoms.
I believe when you mix two things up together. It is called mixture. And they make one Compound. One example could be water, sugar, and flavorings making one compound which is soda. Hope it helps.
