Minerals
The basic building blocks of all rocks, minerals, liquids, and gases are chemical elements, which are made up of various combinations of atoms. For example, when lead atoms combine with sulfur atoms, the mineral galena is formed. There are many definitions of mineral, but in earth science, a mineral is a naturally occurring solid with a definite chemical composition and crystal structure. Rocks are naturally occurring solids composed of one or more minerals.
Methods Used to Identify Minerals
Minerals Sorted by Mineral Group
Most minerals are chemically classified as native elements, sulfides, sulfates, oxides, silicates, carbonates, phosphates, halides, nitrates, tungstates, molybdates, arsenates, or vanadates.
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Minerals Sorted by Mineral Name
Alphabetical list by mineral name for minerals discussed on this site.
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