Minerál

Minerál is a naturally occurring inorganic solid with a defined chemical composition and an ordered internal arrangement of atoms. Minerals form by geologic processes and are the basic constituents of rocks. They are typically crystalline, and their crystal structure gives rise to distinct physical properties such as hardness, cleavage, fracture, color, luster, and density.

Minerál classes: The silicates form the largest group, composed of silicon and oxygen, often with aluminum, iron, potassium, calcium, and others. Other classes include oxides, sulfides, sulfates, carbonates, halides, phosphates, and native elements (elements found in metallic or elemental form such as copper, gold, or diamond).

Formation: Minerals form by cooling and crystallization from molten rock, by precipitation from fluids in sedimentary environments, by metamorphic processes under heat and pressure, or via biomineralization in living organisms.

Properties and identification: Minerals are identified by properties such as hardness (Mohs scale), cleavage, fracture, color, streak, luster, and density. Optical properties and crystal habit also aid identification; X-ray diffraction and chemical analysis provide definitive composition.

Occurrences and uses: Minerals occur throughout the Earth's crust and are mined for a wide range of uses, including construction materials, metals, fertilizers, and gemstones. Common examples include quartz (SiO2), feldspars (KAlSi3O8–NaAlSi3O8–CaAl2Si2O8), calcite (CaCO3), halite (NaCl), gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O), magnetite (Fe3O4), as well as native elements such as gold (Au) and diamonds (C).