minerale

Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline internal structure. They form through geological processes and commonly occur as crystals, in rocks and soils. Minerals are the fundamental constituents of rocks and are distinguished from organic substances.

Most minerals are classified by chemistry and crystal structure. Silicate minerals, based on silicon–oxygen tetrahedra, are the most abundant in Earth's crust and include quartz and feldspars. Other mineral classes include native elements (such as gold and copper), carbonates (like calcite), sulfides (such as pyrite), sulfates (like gypsum), halides (such as halite), phosphates (like apatite), and oxides (such as magnetite).

Minerals form by magmatic crystallization, metamorphic growth under changing temperature and pressure, sedimentary precipitation, and hydrothermal processes. They can occur as discrete grains, intergrown crystals, or as parts of larger rock structures.

Common properties used to identify minerals include hardness, luster, color, streak, cleavage or fracture, and density. The Mohs scale ranks hardness from talc to diamond. Optical properties and crystal habit provide further diagnostic clues.

Many minerals are economically important as ore minerals that supply metals and industrial materials. The study of minerals supports mining, resource assessment, petrology, and the understanding of planetary crusts.