ásványtani

Ásványtani is the Hungarian term for mineralogy, the scientific study of minerals. Mineralogy is a branch of geology that deals with the chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties of minerals. It also encompasses the processes of mineral formation, the geological occurrences of minerals, and their uses.

Minerals are naturally occurring, solid, inorganic substances with a defined chemical composition and an ordered atomic structure. This ordered structure is what gives minerals their characteristic crystal forms. The study of these forms, crystallography, is a fundamental part of mineralogy.

Mineralogists use a variety of techniques to study minerals, including optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and spectroscopy. These methods help determine a mineral's chemical makeup, internal structure, and physical properties such as hardness, cleavage, luster, and color.

The field of mineralogy is crucial for understanding Earth's geological history, the formation of rocks, and the distribution of natural resources. Many minerals have significant economic importance, serving as sources of metals, gemstones, and industrial materials. The study of mineralogy has applications in various fields, including geology, materials science, and environmental science.