mineral
MIN-er-ul
/ˈmɪn.ər.əl/
A solid naturally occurring inorganic substance with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.
Rocks are mixtures composed of one or more minerals; minerals are the uniform atomic building blocks.
The story behind the word. Traced to Medieval Latin 'minera', meaning a mine or vein of metal ore. The term originally referred to anything extracted from a mine, eventually refining into its precise scientific definition as an inorganic crystalline solid.
Word relationships
- inorganic compound: Inorganic compound is a broad chemical term, whereas mineral specifies a naturally occurring crystalline solid.
- organic matter: Refers to carbon-based matter derived from living organisms rather than inorganic crystals.
Commonly confused with
- rock: A rock is a composite mixture of various minerals; a mineral is a single pure substance with a fixed structure.
Word family
- mineralize (verb): To convert into or impregnate with mineral matter
- mineralogy (noun): The scientific study of minerals
Collocations
- mineral deposit
- mineral composition
- mineral rich
- essential minerals
Example sentences
- "Quartz is one of the most common minerals found in abundance throughout Earth's continental crust." Mineralogy textbook
- "The mountain freshwater spring was exceptionally rich in dissolved natural minerals essential for health." Health and nutrition
Memory hook
MINERAL comes from MINE—substances mined from the deep Earth. Pure crystalline rock ingredient.
When not to use
Do not call organic substances like coal or wood minerals in a strict geological sense.
Fun facts
- Ice is technically classified as a mineral by geologists because it is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a defined crystal structure.
Related words
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