Category: Mineralogy

Over 99% of the body's calcium and 85% of its phosphorus are found in bones and teeth. For the formation of strong bone and teeth, three key mineral elements—calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium—are essential and work in a complex, synergistic manner to ensure their structural integrity.

Iron is the fourth most abundant element in the Earth's crust, but does this mean all stones are rich in iron? The simple answer is no; most rocks only contain trace amounts, while significant quantities are concentrated in specific iron ore formations.

While most people associate iron with dietary intake, the largest and most foundational sources are geological deposits found deep within the Earth's crust. So, which is the main source of iron salts, and how do these sources vary depending on their intended use?

Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust, yet it is rarely found in its pure state due to its high reactivity. Instead, it combines with other elements to form compounds, with magnesium chloride being one of its most common and versatile forms. It is highly soluble in water, which is why its primary natural sources are found in saline aquatic environments and mineral deposits left behind by evaporated water.

Potassium is the seventh most abundant element in the Earth's crust, but pure potassium sulfate ($K_2SO_4$) is rare and typically found mixed with other minerals. The natural sources of potassium sulfate are primarily found in massive underground evaporite deposits and concentrated salt lake brines.

Accounting for approximately 1.5 to 2.0 percent of total adult body weight, calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, with over 99% of its total mass stored within the bones and teeth. This remarkable mineral is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of the skeleton, but it also plays many other indispensable physiological roles that keep our bodies functioning correctly.

Over 90% of Earth's crust is composed of silicate minerals, making them by far the most abundant mineral group. These and other minerals are systematically categorized by mineralogists primarily based on their chemical composition. Understanding this classification is fundamental to studying geology and how Earth is formed.

With thousands of officially recognized minerals by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) as of May 2025, the sheer number may seem overwhelming. However, rather than existing in a single form, minerals are organized into distinct classifications based on their chemical composition, internal crystal structure, and physical properties. This organizational framework reveals that there are numerous ways to define a mineral's 'form,' extending far beyond simple physical appearance.

Over 4,000 distinct mineral types have been identified and formally recognized by the International Mineralogical Association. Understanding the key points of minerals—their definitive characteristics, formation, and classification—is foundational knowledge for anyone studying earth science.

Less than 1% of all known mineral species have a discernible taste, and far fewer taste specifically salty. So, do minerals taste salty? Not all of them, but certain soluble minerals with specific chemical compositions, most notably halite, can, though it is a dangerous practice.