Tag: Dana system

Over 5,000 distinct mineral species are officially recognized by the International Mineralogical Association, necessitating a systematic framework to organize them. This article explores the scientific principles underpinning the answer to the question: on which basis are minerals classified?

Silicate minerals constitute over 90% of the Earth's crust. Understanding their systematic arrangement helps explain what is the classification of minerals in detail, a field centered on chemical composition and crystalline structure. Mineral classification is a critical tool for geologists and researchers to organize and understand the vast diversity of inorganic compounds that make up our planet.

With over 4,000 minerals identified by geologists, a systematic organizational method is essential for study. This is precisely why minerals are classified, primarily based on their unique chemical composition and internal crystalline structure, which profoundly influence their physical properties.