Tag: Geology basics

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.

There are over 4,000 identified minerals on Earth, yet they all share a small set of fundamental characteristics. These defining criteria are what distinguish a true mineral from other substances, such as mineraloids, rocks, or synthetic materials. For a substance to be classified as a mineral, it must meet five specific requirements that govern its composition and formation.