Tag: Inorganic

Many people believe that vitamins are inorganic compounds that do not provide energy, but this is a common misconception rooted in a misunderstanding of basic nutritional science. In reality, vitamins are organic compounds that are absolutely crucial for unlocking the energy stored in the foods we eat, acting as essential catalysts in metabolic processes.

Over 45 different substances are classified as essential nutrients, but only a handful of these are minerals. So, what is the difference between minerals and nutrients, and why is this distinction so important for your body's health and wellness?

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic element or compound with an orderly internal structure and characteristic chemical composition. Based on these criteria, salt, in its naturally occurring state as the mineral halite, unequivocally counts as a mineral.

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.

According to the U.S. National Park Service, minerals are the building blocks of Earth's rocks and sands. To be considered a true mineral by geologists, a substance must meet five specific criteria: it must be naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, possess a definite chemical composition, and have a crystalline structure.