Tag: Minor elements

In geochemistry, elements present in a rock at concentrations between 0.1% and 1.0% are typically classified as minor elements. This classification, however, varies across scientific disciplines, where these low-concentration components play essential and diverse roles far beyond their minimal abundance.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Earth's crust is composed of just eight major elements, making up over 98% of its mass. Understanding what are major and minor elements is crucial across numerous scientific disciplines, from analyzing rocks and minerals to assessing human dietary needs and agricultural productivity.

While the human body is composed of just over 99% of six major elements—oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus—the remaining elements are critical for proper bodily function. This remaining portion is where the distinction arises, as nutrition divides essential minerals into two categories: major and minor elements, based on the quantity required for optimal health.