Tag: Rocks vs minerals

While many students use platforms like Quizlet to quickly memorize mineral characteristics, a mineral is officially defined by five key scientific criteria. A substance must meet all five strict requirements—like being naturally occurring and having a crystal structure—to be considered a mineral, distinguishing it from rocks and other substances.

According to the International Mineralogical Association, there are over 6,000 recognized mineral species, each defined by a specific set of criteria. This guide answers the fundamental question, "What exactly are minerals?" by exploring the scientific principles that distinguish them from other substances and highlighting their incredible importance in our world.