What is a Mineral According to Scientists?

We live in a world of minerals. They're closer to you than you might realize, even if you don't wear any gemstone jewelry. Minerals form parts of your body, like teeth and bones. People have utilized minerals since prehistory. In fact, our names for some major historical periods reflect the importance of minerals. Flint and jade (both jadeite and nephrite) marked the Stone Age. Chalcopyrite and cassiterite marked the Bronze Age. Goethite, hematite, and magnetite marked the Iron Age. Even the modern Atomic Age reflects the use of uraninite. In this article, we'll learn how scientists define a mineral.

A Scientific Definition of a Mineral

A mineral is a naturally occurring solid substance with a definite chemical composition and a specific crystal structure. In this definition, the following are key:

Naturally Occurring

Minerals must form through natural processes. Consequently, synthetic or lab-created materials, like lab-created corundum (ruby and sapphire), are not minerals. Although gemologists can say lab-created rubies and sapphires are real rubies and sapphires, as well as real gemstones, it would be incorrect to call them minerals. In the United States, synthetic materials with the same properties as minerals can't be called minerals in advertisements. Mineralogists refer to these products simply as synthetic materials, even if they are physically and optically identical to minerals. Minerals that form through geological processes are called inorganic. Minerals that form through biological processes, like the hydroxylapatite in bones, are called organic. Both types of minerals occur naturally. Some organic minerals can also occur inorganically.

Solid Substance

A melted or liquid substance has no crystal structure. Thus, it can only be called a mineral once it solidifies into a crystal.

Definite Chemical Composition

Every mineral species is defined by its chemical composition and crystal structure. For example, quartz is composed of two chemical elements: silicon (Si) and oxygen (O). The combination and proportion of elements (SiO2) — one silicon atom to two oxygen atoms — comprise quartz's chemical composition or formula.

Specific Crystal Structure

When silicon and oxygen atoms are arranged into tetrahedrons, where one silicon atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms, the aforementioned quartz forms. These tetrahedrons are regularly organized into a repeating pattern, which creates a specific crystal structure known as a trigonal crystal system. The combination of chemical formula (SiO2) and trigonal crystal system defines quartz as a mineral. Other minerals may have the same chemical formula as quartz but have their atoms arranged differently. For example, coesite and stishovite have the same formula as quartz but form in the monoclinic and tetragonal crystal systems, respectively. Thus, coesite and stishovite are distinct mineral species.

The Many Uses of Minerals

Minerals have countless uses in our daily lives. They are the building blocks of the Earth's crust and mantle, and they are essential components of many of the objects and materials we use every day.

One of the most well-known uses of minerals is in the production of jewelry and other decorative items. Gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, are highly prized for their beauty and rarity. These minerals are often cut and polished to enhance their natural brilliance and color.

Minerals are also used in the production of many industrial and technological products. For example, quartz is used in the manufacture of computer chips and other electronic devices, while gypsum is used in the production of drywall and plaster. Minerals are also used in the production of paints, ceramics, and glass, as well as in the production of many types of chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

In addition to their industrial and technological uses, minerals are also important for their role in the natural environment. Many minerals are essential for the growth and development of plants and animals, and they play a crucial role in the cycling of nutrients and the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.

Despite their ubiquity and importance, minerals are often taken for granted. However, as we continue to rely on them for a wide range of applications, it is important to understand the science behind these remarkable natural materials.

The Difference Between Gemstones and Minerals

While gemstones and minerals are closely related, they are not the same thing. Gemstones are a subset of minerals that are prized for their beauty, rarity, and durability. Not all minerals are gemstones, and not all gemstones are minerals.

Gemstones are typically defined as minerals that have been cut and polished for use in jewelry and other decorative items. They are often characterized by their unique color, clarity, and luster. Examples of gemstones include diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.

Minerals, on the other hand, are naturally occurring inorganic substances with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure. While some minerals, like the ones mentioned above, can be used as gemstones, many other minerals do not have the same aesthetic appeal or value.

It's important to note that not all minerals are considered gemstones, and not all gemstones are considered minerals. For example, pearls and amber are both considered gemstones, but they are not minerals. They are organic substances that are formed through biological processes, rather than through geological processes.

Similarly, some materials that are often mistaken for minerals, such as glass and synthetic materials, are not actually minerals. These materials may have similar properties to minerals, but they do not meet the scientific definition of a mineral.

In summary, while gemstones and minerals are closely related, they are distinct categories of natural materials. Gemstones are a subset of minerals that are prized for their beauty and rarity, while minerals are a broader category of naturally occurring inorganic substances with specific chemical compositions and crystal structures.

Conclusion

Minerals are an essential part of our world, and they play a crucial role in our daily lives. From the jewelry we wear to the technology we use, minerals are all around us. By understanding the scientific definition of a mineral and the differences between gemstones and minerals, we can better appreciate the remarkable natural materials that make up our world.

Whether you're a geologist, a jewelry enthusiast, or simply someone who is curious about the natural world, learning about minerals is a fascinating and rewarding pursuit. So, the next time you look at a piece of jewelry or a computer chip, take a moment to appreciate the incredible science and history behind the minerals that make it possible.