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Minerals
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Minerals are natural compounds formed through geological processes. A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure. A rock is an aggregate of one or more minerals.erals range in composition from pure elements and simple salts to very complex silicates with thousands of known forms. The study of minerals is called mineralogy. Chemistry and crystal structure define together a mineral. In fact, two or more minerals may have the same chemical composition, but differ in crystal structure. Crystal structure greatly influences a mineral's physical properties. There are currently just over 4,000 known minerals. |
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