What is a Mineral?

A mineral, by definition, is . . .

1. Inorganic, which means that it is not made by a living organism.
2. A solid. There is one unusual exception. Native mercury is a mineral and is the only metal that is a liquid at normal temperatures.
3. Has a regular crystal structure. The crystal structures are described as crystal systems.
4. Made by nature which means minerals are not made, directly or indirectly, from human activity.
5. Has a predictable chemical formula.

Fun activity for kids

See if you can find out which of the following are minerals?

• Cubic Zirconia
• Diamond
• Fluorite
• Galena
• Graphite
• Ice Cubes
• Pyrite (“Fool’s Gold”)
• Ruby
• Snow

For each of these, make a checklist of the 5 points of a mineral’s definition.

If it meets all 5 points, it is a mineral ... by definition.

Once you have finished you can click on the answer below and see how you did.