• A naturally occurring substance of inorganic origin.

• Their molecular structures are regular and their chemical composition varies only within specific limits.

• A natural solid substance found in the earth’s crust.

• Substances that make up the rocks of Earth.

• They are HOMOGENOUS – every part of it is the same as every other part.

PRINCIPAL GROUPS

• Native Elements

• Halides• Sulphides• Oxides• Carbonates• Sulphates• Phosphates• Silicates

*Native Elements

*Halides

*Sulphides

*Oxides

*Carbonates

*Sulphates

*Phosphate

*Silicate

USES

• Sources of essential metals.–Ores: a natural occurring metallic

compound from which the metal can be extended.

• Used as catalysts or fluxes in chemical reactions.

• Some are of aesthetic value as collectors’ items or jewelry stones.

PROPERTIES TO IDENTIFY A MINERAL

• Crystal Shape

• Luster–Metallic–Non-metallic

• Color• Streak• Hardness

*Crystal Shape

*Luster

*Color

*Streak

*Hardness

MINERALS THAT ARE PART OF A BALANCED DIET

• Iron – essential constituent of hemoglobin

• Calcium – for strong bones and teeth, and for muscle contraction

• Sodium – (salt) for the nerve cells and to produce hydrochloric acid for digestion

• Iodine – used to create thyroxine, hormone partly responsible for controlling metabolic rate in body

Minerals composed of organic matter (crude oil, coal) are not true minerals but are called minerals.