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Earth Science for Kids

Minerals

What is a mineral?

Minerals are solid substances that occur naturally. They can be made from a single element (like gold or copper) or from a combination of elements. The Earth is made up of thousands of different minerals.

What is the difference between a mineral and a rock?

Minerals have a specific chemical structure which is the same throughout the entire mineral. Rocks, on the other hand, are composed of a variety of different minerals and are not consistent throughout their structure.

Characteristics of Minerals

Some common characteristics of minerals include:
Properties of Minerals

Different minerals are often defined by the set of properties described below: Types of Minerals

There are many different types of minerals, but they are often divided into two groups: silicates and non-silicates. Silicates are minerals that contain silicon and oxygen. Over 90% of the Earth's crust is made up of silicates. The rest of the minerals are lumped into a group called non-silicates.

Some important non-silicate minerals include: Native elements such as copper, gold, diamond, graphite, and sulfur can be thought of as a third group of minerals.

Interesting Facts about Minerals Activities Earth Science Subjects

Geology
Composition of the Earth
Rocks
Minerals
Plate Tectonics
Erosion
Fossils
Glaciers
Soil Science
Mountains
Topography
Volcanoes
Earthquakes
The Water Cycle
Geology Glossary and Terms

Nutrient Cycles
Food Chain and Web
Carbon Cycle
Oxygen Cycle
Water Cycle
Nitrogen Cycle
Atmosphere and Weather
Atmosphere
Climate
Weather
Wind
Clouds
Dangerous Weather
Hurricanes
Tornadoes
Weather Forecasting
Seasons
Weather Glossary and Terms

World Biomes
Biomes and Ecosystems
Desert
Grasslands
Savanna
Tundra
Tropical Rainforest
Temperate Forest
Taiga Forest
Marine
Freshwater
Coral Reef
Environmental Issues
Environment
Land Pollution
Air Pollution
Water Pollution
Ozone Layer
Recycling
Global Warming

Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable Energy
Biomass Energy
Geothermal Energy
Hydropower
Solar Power
Wave and Tidal Energy
Wind Power

Other
Ocean Waves and Currents
Ocean Tides
Tsunamis
Ice Age
Forest Fires
Phases of the Moon


Science >> Earth Science for Kids


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