Matter and Minerals Questions

In contrast of minerals rocks are loosely defined. Rock- is any solid mass of mineral , or mineral like, matter that occurs naturally as part of our planet.

Define the term rock. How do rocks differ from minerals ?

1.Naturally occurring 2. Solid Substance 3. Orderly Crystalline Structure (which means that their atomic ions are arranged in repetitive manner, if not they are not considered a mineral. 5. Definite chemical composition that allows for sine variation.

List five characteristics and earth material must have in order to be considered a mineral.

Gold- is a mineral because its naturally occurring. Water- is not considered a mineral because its not a solid substance Synthetic diamonds- is not considered a mineral because it does not occur naturally Ice- is considered a mineral because it a solid substance Wood- is not considered a mineral because its an organic material.

Based on the definition of mineral, which of the following materials are not classified as minerals and why, gold, water, synthetic diamonds, ice, and wood.