Minerals of the Earth’s Crust Chapter 3 Minerals of the Earth’s Crust Chap 3, Sect 1 (Maybe a Mineral?)p.65 Objectives: Describe the structure of minerals. How is a mineral different than a rock?

**How do you know it’s a mineral? Tech Terms: mineral - a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure. **How do you know it’s a mineral? Is it a nonliving material? Is it solid? Hey! Is it a mineral? Does it have a crystalline structure? Is it made in nature?

crystal – the solid geometric form of a mineral, produced by a repeating pattern of atoms or molecules (the crystal gives the mineral its identity). Element- pure substances that can not be broken down. All minerals contain one or more natural element. Atom- the smallest part of an element that has all of the element’s properties. **All 4 questions must be answered yes for it to be a mineral!! So which objects are minerals? Atom Element Compound Crystal Mineral Rock

How is a mineral different than a rock? organic Inorganic Inconsistent Consistent crystal structure Made of minerals Made of elements No equal composition Grouped how they are made Equal composition – same all the way through Grouped by what they are made of

3.1 Notes Continued.. Remember… Minerals are classified by WHAT they are made of. ROCKS are classified by HOW they form.