1. Mineralogy Introduction
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GLY Lecture 1 – Fall, 2017

2. Classical Definition of “Mineral”
From Edward Salisbury Dana:
“A body produced by the processes of inorganic nature, having usually a definite chemical composition and, if formed under favorable conditions, a certain characteristic atomic structure which is expressed in its crystalline form and other properties.”
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3. Modern Definition of “Mineral”
From C. Klein,
“A mineral is a naturally occurring solid with a highly ordered atomic arrangement and a definite (but not fixed) chemical composition. It is usually formed by inorganic processes.”

4. Properties Which a Mineral Must Possess
1 Occur naturally (synthetic materials are not minerals)
2 Be inorganic - except perhaps those formed by biomineralization
3 Have a definite atomic arrangement (crystallinity)
4 Small range of physical and chemical properties (some minerals have a compositional range, rather than a fixed chemical composition)