Summary:
- A mineral is a solid material that forms by a natural process.
- A mineral can be made of an element or a compound.
- Its chemical composition is different from other minerals.
- Each type of mineral has physical properties that differ from others.
- These properties include crystal structure, hardness, density, and color.
- For example, silver is a soft, shiny metal.
- Salt is a white, cube-shaped crystal.
- Diamond is an extremely hard, translucent crystal.
- Some minerals grow when rocks are exposed to high pressures and temperatures.