What is a Mineral?

This unit was all about studying "What is a Mineral". We saw some videos, sideshows, did some worksheets and ended up having a test.

What is not a mineral and why-

• Wood- because it was once a living thing
• Fossils- because they were once living
• Bone- because it is a living material
• Granite- instructive igneous rock
• Pearls- because it is made by oysters
• Coal- because it is made of sedimentary rock
• Rock Salt- because it is made of sedimentary rocks

What is a mineral-

• Gold
• Topaz
• Quartz
• Diamond
• Talc
• Ice-burg

Those are all minerals, and non- minerals. Now I will tell you how you can recognize a mineral. Ask yourself the following queestions and you will get the naswer.

Questions that will help you determine if the item is a mineral-

• Is it a non-living material?
• Is it a solid?
• Is it formed in nature?
• Does it have a crystalline structure?

If you answer this questions correctly you will egt the right answer! This unit was, fun and since we will continue it, I am exitied to learn more about it!