What is a mineral?
A mineral, by definition, is...

1. Inorganic, which means that it is not made by a living organism.
2. A solid. There is one unusual exception: native mercury is a mineral and is the only metal that is a liquid at normal temperatures.
3. Has a regular crystal structure. The crystal structures are described as crystal systems.
4. Made by nature, which means minerals are not made, directly or indirectly, from human activity.
5. Has a predictable chemical formula.

Which of the following are minerals?
For each of these, make a check list of the 5 points of a mineral's definition. If it meets all five points, it's a mineral...by definition.

• Pyrite ("Fool's Gold")
• Snow
• Galena
• Ice Cubes
• Graphite
• Ruby
• Cubic Zirconia
• Diamond
• Fluorite
• Opal

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