Chapter 4.1, Problem 1BYL

To determine

The relationship between rocks, minerals, and chemical elements.

Answer to Problem 1BYL

Mineral is a naturally forming, inorganic, solid substance that has an ordered internal structure and a definite chemical composition. Aggregates of minerals are termed as rocks. Chemical element is a term that is used to denote the minerals that are used in the kitchen or pharmacy.

Explanation of Solution

The substances that occur naturally as a result of various natural processes such as volcanism, evaporation, and hydrothermal activities are termed as minerals. Apart from this, it should be inorganic and a solid substance with an orderly arranged internal structure and a specific chemical composition. The orderly arranged internal structure denotes that the atoms of minerals should be arranged in a regular, repeating pattern.

When two or more than two minerals combine, it results in the formation of a rock. Depending on the composition, texture, and structure, rocks are classified into different categories. They are igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic, and hydrothermal rocks.

The minerals that are used in the kitchen or pharmacy are referred as chemical elements. This kind of nutritional minerals are different from the crystalline minerals of geoscientists.