What is a mineral? Any naturally formed solid, chemical substance having a definite chemical composition and a characteristic crystal structure.

Here's an example: Pyrite (FeS2), also known as "Fool's gold."

http://www.argentumauctions.com/catalogue/carnegie/2000/photos.html

Crystal structure means a nice, regular lattice where each atom (Fe or S, in this case) has a specific place it belongs.

http://www.chem.lsu.edu/htdocs/people/sfwatkins/ch4570/lattices/lattice.html

Other famous minerals you have probably heard of include quartz, calcite, garnet, and olivine.

You can find other minerals here (gemstones are minerals; some are more pure and more rare than others).

Next

Back to Lecture 19 outline

Back to lectures page

Back to main course page