pdf rocks and minerals
Rocks are composed of minerals, naturally occurring inorganic solids, forming the Earth’s crust; understanding their origins is key to geological study and appreciation. What are Minerals? Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic substances with a defined chemical composition and crystalline structure. They represent the fundamental building blocks of rocks, essentially the ‘ingredients’ that compose them. With over 4,000 named minerals, identifying them can be complex, yet crucial for understanding geological processes. A dedicated collector might readily identify a c