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Minerals are by definition occurring in nature, solid, having a specific chemical formula, and having a crystalline structure. When minerals form from a gaseous or liquid state of matter into a solid, their combinations of atoms arrange themselves into a crystalline structure, for example, a quart crystal. These crystalline structures are divided into six or seven (depending on what article you read) crystal systems by length and relationships between the crystal axes.

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12y ago
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12y ago

Actually one of the qualities of a mineral, is having a crystal structure. If it doesn't have a crystal structure, it is not a mineral. Remember the qualities of a mineral this way: SICCO

S-Solid

I-Inorganic

C-Crystal Structure

C-Chemical Composition

O-Occurring Naturally

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13y ago

Crystals from since the atoms in minerals have a prefered way of being organized relative to each other. As a result a mineral will take one pattern and repeat it millions of times, forming a very ordered mass of atoms.

However the conditions under which a crystal can form vary between different minerals. The temperature of formation, time available and the presence of other elements all affect how well crystals will grow.

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15y ago

Minerals, by definition, have a crystalline structure. The crystals could be microscopic, or up to many meters or yards in length. The crystal size depends on the habit and formation circumstances during the mineral's formation.

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Q: Why are minerals considered to be crystalline?
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Related questions

Why must a mineral be solied to be called minerals?

to be considered a mineral it must a repeating crystalline structure.


Are all minerals crystalline?

A mineral, by definition is an inorganic solid with a crystalline structure formed naturally. Wood, paper, or any other organic solids are not minerals because they have no crystalline structure and form organically. Plastic is not a mineral either because it is made synthetically out of organic materials. Some organic materials like coal and other hydrocarbons are considered minerals economically. Bones and teeth contain hydoxylapatite that is organically formed but is still considered a mineral, so there are exceptions. Whewellite is organically formed but has a crystalline structure, and is considered a mineral.


Why are feldspars considered to be minerals even though their compositions can vary?

they are inorganic and have crystalline structures.


How crystals of minerals are cassified?

they are classified as crystalline.


What minerals make up volcanic glass?

No minerals make up true volcanic glass, as the crystalline structure of minerals did not have time to form before the lava hardened. A mineral must have a crystalline structure.


What are the 6 main crystalline structures of silicate minerals?

6 types of silicate minerals


What Two types of rocks that have no minerals?

Volcanic glasses have no crystalline structure, and technically no minerals.


What are the six main crystalline structures of silicate minerals?

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What The six main crystalline structures of silicate minerals?

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Where are crystalline minerals found?

In all three rock types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. By definition, a mineral has a crystalline structure, and rocks are composed of combinations of minerals. Rocks with interlocking crystalline mineral structures are usually igneous or metamorphic.


Why is it some elements are considered as minerals since minerals exist in compound form?

There is a classification of minerals known as elemental minerals, that meet all the requirements of the definition of a mineral: solid, naturally occurring, crystalline structure, definite chemical formula, and inorganic. Elemental minerals include gold, silver, copper.


Is ice considered minerals?

Ice is a recognized mineral, meeting the requirements of the definition: solid, naturally occurring, definite chemical formula, crystalline structure, and inorganic.