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A mineral is a naturally occurring, inanimate object with a highly specific chemical composition. Coral is the fossilized remnants of a living aquatic creature and thus does not qualify.

Coral is also not considered a mineral since it is organic. All real minerals are inorganic.

ANS: 3

By definition #1: coral is not a mineral because it is not homogeneous, it does not have a definite chemical composition nor is it crystalline.

Dead carbonate coral skeletons can meet definition #3 for being a mineral since they are composed of inorganic matter. The skeletons are composed predominately of calcium carbonate. Not all carbon compounds are organic. Carbonates are one class of chemicals that are considered inorganic even though they contain carbon. Carbon dioxide gas is also considered to be inorganic.

This is one of those questions that does not have a right or wrong answer. It depends on how you argue the point.

===Good definition for "mineral" from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/mineral===

1. A naturally occurring, homogeneous inorganic solid substance having a definite chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure, color, and hardness.
2. Any of various natural substances, as:

a. An element, such as gold or silver.
b. An organic derivative, such as coal or petroleum.
c. A substance, such as stone, sand, salt, or coal, that is extracted or obtained from the ground or water and used in economic activities.

3. A substance that is neither animal nor vegetable; inorganic matter.
4. An inorganic element, such as calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, or zinc, that is essential to the nutrition of humans, animals, and plants.
5. An ore.

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