How is a mineral different from an element?

Answer 1

Most simply put, an element is a single type of atom, as in hydrogen (H), sodium (Na), iron (Fe) and so on. We have a table of known elements that is used in chemistry. Minerals on the other hand, are various combinations of atoms, as in FeII, quartz. We usually refer to minerals when we are talking about things such as vitamins or in geology. In my limited knowledge of geology, I would say that minerals are just combinations of elements that have formed different kinds of 'rocks' under the amazing pressures of earth.

Answer 2

A mineral is an element or compound that is inorganic, has a definite chemical formula, is solid, is naturally occurring, and has a crystalline structure. A rock is normally described as a combination of minerals.

Answer 3

An element is a pure substance made of only one type of atom, such as oxygen or iron. A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid substance with a specific chemical composition and crystalline structure, which may be made up of one or more elements. In other words, all minerals are made of elements, but not all elements are minerals.

Answer 4

It's different because a mineral has to have 5 characteristics:

mineral composition

solid

naturally accuring and so on. A rock does not have any of those or an element.

Answer 5

an element starts with an e