Which of these things is true about a mineral?
A It has a single mineral formula.
B It is organic.
C It has randomly bonded atoms.
D It is a solid or gel.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: D. It is a solid or gel.
Explanation:
A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid that has a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure. The option that says a mineral is a solid or gel is accurate, but with some clarifications:
- Minerals are solids: By definition, a mineral is a solid substance. Solids are typically more stable and organized compared to liquids or gases, making minerals suitable for forming the distinct crystal structures they are known for.
- Minerals can exist in gels: While less common, minerals can form in a gel-like state during certain geological processes. However, once they solidify or crystallize, they become rigid and maintain their characteristic structure.
Let’s break down why the other options are incorrect:
- A. It has a single mineral formula: This is not true because minerals can have different chemical compositions. For example, the mineral feldspar can exist in several varieties with slightly different chemical formulas, like albite (NaAlSi₃O₈) and anorthite (CaAl₂Si₂O₈), despite both being feldspars.
- B. It is organic: Minerals are inorganic substances. Organic compounds are those that contain carbon-hydrogen bonds, typically associated with life forms. Minerals, on the other hand, are made up of naturally occurring elements and do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds in their pure form.
- C. It has randomly bonded atoms: This is incorrect. A mineral’s atoms are arranged in a highly ordered, repetitive pattern known as a crystal lattice. This gives minerals their distinctive shape and properties, unlike materials with random atomic arrangements, such as glass.
In summary, minerals are primarily solid or sometimes gel-like substances with well-defined, ordered atomic structures and inorganic compositions.