Understanding Minerals and Their Occurrence

What is a Mineral? Mineral is defined as a "homogenous, naturally occurring substance with a

definable internal structure." Minerals are found in varied forms in nature,

ranging from the hardest diamond to the softest talc. Rocks are combinations of homogeneous substances

called minerals. Mode of Occurrence of Minerals Minerals are usually found in "ores".

The term ore is used to describe an accumulation of any mineral mixed with other elements.

Minerals generally occur in the following forms: in igneous and metamorphic rooks,

minerals may occur in the cracles, crevices, faults or joints. In sedimentary rocks,

a number of minerals occur in beds or layers. The decomposition of surface rocks