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# Minerals 101

## Mineral Resources at the USGS

### What is the USGS studying with regards to mineral resources?

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## Mineral Commodities

### Mineral commodities are used in every part of our daily lives.

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## Fieldwork

### USGS scientists go out to the field to study minerals around the country.

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## How are Minerals Used?

### Mineral commodities are starting ingredients in just about every aspect of our lives, from our smartphones to our roads to our homes and even our food.

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## Mineral Frontiers

### The USGS is at the forefront of finding new sources of critical minerals.

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Want to know more about minerals? Minerals contribute to industry, national security, and the economy. Keep reading to learn what minerals are and how the USGS studies them.

### Critical Minerals

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### Mineral Commodities

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### Learn About:

                        - USGS Mineral Resources Program (MRP) Science
                        - Mineral Statistics and Commodity Information
                        - Mineral Resources Online Spatial Data
                        - Minerals Information and Material Flow
                        - Mineral Resources Assessments
                        - Mineral System Life Cycles
                        - Regional Studies and Mineral Resources

                  -              Overview           

What’s the difference between a mineral and a rock?  Here is how the USGS defines each:
> 
A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic element or compound having an orderly internal structure and characteristic chemical composition, crystal form, and physical properties. Common minerals include quartz, feldspar, mica, amphibole, olivine, and calcite. For answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about minerals, check out our FAQs on Minerals. 

 

A rock is an aggregate of one or more minerals, or a body of undifferentiated mineral matter. Common rocks include granite, basalt, limestone, and sandstone.

Essentially, rocks are made up of minerals. Science plays an essential role in helping people understand minerals, locate deposits, and anticipate future demands.

Now that you know about rocks and minerals, explore the slideshow below to learn about crystals and ores, and how they relate to each other.

## Walkthrough of Rocks to Minerals to Ores

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## Additional Examples of USGS Contributions to Mineral Research

Marine Minerals

## Marine Minerals

Planetary Minerals

## Planetary Minerals

Minerals and Environment

## Minerals and Environment

                  - Overview  
What’s the difference between a mineral and a rock?  Here is how the USGS defines each:

A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic element or compound having an orderly internal structure and characteristic chemical composition, crystal form, and physical properties. Common minerals include quartz, feldspar, mica, amphibole, olivine, and calcite. For answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about minerals, check out our FAQs on Minerals. 

 

A rock is an aggregate of one or more minerals, or a body of undifferentiated mineral matter. Common rocks include granite, basalt, limestone, and sandstone.

Essentially, rocks are made up of minerals. Science plays an essential role in helping people understand minerals, locate deposits, and anticipate future demands.

Now that you know about rocks and minerals, explore the slideshow below to learn about crystals and ores, and how they relate to each other.
Walkthrough of Rocks to Minerals to Ores        Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsAdditional Examples of USGS Contributions to Mineral ResearchMarine MineralsMarine MineralsPlanetary MineralsPlanetary MineralsMinerals and EnvironmentMinerals and Environment