Every substance on earth is made of atoms, the building blocks of all matter. There are many different types of atoms, which are classified as elements . Molecules join together to form all matter. Different atoms bond together to form molecules . Molecules form mixtures and compounds .
Mixtures are groups of molecules that can be separated by physical means.
Compounds are groups of molecules, each of whom contains a definite specific arrangement, and can only be separated by chemical means. Every mineral type contains defined amounts of specific molecules in its structure. Most minerals are composed of molecules that contain an exact amount of certain atoms. For example, every water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Grouped water molecules form bodies of water.