With this lecture, we move into a different phase of the course which concentrates on smaller-scale issues, specifically, the minerals and rocks which make up the Earth. Geologists define a mineral as a naturally occurring, solid crystalline substance which is inorganic and has a specific chemical composition . Inorganic Minerals must be inorganic and thus not derived from plants or animals. Pure quartz always has a ratio of one silicon atom to two oxygen atoms.
Some minerals can have slightly different compositions within a specific range.
In order to understand minerals, you need a little chemistry. In particular, you need to know about chemical bonds, but a little more background is useful. There is a lot of jargon in here, so read carefully. Overview of Atomic Theory Atoms Smallest bit of an element which retains the properties of that element. Parts of an atom Protons Positively-charged, relatively massive particles.