LESSON 3: MINERALS

Lesson 3 : Minerals

Understanding Minerals: The Building Blocks of Rocks

    Learning about minerals has helped me see how they are crucial to Earth's structure. Minerals are natural, solid substances that make up rocks. They have five key characteristics: they' re formed naturally, inorganic, solid, have a specific chemical makeup, and have a crystalline shape.     Minerals form in two main ways when magma cools and when water evaporates, leaving behind crystals. Each mineral is unique and can be identified by its physical properties like color, luster, streak, hardness, and cleavage.     Understanding minerals is important because they form the foundation of Earth's geosphere and help us learn more about the planet's history and processes.

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