TeXes Science Practice Test

Which of the following best describes a mineral?

1. A compound of organic matter

2. A naturally occurring solid material

3. A synthetic substance

4. A mixture of gases

The correct answer is: A naturally occurring solid material

A mineral is best described as a naturally occurring solid material, which aligns perfectly with the correct answer. Minerals are defined by their formation through natural geological processes, making them distinct from artificial or synthetic substances. They are typically crystalline in structure and have a specific chemical composition. This definition encompasses key characteristics of minerals: they are inorganic (not composed of organic matter), they occur naturally (not artificially created), and they are solid at room temperature. This contrasts with organic matter, which is derived from living organisms, and synthetic substances, which are man-made. Furthermore, gases are not solid materials and therefore do not fit the definition of a mineral either. Understanding these fundamental properties helps clarify what constitutes a mineral and distinguishes it from other materials in nature.