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Elements combine in a variety of Earth materials.
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Minerals – Inorganic crystalline solids.
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Comprise rocks and, hence, most of the Earth.
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Most rocks on Earth are silicates (based on Si and O).
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Glasses – Non-crystalline mineral-like matter.
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Cool too quickly to form structure
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Rocks – Aggregates of minerals. There are many types.
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Igneous – Cooled from a liquid (melt).
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Sedimentary – Debris cemented from pre-existing rock.
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Metamorphic – Rock altered by pressure and temperature.