-A mineral is a naturally occurring substance that is solid and inorganic representable by a chemical formula, usually abiogenic, and has an ordered atomic structure. It is different from a rock, which can be an aggregate of minerals or non-minerals and does not have a specific chemical composition.
-The exact definition of a mineral is under debate, especially with respect to the requirement a valid species be abiogenic, and to a lesser extent with regard to it having an ordered atomic structure.
-The study of minerals is called mineralogy.
....The general definition of a mineral encompasses the following criteria: -Naturally occurring
-Stable at room temperature
-Represented by a chemical formula
-Usually abiogenic (not resulting from the activity of living organisms)
-Ordered atomic arrangement