Minerals are naturally occurring substances that have a specific chemical formula and crystal structure. They are classified based on their physical and chemical properties, such as color, hardness, streak, cleavage, and luster. Geologists, mineralogists, chemists, and other scientists use a variety of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and electron microscopy, to study minerals.

Minerals are important in many fields of science. Geologists use minerals to understand the processes that shape the Earth’s crust, such as volcanism, metamorphism, and sedimentation. Chemists use minerals as a source of raw materials for various industrial processes, such as the production of metals, ceramics, glass, and electronics.