Minerals & Rocks
We use the term "mineral" to refer to naturally formed, solid substances with a fixed composition and a characteristic atomic structure. Almost all minerals occur as crystals - the exceptions include natural glasses and a few organic minerals like amber.
"Rocks" are naturally formed, solid collections of minerals.
The table lists the most significant mineral and rock types. Click on any class of mineral for examples of the type of mineral or rock and for detailed properties of the selected minerals.
| MINERAL CLASS | ||
M I N E R A L S |
C R Y S T A L L I N E |
Native Elements |
| Sulfides | ||
| Oxides & Hydroxides | ||
| Halides | ||
| Carbonates | ||
| Nitrates & Borates | ||
| Sulfates | ||
| Chromates | ||
| Molybdates | ||
| Tungstates | ||
| Phosphates, Arsenates & Vanadates | ||
| Silicates | ||
| Organic Minerals | ||
| Non-Crystalline Minerals | ||
| R O C K S |
Igneous | |
| Sedimentary | ||
| Metamorphic | ||
Or click here to locate a mineral by name:
There are also separate pages on: