Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a crystal structure and a characteristic chemical composition. They are the building blocks of rocks. Rocks are composed of numerous minerals, while minerals are singular. Each mineral is unique in its chemical composition and crystal structure. A crystal is a solid in which atoms are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern. Minerals have properties which can identify them, which are color, crystal structure, streak, luster, hardness, and density. The crystal structure is unique to each mineral. The color of a mineral is determined by its chemical composition. The color of a mineral's powder is streak. Streak can be found by scraping a material ona piece of unglazed porcelain. Luster is how the mineral reflects light. Density of a mineral depends on its chemical composition. Hardness is the resistance of a mineral to scratching.
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