Defining Elements and Minerals
The primary difference is that an element is a fundamental pure substance, while a mineral is a naturally occurring compound made of one or more elements. An element is defined by the number of protons in its atomic nucleus, like oxygen or silicon. A mineral is a solid, inorganic substance with a specific crystal structure and chemical formula, like quartz (silicon dioxide).
Section 2: Composition and Structure
An element is the simplest form of matter and cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Minerals, however, are composed of elements chemically bonded together in a highly ordered, repeating three-dimensional pattern called a crystal lattice. For example, the mineral halite (table salt) is composed of the elements sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) arranged in a specific crystalline structure.
Section 3: A Practical Example
Consider gold. The element gold (Au) consists purely of gold atoms. When you find a gold nugget in nature, it is considered a 'native element mineral' because it is a naturally occurring, solid, crystalline form of a single element. In contrast, the mineral pyrite, often called 'fool's gold,' is a compound with the formula FeS₂, made from the elements iron (Fe) and sulfur (S).
Section 4: Key Distinctions Summarized
In summary, all minerals are composed of elements, but not all elements are found as minerals. The key criteria for a mineral are that it must be naturally occurring, solid, inorganic, have a defined chemical composition, and an ordered internal structure. An element is simply a type of atom, which is the basic building block for all matter, including minerals.