mineral
a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite chemical structure.
elements
a substance that cannot be separated or broken down into simpler substance by chemical means
compound
a substance made up of atoms two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds
crystals
a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern.
nonsilicate minerals
a mineral that does not contain compounds of silicon and oxygen.
silicate mineral
a mineral that contains a combination of silicon and oxygen and that may also contain one or more metals