Here's why:

* Minerals are naturally occurring, solid substances with a defined chemical composition and a specific crystal structure.

* Most minerals are compounds. A compound is formed when two or more elements are chemically combined in a fixed ratio. For example, quartz (SiO2) is a compound made of silicon and oxygen.

* Some minerals are native elements, meaning they are made up of a single element. Examples include gold (Au), copper (Cu), and diamond (C).

So, while some minerals are native elements, the vast majority are compounds.