Here's why:
* Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids. This means they are not formed from living organisms.
* Organic substances are derived from living organisms and contain carbon.
* Minerals are composed of elements or compounds found in the Earth's crust, often formed through geological processes.
Examples of minerals:
* Quartz (SiO2): A very common mineral, not organic.
* Diamond (C): While carbon is organic, diamonds are formed deep within the Earth under extreme pressure and heat, making them inorganic minerals.
* Gold (Au): A pure element, inorganic.
Examples of organic substances:
* Wood: Comes from trees, contains carbon.
* Petroleum: Fossil fuel formed from decayed organic matter, contains carbon.
* Sugar (C12H22O11): A carbohydrate, contains carbon.
Therefore, a substance must be inorganic to be considered a mineral.
