Table salt (sodium chloride) is classified as a mineral because it is naturally occurring and has a definite chemical composition.

Here's why:

* Naturally Occurring: Table salt is found in nature, primarily as rock salt deposits or dissolved in seawater.

* Definite Chemical Composition: Table salt always consists of the same elements (sodium and chlorine) in a specific ratio, forming the chemical compound NaCl.

This combination of natural occurrence and a specific chemical composition makes table salt meet the criteria for a mineral.