* Minerals are generally composed of elements, both metallic and non-metallic. Many minerals have a combination of metallic and non-metallic elements. For example, quartz (SiO2) has silicon (a metalloid) and oxygen (non-metallic).
* The definition of a mineral also includes other factors:
* Naturally occurring: Minerals are found in nature, not synthesized.
* Inorganic: They aren't derived from living organisms.
* Solid: They have a defined shape and volume.
* Crystalline structure: Their atoms are arranged in a specific, repeating pattern.
* Definite chemical composition: They have a specific chemical formula.
Examples:
* Diamond: Pure carbon (non-metallic)
* Gold: Pure gold (metallic)
* Halite (table salt): Sodium (metallic) and chlorine (non-metallic)
* Feldspar: Aluminum (metallic), silicon (metalloid), and oxygen (non-metallic)
Therefore, while some minerals are formed solely by non-metallic elements, many minerals include both metallic and non-metallic elements.
