Here's why:

* Elements are the basic building blocks of matter. They cannot be broken down into simpler substances. Examples include carbon, oxygen, iron, and gold.

* Minerals are naturally occurring, solid substances with a defined chemical composition and a specific crystal structure. This means they are formed from specific combinations of elements.

For example:

* Quartz is made of the elements silicon (Si) and oxygen (O).

* Halite (table salt) is made of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl).

Let me know if you'd like to learn more about minerals!