1. Chemical Composition: Minerals are naturally occurring, solid substances with a defined chemical composition. This composition can be determined through various analytical techniques like X-ray diffraction or chemical analysis.
2. Crystalline Structure: Minerals have a specific, repeating arrangement of atoms in their structure. This arrangement, called a crystal lattice, gives each mineral its unique physical properties like cleavage, hardness, and crystal shape.
These two criteria, combined with other factors like color, streak, luster, and density, help geologists and mineral enthusiasts accurately identify different minerals.
