1. Naturally Occurring: Minerals must be formed through natural processes, not man-made.
2. Inorganic: Minerals cannot be derived from living organisms. They are made up of elements and compounds.
3. Solid: Minerals must be solid at room temperature.
4. Crystalline Structure: Minerals have a specific, repeating arrangement of atoms, forming a crystal lattice. This gives them a defined internal structure and often results in distinctive external shapes.
Let me know if you'd like to delve deeper into any of these characteristics!
