Minerals:

* Definition: Naturally occurring, solid, inorganic substances with a definite chemical composition and a specific, usually crystalline, structure.

* Building Blocks: Minerals are the basic building blocks of rocks.

* Examples: Quartz, feldspar, mica, calcite, diamond

Rocks:

* Definition: Naturally occurring solid aggregates of one or more minerals, or even mineraloids (like opal).

* Made of Minerals: Rocks are formed from the combination of different minerals.

* Examples: Granite (made of quartz, feldspar, mica), limestone (made of calcite), sandstone (made of quartz grains)

Here's a simple analogy:

Think of a house.

* Minerals are like bricks, wood, and glass – the basic building materials.

* Rocks are like the entire house – made up of different combinations of those building materials.

Key Differences:

* Composition: Minerals have a specific chemical composition; rocks can have varying compositions.

* Structure: Minerals have a defined, crystalline structure; rocks are aggregates of minerals.

* Formation: Minerals form through geological processes like crystallization, while rocks form through processes like weathering, erosion, and sedimentation.

Let me know if you'd like more details on any of these aspects!