What does mineral mean?
A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with an ordered internal structure and a characteristic chemical composition. Rocks are made from minerals, and economically important minerals include ores such as iron ore, as well as materials used in industry, construction, jewellery, and technology. The word also has a nutritional sense: essential minerals include iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, substances that the body needs in small or trace quantities. In legal and commercial contexts, mineral rights concern the ownership or control of deposits below the land. As an adjective, mineral can describe rocks, salts, supplements, water, resources, or rights. Although a few substances called minerals have amorphous or poorly ordered structures, crystalline structure is the usual defining feature in geology. The term is also sometimes used more broadly for inorganic matter, especially in contexts involving nutrition, chemistry, and resource extraction.
A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with an ordered crystalline structure and a definite chemical composition.
"Quartz is a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen."
In nutrition, the term is also used for chemical elements and compounds required by the body.
Relating to minerals, mineral resources, or substances derived from minerals.
"The company is researching new mineral deposits in the region."
The adjective can also describe water containing dissolved mineral salts, as in mineral water.
To extract or obtain minerals from a place or substance.
"The riverbed was mineralized during the nineteenth century."
This verb use is rare and occurs chiefly in specialist or older writing.
The ordinary plural is used for individual mineral substances and for naturally occurring mineral deposits.
"The region's minerals include coal, salt, and iron ore."
A diamond is a mineral because it is carbon arranged in a crystal lattice—proof that ordinary materials can hide extraordinary geometric beauty.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mineral come from?
The word entered English in the late Middle English period through French minéral, from Latin mineralis, an adjective meaning “of or relating to ores.” The Latin adjective derives from minerium, the ancient word for ore or mineral material. English later extended the root into mining, mineralogy, and mineralize, reflecting the long-standing human practice of locating, studying, and extracting useful minerals from the earth.
Related word forms
How mineral is actually used
In ordinary use, mineral usually refers to a naturally occurring inorganic substance with a crystalline structure. In nutrition, the term refers more broadly to chemical elements and compounds needed in small or trace amounts. The verb use is uncommon and is chiefly found in specialist or older writing.
Easily confused with mineral
A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic substance, whereas a minor is a person of younger age or a matter of lesser importance.
A mineral is the substance itself; a miner is the person who extracts minerals from the ground.