A mineral refers to a naturally taking place compound or inorganic element exhibiting an orderly internal composition and characteristic crystal form, chemical composition, and physical features. The minerals may be non-metallic like talc, or metallic like gold.
The luster, color, hardness, streak, fracture, cleavage, and crystal form are the major beneficial physical characteristics for determining the majority of minerals. Other features like magnetism, reaction with acid, taste, tenacity, feel, odor, and the existence of striations are beneficial in determining some kinds of minerals.
