Is ice a mineral?

Is ice a mineral?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Maybe
• D. Unknown

Answer: (A)

Mineral criteria: a solid that forms by natural geological processes, has a definite chemical composition, and possesses a crystalline internal structure. Ice meets all of these: it exists as solid water (H2O) at Earth's surface temperatures, forms naturally in snow, frost, and glaciers, is inorganic, and its molecules pack into an orderly crystal lattice. Because of its natural origin and crystalline structure, ice is classified as a mineral. In contrast, ice formed only in a lab would not meet the “naturally occurring” criterion, but natural ice in the environment clearly does.

Mineral criteria: a solid that forms by natural geological processes, has a definite chemical composition, and possesses a crystalline internal structure. Ice meets all of these: it exists as solid water (H2O) at Earth's surface temperatures, forms naturally in snow, frost, and glaciers, is inorganic, and its molecules pack into an orderly crystal lattice. Because of its natural origin and crystalline structure, ice is classified as a mineral. In contrast, ice formed only in a lab would not meet the “naturally occurring” criterion, but natural ice in the environment clearly does.