Which of the following is NOT a criterion to be a mineral?

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Study for the Introduction to Physical Geology Exam with quizzes and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations to help you prepare effectively. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a criterion to be a mineral?

Explanation:
Minerals are defined by being solid, naturally occurring, inorganic substances with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline internal structure. The option that does not fit is the liquid state, because a mineral must be solid. Liquids lack a fixed, repeating atomic arrangement, so they do not have the long-range order that minerals require. Ice is an example of a mineral because it is solid water with a crystalline lattice, whereas liquid water is not.

Minerals are defined by being solid, naturally occurring, inorganic substances with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline internal structure. The option that does not fit is the liquid state, because a mineral must be solid. Liquids lack a fixed, repeating atomic arrangement, so they do not have the long-range order that minerals require. Ice is an example of a mineral because it is solid water with a crystalline lattice, whereas liquid water is not.

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