The term “minerals” as used in nutrition labels and pharmaceutical products is not the same as a mineral in a geological sense. In geology, the classic definition of a mineral is: Naturally occurring Inorganic Solid at room temperature Regular crystal structure Defined chemical composition Some natural substances technically should not be considered minerals, but are included by exception. For example, water and mercury are liquid at room temperature.
- A mineral is defined by its geological characteristics, which include its natural occurrence, inorganic composition, solid state at ambient temperature, uniform crystal structure, and precise chemical makeup. However, exceptions such as water, mercury, and calcite demonstrate that categorization can be based on historical conventions and geological setting.