what is the five part definition for an object to be considered a mineral?

For a substance to be classified as a mineral, it must meet a five-part definition. The five criteria that define a mineral are:

1. Naturally Occurring: Minerals are formed by natural processes without human intervention. This can happen through a variety of geological processes, including crystallization from magma, precipitation from fluids, or recrystallization due to metamorphic processes.

2. Inorganic: A mineral is inorganic, meaning it is not made by a biological process. Minerals are not living, nor are they formed by organisms.

3. Solid: Minerals must have a definite solid form with a consistent structure under standard temperature and pressure conditions. Liquids and gases do not qualify as minerals.

4. Definite Chemical Composition: Minerals have a specific chemical composition that can be represented by a chemical formula. Some minerals can have a range in composition (solid solution series) but are limited within certain chemical boundaries.

5. Ordered Atomic Arrangement: The atoms in a mineral are arranged in a specific, repeating pattern, which forms a crystal structure. This crystal structure is responsible for a mineral's distinct physical properties such as shape, cleavage, and hardness.