What Is the Difference Between Minerals & Crystals?

Minerals

• Minerals are solid, inorganic "building blocks" of rocks and crystals consisting of elemental atoms.

Crystals

• Crystals are the naturally occurring form of many minerals. The groups of atoms in minerals form a network called a crystal lattice, which gives the crystal its distinctive appearance.

Rocks

• A rock is simply a combination of two or more minerals---for example, granite contains mica, quartz and feldspar.

Silicate Minerals

• Silicate minerals are composed primarily of silica and oxygen; most of them form when volcanic magma cools. Olivine, diopside and mica are all common types of silicate minerals.

Non-Silicate Minerals

• The main components of non-silicate minerals are elements other than silica and oxygen. These minerals may be created by cooling magma, decomposition of other minerals, or evaporation of water. Hematite, gypsum and pyrite are common non-silicate minerals.