May 1, 2024
Updated May 27, 2025
19 minute read
An Introduction to the World of Minerals
Minerals are naturally occurring, solid substances with a well-defined chemical composition and a specific crystal structure. They are the fundamental building blocks of rocks and are found throughout the Earth's crust. Essentially, minerals are the inorganic, crystalline materials that make up our planet, distinct from rocks which are aggregates of one or more minerals. The study of minerals, known as mineralogy, is a fascinating field that bridges chemistry, physics, and geology to understand these essential components of our world.
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Find a path to becoming a Minerals. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Minerals.
The first volume in a comprehensive series on rock-forming minerals. This volume covers orthosilicates, which are the most common minerals in the Earth's crust. Highly detailed and authoritative, this book is an essential reference for mineralogists and petrologists.
A comprehensive guide to gemstones, covering their geological origins, physical properties, and economic value. Beautifully illustrated with color photographs, this book must-have for anyone interested in gemstones.
An advanced textbook that explores the crystal chemistry and thermodynamics of minerals. Suitable for graduate students and researchers in mineralogy and geochemistry.
A concise and accessible introduction to minerals, covering their structure, properties, and role in the Earth's system. Suitable for general readers and undergraduate students.
A comprehensive overview of the role of minerals in human health. Covers both the beneficial and harmful effects of minerals, as well as their use in medicine and nutrition.
A textbook that explores the economic and environmental aspects of mineral resources. Covers topics such as mineral exploration, mining, and mineral processing, as well as the environmental impacts of mining and mineral use.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/ia8vho/mineral