Definition of: mineral

(min′ər·əl) noun
1. A naturally occurring, homogeneous substance or material formed by inorganic processes and having a characteristic set of physical properties, a definite range of chemical composition, and a · molecular structure usually expressed in crystalline forms.
2. Any inorganic substance, as ore, a rock, or a fossil.
—accessory minerals Those components or minerals forming so small a part of a rock or occurring so rarely as not to be included in its description.
—adjective
1. Pertaining to, consisting of, or resembling minerals.
2. Impregnated with mineral constituents. [<OF <Med. L minerale, neut. sing. of mineralis of a mine <minera a mine]