Did you ever notice how TV commercials for breakfast cereal always mention vitamins and minerals? But when you think of minerals, food isn't the first thing that comes to mind. Aren't minerals something you find in the earth, like iron and quartz?
Well, yes, but small amounts of some minerals are also in foods — for instance, red meat, such as beef, is a good source of iron.Just like vitamins, minerals help your body grow, develop, and stay healthy. The body uses minerals to perform many different functions — from building strong bones to transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are even used to make hormones or maintain a normal heartbeat.
"A mineral is an element or chemical compound that is normally crystalline and that has been formed as a result of geological processes" (Nickel, E. H., 1995).
Characteristics: natural, solid, homogenous, uniform and crystalline.
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Task 1: Create your own definition.
Where do minerals come from ?
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Questions
What is the difference between organic matter and inorganic matter ?
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What is a mineral matter ?
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How can you identify Minerals ? What are their physical properties ?
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What is the chemical composition of mineral matter ?
Which characteristic is most important in a crystal structure?
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How are minerals classified ?
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Everyday situations
Why are we using toilet deodorant blocks?
What happens with their state of matter after a period of time ?Explain this process scientifically.
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Minerals in your home
Online Games, Links and Quizzes
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Mineral Quiz - What have you learned?
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Every day usage of minerals
Minerals by names
