The matter formed due to inorganic process and which contains a specific chemical composition is called a mineral. Minerals can be also defined as the solid, liquid or gaseous matter which is formed due to specific abiotic process within the rocks in the interior of the earth, has a certain chemical composition, homogeneous constitution and specific atomic structure. Thus, minerals are formed due to abiotic processes which took place in the interior of the earth since the infinite time. It exists in all the three physical forms i.e, solid, liquid and gaseous.
For example, iron, manganese, gold, silver, etc. are solid minerals. Mercury, petroleum, etc. are liquid minerals whereas natural gas is a gaseous mineral. From usage point of view, minerals can be classified as metallic minerals, non-metallic minerals and energy resource minerals. The type of mineral that can be found in the earth depends on how the crust of the earth originated. For example, metallic minerals like iron, copper, zinc, gold, silver, etc. are found in igneous rocks. Minerals used in producing energy and minerals such as diamonds are found in metamorphic rocks.
