Mineral Meaning
Mineral Definition & Usage
A naturally occurring inorganic substance, typically found in the earth, that has a definite chemical composition and structure.
Examples
- "Quartz is one of the most common minerals found in the Earth's crust."
- "Geologists study minerals to understand the Earth's formation."
- "The museum's exhibit on minerals features rare stones from around the world."
- "I picked up a smooth mineral from the beach while on vacation."
- "The discovery of new minerals can sometimes lead to important scientific breakthroughs."
A type of essential nutrient required by the human body, often obtained through diet, that supports vital bodily functions such as bone health, nerve function, and metabolic processes.
Examples
- "Calcium and iron are essential minerals for maintaining healthy bones and blood."
- "Eating a balanced diet ensures you get enough of the important minerals your body needs."
- "He was advised to take a supplement to increase his intake of key minerals."
- "Deficiencies in certain minerals, like zinc or magnesium, can lead to health problems."
- "Mineral water is often marketed for its high mineral content, especially calcium and magnesium."
Relating to or resembling a mineral, typically in terms of physical properties such as color, texture, or solidity.
Examples
- "The artist used mineral paints to create a lasting, vibrant effect."
- "The mineral blue of the ocean was mesmerizing as we sailed across the bay."
- "Her skin had a mineral glow, as if she had just stepped out of a desert oasis."
- "The landscape was harsh and mineral, with barren rocks stretching out under the sun."
- "The sculpture had a mineral quality, as though carved from stone, yet alive with movement."
Cultural Context
Minerals have been essential to human societies for thousands of years. Early human civilizations used minerals for tools, jewelry, and medicine. They are also central to modern industries, from construction to electronics. The word 'mineral' is commonly encountered in the fields of geology, health, and nutrition, reflecting its widespread importance in both natural sciences and daily life.
The Mineral Expedition
Story
The Mineral Expedition
Dr. Emily Carter stood at the edge of the rocky cliff, gazing at the vast expanse of desert stretching out beneath the scorching sun. Her team had been searching for a rare mineral—one that could revolutionize the world’s energy sources—for weeks, but the unforgiving terrain had made their progress slow. Today, though, something felt different. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of orange and gold, Emily spotted a peculiar glint in the rock below. With a sharp breath, she descended, her heart racing with anticipation. 'Is it possible?' she muttered to herself. The mineral they were looking for had been rumored to exist only in this region, but no one had been able to confirm its presence until now. Later that evening, as Emily examined the specimen under a microscope, she marveled at the crystal's structure. Its molecular arrangement was unlike anything she had seen before—perfectly symmetrical, yet as fragile as glass. The mineral had a kind of otherworldly glow, and for a moment, Emily could almost believe it held the key to unlocking a new form of sustainable energy. As her team celebrated their discovery, Emily thought about the many kinds of minerals that had shaped the course of history. From the stone tools used by early humans to the vital minerals in the water they drank, the world had always been dependent on these humble substances. In that moment, she realized how mineral-rich the world truly was—not just in terms of the earth beneath her feet, but in the resources that would shape the future of humankind. 'We’ve made history,' Emily said, smiling at her team. 'And it’s all thanks to this one incredible mineral.'
