Which term describes a solid that has a crystal structure and a definite chemical composition?

Which term describes a solid that has a crystal structure and a definite chemical composition?

• A. Mineral
• B. Crystalline Solid
• C. Crystal
• D. Alloy

Answer: (A)

Minerals are naturally occurring solids with a definite chemical composition and an ordered, repeating arrangement of atoms—a crystal lattice. That combination of natural origin, fixed formula, and crystal structure is what defines a mineral. A crystalline solid simply means the material has an orderly arrangement of atoms, which can apply to many substances, including synthetic ones. A crystal can refer to a single crystal or the external form of a mineral and doesn’t by itself require natural origin or fixed composition. An alloy is a metal mixture with a definite composition, but minerals are specifically natural, inorganic solids with a crystalline structure. So the best term for a solid with a crystal structure and definite chemical composition is mineral.

Minerals are naturally occurring solids with a definite chemical composition and an ordered, repeating arrangement of atoms—a crystal lattice. That combination of natural origin, fixed formula, and crystal structure is what defines a mineral. A crystalline solid simply means the material has an orderly arrangement of atoms, which can apply to many substances, including synthetic ones. A crystal can refer to a single crystal or the external form of a mineral and doesn’t by itself require natural origin or fixed composition. An alloy is a metal mixture with a definite composition, but minerals are specifically natural, inorganic solids with a crystalline structure. So the best term for a solid with a crystal structure and definite chemical composition is mineral.