What's the difference between a rock and a mineral?
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Welcome to CoreFacts, where we're always short on time and big on science. I'm Steve Sobieszczyk. Today's question goes out to all you geologists and geology teachers out there.
What's the difference between a rock and a mineral?
A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic compound with a unique chemical structure and physical properties. A rock is a solid, stony mass composed of a combination of minerals or other organic compounds. For example, quartz and feldspars are minerals, but when formed together, they make a rock, granite.
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