Is ice a mineral?

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Prepare for your Introduction to Physical Geology Exam. Tackle diverse topics with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Equip yourself with knowledge about Earth's physical processes and surface features. Ace your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Is ice a mineral?

Explanation:
Mineral criteria: a solid that forms by natural geological processes, has a definite chemical composition, and possesses a crystalline internal structure. Ice meets all of these: it exists as solid water (H2O) at Earth's surface temperatures, forms naturally in snow, frost, and glaciers, is inorganic, and its molecules pack into an orderly crystal lattice. Because of its natural origin and crystalline structure, ice is classified as a mineral. In contrast, ice formed only in a lab would not meet the “naturally occurring” criterion, but natural ice in the environment clearly does.

Mineral criteria: a solid that forms by natural geological processes, has a definite chemical composition, and possesses a crystalline internal structure. Ice meets all of these: it exists as solid water (H2O) at Earth's surface temperatures, forms naturally in snow, frost, and glaciers, is inorganic, and its molecules pack into an orderly crystal lattice. Because of its natural origin and crystalline structure, ice is classified as a mineral. In contrast, ice formed only in a lab would not meet the “naturally occurring” criterion, but natural ice in the environment clearly does.

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