Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic solids with definite chemical compositions and orderly atomic structures. There are about 4,000 known minerals on Earth. Minerals form through natural geological processes without human involvement and are distinguished from other substances based on properties like hardness, crystal structure, luster, specific gravity, streak, and cleavage/fracture. Common minerals are important materials for construction, technology, and gems that are valued for their beauty and rarity.
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