mineral

noun

1. Any naturally occurring material that has a (more or less) definite chemical composition and characteristic physical properties; especially, an inorganic one.

   “The physiology of matter in the abstract is dynamical, that of mineral species is both dynamical and chemical, while that of organized forms is at once dynamical, chemical, and biotical.”

   “Formation of alteration minerals in the host rock during deformation within the shear zone is indicated by the parallel foliation within the secondary micaceous minerals and the unmineralized host schist.”

   “Although there are dozens of different types of gems, among the best known and most important are diamond, ruby and sapphire, emerald and other gem forms of the mineral beryl, chrysoberyl, tanzanite, tsavorite, topaz and jade.”

   “But now Saudi Arabia is growing its mineral sector, to reduce its economic dependence on oil and, according to analysts, increase its geopolitical influence.”

   “Neodymium is a rare earth, one of the minerals near the bottom of the periodic table that are crucial for everyday life.”

2. Any inorganic material (as distinguished from animal or vegetable).
3. Any inorganic element that is essential to nutrition.
4. (British)Mineral water.
5. (Ireland, Nigeria, South-Africa, informal)A soft drink, particularly a single serve bottle or can.
6. (obsolete)A mine or mineral deposit.

   “O'er whom his very madness, like some ore / Among a mineral of metals base, / Shows itself pure;”

7. (obsolete)A poisonous or dangerous substance.

   “...Thou hast... / Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals[…]”

adj

1. (not-comparable)of, related to, or containing minerals

name

1. A census-designated place in Tehama County, California, United States.