A mineral is a naturally occurring, usually inorganic solid that has a characteristic chemical composition, an orderly physical structure, and a characteristic set of physical properties.
Minerals that are valuable and economical to extract are known as ore minerals.
Ore minerals may form from the cooling of magma, the circulation of hot-water solutions through rocks, and the evaporation of water that contains salts.
Metals are important economically because of their electrical and thermal conductivity, durability, and heat and corrosion resistance.