Mineral Meaning
/ˈmɪn.ə.ɹəl/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAny naturally occurring material that has a (more or less) definite chemical composition and characteristic physical properties; especially, an inorganic one.
nounAny naturally occurring material that has a (more or less) definite chemical composition and characteristic physical properties; especially, an inorganic and crystalline one.
Sentence Examples
The region is relatively rich in mineral resources.
The province is relatively rich in mineral resources.
A country rich in mineral resources
CEFR Practice Quiz
Quartz is a hard ____ found in rocks that is used to make glass and watches.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The geologist identified the shiny green stone as a rare type of ____ that is only found in certain parts of the world.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English mineral, borrowed from Old French mineral, (French minéral), from Medieval Latin minerale, from minera (“ore”), probably ultimately derived from Latin mina (“ore, mine”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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."
— 1883, Science, volumes 1-2, page 279:
"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."
— 1983, Warren C. Day, Richard M. Tosdal, E.L. Acosta, J.C. Aruspon, L. Carvajal, E. Cedeño, Glenda Lowry, L.F. Martinez, J.A. Noriega, Fernanco J. Niñez, J. Rojas, F. Prieto, “Geology of the Lo Indreíble Mining District and U-Pb Age of the Early Proterozoic Yuruari Formation of the Pastora Supergroup, Guayana Shield, Venezuela”, in U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin, numbers 2122-2127, page E-12:
"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."
— 2012 March 26, Lee A. Groat, “Gemstones”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, archived from the original on 14 Jun 2012, page 128:
"But now Saudi Arabia is growing its mineral sector, to reduce its economic dependence on oil and, according to analysts, increase its geopolitical influence."
— 2026 January 23, Tom Page, “Saudi Arabia says it has $2.5 trillion in mineral reserves. That could make it a key player in the race for rare earths”, in CNN, archived from the original on 31 Jan 2026:
"Neodymium is a rare earth, one of the minerals near the bottom of the periodic table that are crucial for everyday life."
— 2026 February 11, Chris Isidore, “This mineral makes your life run – and now it’s a trade issue”, in CNN Business, archived from the original on 13 Feb 2026:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Quartz is a hard ____ found in rocks that is used to make glass and watches.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The geologist identified the shiny green stone as a rare type of ____ that is only found in certain parts of the world.