What is a mineral? How does it differ from a rock? Give one example of each.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:32 · grounding rag
Model Answer
A mineral is a homogenous, naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure. A rock is a combination of one or more minerals. Thus, a mineral is a single substance, while a rock is a mixture. Example of mineral: Diamond. Example of rock: Limestone.
Source: Chapter 5, "What is a mineral?"
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Explanation
- Examiners expect the textbook definition of mineral (all three parts: homogenous, naturally occurring, definable internal structure).
- The key distinction is: mineral = single substance; rock = combination of minerals.
- Any valid examples are accepted (e.g., talc/gold for mineral; granite for rock), but choosing examples from the passage (diamond, limestone) is safest.
- At 2 marks, keep it to 2–3 lines — definition, difference, examples. No elaboration needed.