mineral

plural minerals · alternative obsolete minerall

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

   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

   4 more examples

   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 28, 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

2. Any inorganic material (as distinguished from animal or vegetable).
3. nutritionAny inorganic element that is essential to nutrition.
4. UKMineral water.
5. IrelandNigeriaSouth AfricainformalA soft drink, particularly a single serve bottle or can.
6. obsoleteA mine or mineral deposit.

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

   c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene i]

7. obsoleteA poisonous or dangerous substance.

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

   c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene ii]

alternative obsolete minerall

1. not comparableof, related to, or containing minerals

1. A number of places in the United States, including:
   1. A census-designated place in Tehama County, California.
   2. A town in Louisa County, Virginia.