9 some scientists actually consider the exosphere as part of outer space as there is such a gradual and fuzzy distinction between the density of molecules in the very upper reaches of the atmosphere and lower reaches of space
Notice that graphite, commonly seen in pencil lead, and diamonds. have the same chemical formula. Minerals with the same chemical formula but. different crystal structures are called polymorphs. These minerals have different. types of chemical bonds and, thus, different crystal forms. If a substance fails any part of this definition, it is not a mineral. For example, table sugar, an organic compound formed by biological plant activity, fits all. facets of the definition except the inorganic part.
Other Identifying Characteristics [edit]. Minerals have some other properties that can be used to identify them. For example, a mineral's crystal structure can be used to help identify the mineral. Sometimes, a trained mineralogist can tell the crystal structure just by looking at the shape of the mineral. mineral is more likely to break where the bonds between the atoms are weaker. Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along certain planes to make smooth surfaces. Minerals with different crystal structures will cleave in different ways, as Figure 3.16 shows.