Yes, there is a Mineral Definition

DEFINITION OF A MINERAL:    A mineral is a natural, homogeneous, inorganic
solid with a crystalline atomic structure. Crystallinity implies that a
mineral has a definite and limited range of composition, and that the
composition is expressible as a chemical formula.


>From  http://www.mine-engineer.com/mining/mineral/mineralindx.htm


Bob perhaps you could stumble into the library, next time, or are they out
of fashion now days.
The other day I was wondering, are there parallel dimensions around us, or
are they just figments of my imagination , , ,




"Bob" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> I am stumbling to find a true definition of a mineral, to help me
> figure out if the following are indeed considered minerals:  A bone -
> A shell from a crustacean, Petrifed wood, a fossil, and Coal.  Can
> anyone help out there - thanks - Bob