This video explains the formation and identification of minerals. Major mineral groups, basic crystal systems, the physical properties of minerals, and everyday uses of minerals are discussed. Other terminology includes: inorganic, luster, streak, color, cleavage and fracture, specific gravity, hardness, Mohs scale, ore, metals, and gemstones.

Originally released by Visual Learning, 2001. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on April 18, 2015. Teacher and student guides available under Additional info tag. Also available in DVD (DV2239).

What is a Mineral (2:42); --Mineral Structure (1:50); -- Mineral Formation (3:34); -- Elements and Rocks (2:09); -- Properties of Minerals (3:44); -- Some Uses of Minerals (1:14); -- Summing Up (1:15); -- Video Quiz Follows (2:59); -- Credits: Minerals and Their Properties (0:41); -- Minerals and their Properties (16:32); -- Minerals, Properties (and elements) (16:31); .