This program covers the major characteristics of minerals, while exploring the roles minerals play in our lives. Crystal structures, which make up minerals, are illustrated, as are examples of the wide range of minerals. Live-action footage from around the world demonstrates the processes by which minerals form. Students will also see how different properties can be used to easily identify minerals. Important terminology includes: crystal, element, property, hardness, color, streak, luster, density, evaporation, and solution.

Originally released by Visual Learning, 2008. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on April 18, 2015.

What are Minerals? (2:46); --Grouping Minerals (1:10); -- Identifying Minerals (3:54); -- How do Minerals Form? (1:23); -- Summing Up (1:19); -- Video Assessment (1:43); -- Credits: Minerals (0:53); .