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BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF MINERALS Every mineral has some basic properties or characteristics, which help us in identifying them. These properties may be either physical or chemical in nature. Some of the basic properties of minerals are their attractive colors, density, texture, sheen, hardness, and shape. They are generally found in six basic shapes. All the above- mentioned properties vary in different minerals.

TYPES OF MINERALS There are primarily two types of minerals: macrominerals and trace minerals. Although the body needs a variety of minerals, 14 minerals have been considered to be essential for humans: calcium, phos- phorus, copper, zinc, potas- sium, sodium, magnesium, iron, chloride, manganese, sulfur, iodine, fluoride, and selenium. MACROMINERALS As the name suggests, macro refers to something that is

relatively large in size or quantity. Hence, macrominerals can easily be understood as those minerals that are required in relatively larger quantities than other essential minerals. Seven minerals are grouped under the category of macrominerals. They are calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur. These minerals perform various functions in our body. Calcium is the most important macromineral, as it is very important for the health of our bones and teeth. The other macrominerals help in regulating many other systems and parts of the body. Sources include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, cereals, tofu.

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