Is Ice a Rock or is Ice a Mineral?
Many have the question if ice falls into the category of being a rock or a mineral. Some of that confusion comes from people not knowing what the definition of a rock is and what the definition of a mineral is.
Ice is unequivocally classified as a mineral because it satisfies all the fundamental criteria outlined in the mineral definition. As long as ice forms naturally and not artificially, it qualifies as a mineral. It possesses a solid state, exhibits an organized crystal structure, and boasts a precisely defined chemical composition. It’s important to note that while ice falls under the mineral classification, artificial ice does not meet the necessary criteria and therefore cannot be considered a mineral.
Ice is not a rock and not all ice is a mineral. Glacier Ice is not considered to be a mineral, but instead is identified as a rock. Glacier ice is categorized as a metamorphic rock as it undergoes change due to pressure and temperature and is composed of one or more minerals.
Metamorphic rocks, like glacier ice, have a pre-existing form that undergoes change due to the temperature and/or pressure I mentioned.
What Makes Ice a Mineral?
Ice is classified as a mineral due to its adherence to the fundamental characteristics of a mineral. It is a naturally occurring solid mass that possesses both an ordered chemical composition and a crystalline structure. Furthermore, ice does not originate from organic life processes. It is neither a byproduct of animal life nor does it contain any structural elements derived from animal life.
Though one might object to that notion as often remains of life end up in ice. However, keep in mind that organic life is not part of the chemical composition or crystal structure of ice.
What about snowflakes, are they a mineral?
Snowflakes are a mineral by the same definitions that make ice a mineral. Snowflakes need to be naturally occurring as well as have an ordered chemical composition and crystal structure. Often, through enhanced viewing means, one can visually see the crystal structuring of a snowflake.
Snowflakes are a pre-existing form for glacial ice. The snow will collect over time and the previous layers will be compacted by new layers. Pressure and temperature have formed much of the glacier ice we see today.
Why is Water Not a Mineral?
Water is not a mineral because it does not fit all the definitions of being a mineral. Water does not have solid mass and does not have a crystal structure. Once water undergoes a natural freezing it will become ice and meet these criteria as a mineral.
Rejection of Notions for Glacial Ice and Snow
Many of us can agree on topics in science as we discover, discuss, and define them. Unfortunately, there seems to always be plenty of arguments when it comes to classifying things into respective categories. Almost like people want things to be to their preference. Go figure.
Glacier ice as a metamorphic rock and even snow as a mineral are rejected by many scientists. There are some that do not like to consider ice as a mineral as well.
Often times we classify things based on a set of conditions, or rules. The opposition usually comes from placing something into a category that applies to the rules of that category, but may have an additional set of rules that don’t apply or may apply somewhere else.
When it comes to ice, it does seem out of place when it comes to rocks and minerals. As far as the rules and definitions go, they do fall into place with the rules of either metamorphic rocks for glacial ice, or minerals for naturally forming ice and snowflakes.
Further Rock and Mineral Information
In this article about ice being a mineral and not a rock, it was mentioned understanding the differences between rocks and minerals.
For more information on understanding rocks and minerals as well as the differences between a rock and a mineral, we have a great article that highlights that information. “The Differences Between Rocks and Minerals” There are other great and useful links and resources within this article as well.
