Is Ice a Mineral?

A close up of the top part of a snowflake

A whiteboard with many different things on it

The short answer is, YES, ice is a mineral. 

Imagine a special treasure from the Earth that has some super cool rules! A mineral is like a nature-made superhero with these awesome powers:

1. Rock Solid! 💪

  • It’s not a liquid or a gas

  • Can’t stick your hand through it

2. Nature Made 🌍 

  • It comes straight from nature

  • Not made by humans

  • Can be found in the ground, mountains, or caves

3. No Living Stuff Allowed! 🚫

  • Not made from plants or animals

  • Totally non-living

4. Secret Chemical Recipe 🧪

  • Has its own special mix of elements

  • Like a unique ingredient list

5. Crystal Magic

  • Grows in a super organized pattern

  • Looks like tiny building blocks perfectly stacked

But, what about water? Isn’t ice just frozen water?

Water checks off 4 of the 5 requirements of being a mineral, but it is not SOLID. 

 

A water drop falling into the ocean.
A group of ice cubes sitting on top of each other.

What about ice cubes from the fridge? 

No! Because they are made by humans.

What about frozen treats, like shave ice?

Most likely not, because it is made with ice from a freezer. 

A person is using two different types of tools to make fruit.
A house with snow on the ground and trees in the background.

The next time it snows, enjoy playing in a mineral!

Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals
Translate »