Definition: Minerals are inorganic elements found in nature, in solid form.

Minerals are the building blocks for bones, teeth, muscles and other structures. Minerals play a role in muscle contraction, maintaining body water supplies, blood clotting, normal heart rhythm, and oxygen transport.

Because minerals are found in the soil, humans get their supply from ingesting plant and animal foods (animals eat the plants, too). Water can also be a good source of minerals.

Minerals are categorized into 2 groups: major minerals, which exist in large amounts and trace minerals, which are present in smaller amounts.