An element (such as copper, iron, calcium, potassium, etc.) which is required by the body in some amount (often in trace amounts); compare vitamin. An inorganic substance (a chemical element or chemical element compound) that is found in nature and has a distinct chemical composition and crystal form. Minerals such as iron ore, gold ore, halite (salt) etc. have economic value. Rocks are minerals or combinations of minerals. In general, any naturally-occuring substance that is derived neither from plants nor animals.