Minerals are formed from ________ or solutions.

Minerals are formed from magma or solutions.

Formation of Minerals from Magma:

Most minerals are formed by the cooling of magma. Magma is molten rock that exists at high temperatures. As magma rises up through the Earth's crust, it begins to cool and minerals crystallize out. The type of mineral that forms is dependent upon how fast the magma cools. The rapid cooling of magma results in small, fine-grained minerals. Slow cooling of magma results in large minerals that are more ordered.

Formation of Minerals from Solutions:

Minerals can form from solutions in several different ways.

• When the water in a water solution containing minerals and salts evaporates, it leaves behind minerals.


• When the concentration of minerals in a solution becomes too great, they precipitate out of the solution. 


• Hot underground water picks up particles as it flows through rocks. As the water cools, it deposits minerals.