Читать книгу Geology and Mineralogy of Gemstones - Karl Wallace, David Turner R. - Страница 15

All matter is composed of particles known as atoms. Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Elements are collections of these particles (i.e., an atom) and their identity is defined by the number of protons. Atoms can combine through chemical bonding to form specific chemical compounds. Minerals are collections of atoms arranged and bonded together in specific ways.