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Inorganic material of geological origin, typically composed of minerals or rocks.
Les géologues étudient la matière minérale pour comprendre la formation des montagnes.
Geologists study mineral matter to understand the formation of mountains.
Distinct from organic matter (e.g., plant or animal material).
Use in discussions about rocks, ores, or industrial materials.
Specify 'minérale' to exclude organic substances like coal or oil.
From French 'matière' (matter) + 'minérale' (mineral), referring to non-living geological substances.
Common in geological, mining, and materials science contexts. Avoid in everyday language.