What characteristic is commonly associated with minerals?

The characteristic commonly associated with minerals is that they are in a non-living, solid form that exhibits a crystalline pattern. This definition aligns with the accepted scientific criteria for what constitutes a mineral. Minerals are naturally occurring substances, meaning they are formed through geological processes without human intervention. Their solid state contributes to their rigidity, and the crystalline structure arises from the orderly arrangement of atoms, which determines specific physical properties such as symmetry, hardness, and cleavage.

Additionally, minerals are inorganic by nature, which is why they do not exhibit the organic traits of living organisms. This solid, crystalline characteristic is essential in distinguishing minerals from other substances, such as liquids or gases, and underscores their fundamental role in geology and earth sciences.