I understand that atoms form minerals but when and why do they bond to form that certain minerals?

-- nathaniel miller (nmiller@oswego.edu), February 05, 2001

Answers

Most elements exist as charged ions, whether they be a anion or cation. All atoms seek to be in balance which is to have a complete outer shell of electrons. Atoms bond together in order to complete their outermost shell. They bond whenever they can find another ion to share electrons with inorder to complete that outermost shell.

-- Henry Richards (heruptah@hotmail.com), May 03, 2001.