Legal Definition and Related Resources of Minerals

Any inert part of the earth formed deposited in its present position through natural agencies alone and which is capable of being extracted from underneath the surface for the purpose of profit . Any natural constituent of the crust of the earth inorganic or fossil, homogenous in structure having a definite chemical composition an known crystallization. In innumerable decisions, petroleum as natural gas have been held to be included the term minerals. See, for instance , Jones v Johnston, 397 N.E.2d 222, 16 lH.App.id 996. Whether or not any given thing is included in the term mineral depends upon the context in which the term occurs for it does not have a definite meaning, is used in many senses and is not capable of a definition of universal application. Even salt water and water have been held to be mineral in certain circumstances. See Young v Ethyl Corp., (C.A. Ark.)581 F.2d 715.

(Law Lat. minera, a vein of metal). The term mineral is not confined to metallic substances. 233 111. 62. All fossil bodies or matters dug out of mines or quarries, whence anything may be dug; such as beds of stone which may be quarried. 14 Mees. & W. 859, in construing 55 Geo. III. c. 18; Broom, Leg. Max. 175, 176. Any natural production, formed by the action of chemical affinities, and organized when beconiing solid by the powers of crystallization. Webster. But see 5 Watts (Pa.) 34; 1 Crabb, Real Prop. 95. Including every kind of stone, flint, marble, slate, brick earth, chalk, gravel and sand when found under the surface and not lying loosely upon it. The following substances have been held to be minerals: Brick clay, 22 Q. D. B. 555; 58 L J. Q; B. 573; whether got under ground or by open workings, 51 L. J. Ch. 570; 55 L. J. Ch. 745; 5 App. Ca. 820; 43 L. T. 513; chhia clay, 417 L. J. Ch: 761; coal and ironstone, 35 L. J. Ch. 337; 37 Ch. D. 386; 15 App. Ca. 19; coprolites, 46 L. J. Ch. 654; 5 Ch. D. 750; freestone and limestone got by open workings, 1 Shaw, App. 225; 9 Ir. C. L. Rep. 223; granite, 1 Times Rep. 549; oil and gas, 233 111. 62; 240 111. 367; stone got by quarrying, 4 Eq. Cas. 19; 14 M. & W. 859; 20 L. J. Ex. 313; 6 Ex. 644; 17 L. T. O. S. 185; petroleum, 237 111. 337; stratum of clay, 1 Ch. 427. The following have been held not to be minerals: Boat, ancient and embedded, but unpetrified, 55 L. J. Ch.; 33 Ch. D.; brine formed by the percolation of rain-water through rock salt, 26 S. J. 359; clay and sand, 48 L. J. P. C. 36; 4 App. Ca. 294; 40 L, T. 764; clay subsoil, 13 App. Ca. 657; 37 W. R. 627; 31 L. J. C. P. 201; freestone quarry, 1 Shaw App. 225; limestone, 9 Ir. C. L. Rep. 223.

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Minerals in Historical Law

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Mentioned in these terms

, Mineral Estate, Mining, Natural Resource, Open Mine, Placer Claim, Profit A Prendre, Surface, Tonnage-rent.

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This definition of Minerals is based on the The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary . This entry needs to be proofread.

Vocabularies (Semantic Web Information)

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Definition of Minerals

In relation to social issues, a meaning of minerals is provided here: a naturally occurring, homogeneous inorganic solid substance having a definite chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure, color, and hardness.