What is the preferred structure of a mineral at the atomic level?

The preferred structure of a mineral at the atomic level is an atomically ordered structure. This ordered arrangement of atoms is critical in defining the properties of minerals, such as their crystal form, stability, and hardness. In crystalline minerals, the atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern, which contributes to the overall symmetry and stability of the mineral. This organized structure allows for the consistent formation of predictable physical properties, such as cleavage planes and specific geometrical shapes.

In contrast, disordered or randomly distributed atomic arrangements tend to lead to materials that lack the well-defined characteristics associated with crystalline structures. Such materials may include amorphous solids or glass, which do not exhibit the same uniform properties due to their lack of long-range atomic order. The presence of covalent bonds does contribute to the strength of certain minerals, but it does not inherently guarantee an ordered atomic structure. Thus, the atomically ordered structure is fundamental for defining minerals and their specific properties.