Here's why:
* Minerals are inorganic: Minerals are naturally occurring, solid substances with a defined chemical composition and crystalline structure. They are formed through geological processes, not biological ones.
* Organic matter decomposes: When plants and animals die, their organic matter decomposes, releasing nutrients back into the environment. These nutrients can be used by other living things, or they can become incorporated into the soil or rock.
* Minerals can be formed through various processes: Minerals can form from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava, from precipitation from water solutions, or through the transformation of existing minerals under pressure and heat.
However, there are some important points to consider:
* Fossil fuels: Fossil fuels, like coal and oil, are formed over millions of years from the decomposition of ancient plants and animals. While not technically minerals themselves, they are derived from organic matter.
* Biogenic minerals: Some minerals, like calcium carbonate in shells and bones, are formed through biological processes. However, these minerals are still inorganic compounds with a defined chemical composition.
* Trace elements: Minerals can contain trace amounts of elements that were originally present in the organic matter that decomposed to form the soil or sediment where the minerals were formed. However, these traces are typically very small and do not make up the primary composition of the mineral.
In conclusion, minerals are inorganic substances that are not directly composed of dead plants or animals. While some minerals are formed through biological processes or may contain traces of elements from organic matter, they are still distinct chemical entities formed through geological processes.