Question

what does it mean for a mineral to be crystalline?

the atoms are arranged in an orderly, repeating pattern
the minerals are clear and glassy in appearance
the minerals are made from elements on the periodic table
the mineral will break with either cleavage or fracture

Explanation:

A crystalline mineral has its atoms arranged in an orderly, repeating pattern. This is a fundamental characteristic of crystals. The other options are incorrect:

• "The minerals are clear and glassy in appearance" is about luster, not crystallinity.
• "The minerals are made from elements on the periodic table" is true for all minerals, not specific to crystalline ones.
• "The mineral will break with either cleavage or fracture" is about a mineral's breakage property, not its crystallinity.

Answer:

The atoms are arranged in an orderly, repeating pattern.