How does the structure of a mineral affect its properties?

Purely for crystalline structure, "twinning" or repetition of crystal forms can bring about a striated texture on the mineral. Crystal defects and chemical impurities can alter the physical and electrical properties of a mineral. Some minerals can exist in different crystal forms and exhibit "polymorphism." The range in crystal structure can change the mineral's hardness, strength, solubility, electrical properties, melting points, etc.

Non metal is an element or substance that is not a metal metal is a solid material that is typically hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, and ductile, with good electrical and thermal conductivitymetalloid is an element (e.g., germanium or silicon) whose properties are intermediate between those of metals and solid nonmetals. they are electrical semiconductors.