Which term is used to refer to the study of minerals and their properties?

The term that refers to the study of minerals and their properties is mineralogy. This field specifically focuses on the composition, structure, occurrence, and properties of minerals. Mineralogists investigate various attributes of minerals, such as their physical characteristics (like hardness, color, and luster), chemical properties, and the processes that lead to their formation. This specialized branch of geology plays a crucial role in understanding Earth's geological processes, the resources contained within the Earth, and applications in various industries, such as mining and materials science.

Geology, while related, is a broader discipline encompassing the study of Earth as a whole, including its structure, processes, and history, not solely focused on minerals. Chemistry deals with substances, their properties, and reactions, providing foundational knowledge used in mineralogy but not specifically dedicated to the study of minerals. Physics involves the study of matter and energy and their interactions, but it does not specifically concentrate on the properties of minerals in the way that mineralogy does.