Final answer:
Coal, despite being a rock formed from plant remains over millions of years, is not considered a mineral because it is organic. It has played a major role in our ecosystem, notably contributing to global warming through carbon dioxide released when it's burned.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, coal is not considered a mineral. While it is a rock that formed over millions of years from the remains of plants, it does not fulfill all the criteria to be a mineral. One of the criteria for a substance to be considered a mineral is that it must be inorganic, and coal, which is made from the decomposed remains of plants, is organic. Thus, despite its geological origins and significance in carbon cycling, coal is not a mineral.
Coal is one of the primary sources of energy used by humans, notably in the production of electricity and heat. Its formation and use have played significant roles in shaping the Earth's ecosystem, particularly in terms of global warming and climate change. When coal is burned, it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at a rate faster than it can be absorbed by photosynthetic organisms. This is a major factor contributing to the surge in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels since the industrial age and, consequently, to global climate c