inorganics
Chemistry without carbon
Inorganics are substances that are not organic—typically materials lacking the carbon-based structures characteristic of living things.
The term appears most often in chemistry, environmental science, and waste management: The lab tested for heavy metals and other inorganics.
Inorganic compounds include minerals, metals, and salts.
Bonded element substances
- saltsSodium chloride crystals
- oxidesOxygen-bonded compounds
- sulfatesSO₄-containing compounds
- halidesHalogen-metal compounds
carbonates · phosphates · nitrates · hydroxides · anions · cations · coordination · valency
Hardened clay objects
- glassTransparent solid from sand
- concreteSolid building mixture
- alloysMetallic element mixtures
- steelCarbon-hardened iron alloy
bronze · brass · titanium · aluminum · copper · zinc · nickel · silicon
Not alive
- inanimateNot alive, never was
- lifelessDevoid of animation
- inertInactive, physically or chemically
- nonbiologicalNot from living matter
sterile · geologic · sedimentary · crystalline · petrified · rocky · earthy · unanimated
Crystalline silicon dioxide
- feldsparSilicate mineral group
- micaLayered silicate mineral
- calciteCrystalline calcium carbonate
- gypsumHydrated calcium sulfate
halite · fluorite · dolomite · magnetite · hematite · pyrite · galena · corundum
Nonliving, in ecology
- inanimateNot alive, never was
- lifelessDevoid of animation
- inertInactive, physically or chemically
- nonbiologicalNot from living matter
sterile · geologic · sedimentary · crystalline · petrified · rocky · earthy · unanimated
Large chain-like molecules
- plasticsMoldable petroleum-based materials
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
- acrylicSynthetic resin or fiber
- PVCChlorinated plastic abbreviation
polyethylene · polypropylene · polystyrene · polyester · Teflon · Kevlar · vinyl · silicone
compounds
Bonded element substances
halides · carbonates · phosphates · nitrates · hydroxides · anions · cations · coordination · valency · stoichiometry
ceramics
Hardened clay objects
steel · bronze · brass · titanium · aluminum · copper · zinc · nickel · silicon · graphite
nonliving
Not alive
nonbiological · sterile · geologic · sedimentary · crystalline · petrified · rocky · earthy · unanimated · mechanical
quartz
Crystalline silicon dioxide
gypsum · halite · fluorite · dolomite · magnetite · hematite · pyrite · galena · corundum · topaz
abiotic
Nonliving, in ecology
nonbiological · sterile · geologic · sedimentary · crystalline · petrified · rocky · earthy · unanimated
polymers
Large chain-like molecules
- plasticsMoldable petroleum-based materials
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
- acrylicSynthetic resin or fiber
PVC · polyethylene · polypropylene · polystyrene · polyester · Teflon · Kevlar · vinyl · silicone · neoprene
inorganicsorganics
Products without synthetic additives
organic matter · organic compounds · organic materials · hydrocarbons · biomolecules
inorganicsorganics
Products without synthetic additives
biomass · compost · humus · organic waste · biodegradable materials
inorganicsorganics
Products without synthetic additives
organic waste · biodegradables · compostables · food waste · green waste
- inorganic chemistryStudy of non-carbon-based compounds