The correct answer is B. Mineralogy is the scientific study of minerals. It is a subfield of geology, which is the study of Earth and its history. Mineralogy is concerned with the physical and chemical properties of minerals, as well as their occurrence and formation.
Geology is the scientific study of the Earth, including its physical properties, history, and processes. It is a broad field that encompasses many subfields, including mineralogy, petrology, geophysics, and geochemistry.
Mining science is the application of scientific principles to the extraction of minerals from the Earth. It includes the study of mineral deposits, the design and operation of mines, and the environmental impact of mining.
Metallurgy is the science and technology of metals. It includes the extraction of metals from ores, the processing of metals into alloys, and the fabrication of metal products.
In conclusion, the study of minerals is called mineralogy. It is a subfield of geology that is concerned with the physical and chemical properties of minerals, as well as their occurrence and formation.