Which term refers to the material or substance that Earth is composed of, typically consisting of minerals?

The term that refers to the material or substance that Earth is composed of, typically consisting of minerals, is "rock." Rocks are aggregates of one or more minerals and are classified into three main types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. This classification is based on their formation processes, which include cooling and solidification of magma or lava (igneous), the accumulation of sediment (sedimentary), or the alteration of existing rocks through heat and pressure (metamorphic).

While soil refers to a layer of loose material on the Earth's surface that supports plant life and contains minerals, organic matter, air, and water, it is not the primary descriptor of the solid framework of Earth. "Earth material" is a broader term that can include rocks, sediments, soils, and other natural materials, but it lacks the specificity of identifying the underlying solid substance. "Igneous material" specifically pertains to a type of rock that forms from cooled lava or magma, again not encompassing the wider definition of Earth's composition. Therefore, "rock" is the most accurate term as it directly encapsulates the primary structural components of the Earth's crust, emphasizing its mineral content.