Which substance is categorized as inorganic?

The correct answer identifies inorganic substances, and in this case, minerals are a prime example. Inorganic substances are generally defined as those that do not primarily contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.

Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure. They play crucial roles in various ecological and geological processes, and they are a fundamental part of the Earth's crust.

Ortho boric acid, while it has applications in several industries, is often classified differently because it contains hydrogen and is more associated with organic chemistry in certain contexts. Sand, while primarily composed of silicon dioxide (which is inorganic), does not fit well as a distinct substance like minerals do, because it is a broader category of granular material. Organic compounds, by definition, contain carbon-hydrogen bonds and do not fit the criteria for inorganic classification. Hence, the recognition of minerals as inorganic is key to understanding the classification of substances based on their chemical properties.