What term describes minerals formed primarily through the physical and chemical processes of sedimentary rock formation?

The term that describes minerals formed primarily through the physical and chemical processes of sedimentary rock formation is "sedimentary minerals." This encompasses minerals that are created as sediments accumulate and lithify over time. The processes involved include weathering, erosion, deposition, and cementation, where particles are compacted and chemically bonded to form sedimentary rock.

Sedimentary minerals can include a variety of components such as quartz, calcite, and clay minerals, which typically form from pre-existing rocks or biological activity. The distinctive processes that characterize sedimentary rock formation lead to the unique composition and characteristics of sedimentary minerals, making this terminology precise and appropriate for describing these types of minerals.

Other terms, such as "igneous" and "metamorphic," refer to mineral formations from different geological processes — igneous minerals form from the solidification of magma or lava, while metamorphic minerals develop from the alteration of existing rocks under heat and pressure. "Clastic" generally refers to a type of sedimentary rock itself rather than a specific mineral, thus not adequately capturing the broader category of minerals formed in sedimentary environments.