What does the term "inorganic" refer to?

The term "inorganic" refers to substances that are not derived from living organisms and do not contain carbon. This classification encompasses a wide range of materials, including minerals, metals, and salts, which are fundamental to various scientific fields, including chemistry and environmental science. Understanding inorganic substances is crucial in nail technology as many nail products and treatments utilize inorganic compounds for their properties.

Living matter, organic compounds, and materials derived from plants all represent categories associated with organic chemistry and biological systems. Thus, they do not fit the definition of inorganic, which specifically pertains to non-living chemical compounds and materials.