313. (2) All forms of use have in them some image of creation. Forms of use are of three kinds: forms of use belonging to the mineral kingdom, forms of use belonging to the plant kingdom, and forms of use belonging to the animal kingdom. Forms of use belonging to the mineral kingdom cannot be described, because they are not visible to the sight. Its first forms are the substances and materials of which the earth consists in its least constituents. Its second forms are aggregations of these, which are of infinite variety. Its third forms arise from plants that have decayed into dust, and dead animals, and from the continual evaporations and exhalations of these which combine with the earth and produce its soil. These forms in three degrees belonging to the mineral kingdom present an image of creation in this respect, that actuated by the sun through the atmospheres and their heat and light, they produce useful ends in forms, ends which were the ends in creation. This image of creation lies concealed within their endeavors, as described above in no. 310.