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Benitoite

Pezzottaite

Minerals

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A mineral is a naturally occurring chemical compound usually of crystalline form and not produced by life processes. A mineral has one specific chemical composition, whereas a rock can be an aggregate of different minerals or mineraloids. The study of minerals is called mineralogy. To meet the definition of “mineral” used by most geologists, a substance must meet five requirements:

Aegirine

Aegirine is a fascinating mineral in the pyroxene group, named after the Norse sea god Ægir, symbolizing its origin in deep geological processes. This...

Diaspore

Diaspore, an aluminum hydroxide mineral with the chemical formula AlO(OH), is a fundamental component in the study of geology and mineralogy. It is significant...

Morganite

Morganite, a pink-to-peach gemstone, captivates gem enthusiasts and jewelers with its delicate hues and symbolic associations with love and compassion. As a member of...

Danburite

Danburite, a mineral with the chemical formula CaB₂(SiO₄)₂, is a calcium boron silicate and a fascinating addition to the world of gemstones and mineralogy....

Axinite

Axinite is a group of uncommon, typically brown or violet-brown borosilicate minerals that form in specific geological settings. Known for its sharp, wedge-shaped crystals...

Gibbsite

Gibbsite is a naturally occurring mineral form of aluminum hydroxide with the chemical formula Al(OH)₃. It belongs to the hydroxides and oxides mineral class...

Crocoite

Crocoite is a rare mineral classified as a lead chromate (PbCrO₄). It is well-known for its vibrant orange-red color and distinctive crystal formations, which...

Gahnite

Gahnite is a mineral belonging to the spinel group, specifically a zinc aluminum oxide with the chemical formula ZnAl2O4ZnAl_2O_4ZnAl2​O4​. It is typically found in...

Bastnäsite

Bastnäsite is a group of rare earth fluorocarbonate minerals that includes bastnäsite-(Ce), bastnäsite-(La), and bastnäsite-(Y), with each type named after the dominant rare earth...

Pyromorphite

Pyromorphite is a secondary lead mineral that forms in the oxidation zones of lead ore deposits. It is classified as a member of the...

Psilomelane

Psilomelane is a barium manganese oxide mineral, typically presenting as black or dark gray with a submetallic to dull luster. It often forms botryoidal...

Proustite (Ruby Silver)

Proustite is a sulfosalt mineral composed of silver, arsenic, and sulfur, with the chemical formula Ag₃AsS₃. Known for its striking deep red color and...

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Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The Geological Story of the World’s Largest Salt Mirror When you look at Salar de Uyuni from a distance, on a clear day, the line...

Top 10 Strangest Minerals Ever Discovered

The Wildest, Weirdest, “How Is This Even Real?” Minerals on Earth Let’s be honest: geology at school feels clean and organized. Crystals have systems, hardness...

Top 10 Crystals with Extreme Optical Effects

There are millions of minerals on Earth, but only a tiny group really steps onto the stage and tears the light apart with some...

Faults and Folds

How Stress Shapes the Earth’s Crust At a quick glance, the surface of our planet looks stable. Mountains appear fixed in place, valleys seem permanent,...

Rare Earth Minerals: The Geology Behind Them

Geology, Uses & the Global Supply Crisis Shaping Our Technological Future Rare earth minerals are one of the strangest contradictions in modern geology: visually unimpressive,...

How Supervolcanoes Work (and What Makes Them Different)

When a volcano erupts, most people imagine a familiar scene: a mountain peak releasing dark ash, bright lava flowing down the slopes, exploding rocks,...

Avalanches: Geologic & Environmental Triggers

When you look at a mountain covered in snow, your first impression is usually peace. Snow is quiet. The landscape is smooth, calm, untouched....

10 Dangerous Volcanoes on Earth

Why Some Volcanoes Are Far More Dangerous Than Others When people imagine a volcano, they usually picture slow-moving red lava gently flowing down a mountainside....