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:
Amethyst
Amethyst is a mineral that belongs to the quartz family, known for its purple to violet hue. It is a popular gemstone used in...
Blue Opal
Blue opal is a captivating and unique gemstone known for its striking blue hues and captivating patterns. This semi-precious gemstone belongs to the opal...
Sapphirine
Sapphirine is a relatively rare mineral known for its captivating blue color and distinctive crystal structure. It belongs to the family of silicate minerals...
Gypsum
Gypsum, common sulfate mineral of superb industrial significance, composed of hydrated calcium sulfate (CaSO4 ·2H2O). In properly-developed crystals the mineral normally has been called selenite. The fibrous large variety has a silky lustre and is known as satin spar
Goethite
Named after the German mineralogist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1806, goethite is a common mineral. It can be brownish yellow, reddish brown, or dark brown in color, depending on the size of the crystal in the specimen—small crystals appear lighter, and larger ones darker.
Yellow Apatite
Yellow Apatite is a variety of the mineral apatite, which belongs to the phosphate group. Apatite itself is a group of phosphate minerals that...
Pezzottaite
Pezzottaite, often referred to by its colloquial name raspberry beryl, stands as a rare and enchanting mineral in the world of geology and gemology....
Wulfenite
Wulfenite is a lead molybdate mineral with the chemical formula PbMoO4. It is known for its striking crystal formations, which are typically square or...
Petalite
Petalite is a mineral that belongs to the group of silicate minerals known as feldspars. Its chemical formula is LiAl(Si4O10), indicating that it consists...
Cassiterite
Cassiterite is a mineral composed of tin oxide (SnO2) and is the primary ore of tin. It has a high density and a hardness...
Opalized Wood
Opalized wood is a fascinating and rare form of fossilized wood that has undergone a unique process of mineralization. It is a type of...
Dumortierite
Dumortierite is a mineral renowned for its striking blue to violet-blue coloration and its significant presence in various geological formations worldwide. Named after the...