Datolite

Hemimorphite

Aquamarine

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:

Scheelite

Scheelite is a calcium tungstate mineral that is commonly found in various geological environments. It is an important ore of tungsten, which is a...

Celestine

Celestine, also known as celestite, is a mineral that belongs to the sulfate mineral group. It is named after the Latin word "caelestis," which...

Alabaster

Alabaster is a mineral that has been used for centuries in art and architecture due to its unique qualities and aesthetic appeal. It is...

Brazilianite

Brazilianite is a rare and highly valued gemstone named after its country of origin, Brazil. It is a phosphate mineral that belongs to the...

Smithsonite

Smithsonite is a mineral that belongs to the carbonate group. It is named after James Smithson, an English scientist and mineralogist who was the...

Variscite

Variscite is a term used to describe a type of mineral that belongs to the group of aluminum phosphate minerals. It is characterized by...

Cerussite

Cerussite is a mineral that belongs to the carbonate group. It is composed of lead carbonate (PbCO3) and has a relatively high lead content....

Cuprite

Cuprite is a mineral that belongs to the oxide mineral group. It is composed of copper(I) oxide, with the chemical formula Cu2O. The name...

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...
Tourmaline

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a fascinating gemstone that is known for its wide range of colors and unique properties. It is a crystalline mineral composed of...

Carborundite

Carborundum, also known as silicon carbide (SiC), is a crystalline compound composed of silicon and carbon. It was first discovered in the late 19th...

Selenite

Selenite is a beautiful and versatile mineral that belongs to the gypsum mineral family. It is composed of hydrous calcium sulfate and is known...

15 Naturally Striped and Banded Rocks

Some rocks in nature display remarkable patterns of stripes, wavy bands, and contrasting layers, almost as if they had been painted by an artist....

Rocks That Float on Water: Types, Formation, and Examples

When you drop a rock into water, you usually expect it to sink. Most rocks are denser than water, so they quickly settle to...

Why Is My Rock Magnetic? 8 Common Magnetic Rocks and Minerals

When you bring a magnet close to a rock and notice that it is strongly attracted, the result can be surprising. If the rock...