Minerals
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:
Rosasite
Rosasite is a secondary mineral that typically forms in oxidized zones of copper-zinc ore deposits. It is chemically composed of copper zinc carbonate hydroxide,...
Sard
Sard is a semi-precious gemstone known for its deep, rich red color, which ranges from reddish-brown to nearly black. It's a variety of chalcedony,...
Ekanite
Ekanite is a silicate mineral with a chemical composition typically expressed as Ca2ThSi8O20Ca2ThSi8O20. It is often found as a tetragonal crystal system but is...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Gahnite
Gahnite is a mineral belonging to the spinel group, specifically a zinc aluminum oxide with the chemical formula ZnAl2O4ZnAl_2O_4ZnAl2O4. It is typically found in...
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...
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...
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...
Hemimorphite
Hemimorphite is a zinc silicate mineral with the chemical formula Zn₄Si₂O₇(OH)₂·H₂O. Known for its striking blue to greenish-blue color and unique crystal habits, hemimorphite...