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...
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...
Mineral Identification Chart for Beginners
Understanding how to identify minerals is one of the most essential skills in geology. Minerals form the building blocks of rocks, and learning to...
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...
