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:
Lepidolite
A light mica, lepidolite is Earth’s most common lithium-bearing mineral. Its name is derived from two Greek words: lepidos, which means “scale,” and lithos, which means “stone.” Although typically pale lilac, specimens can also be colorless, violet, pale yellow, or gray. Lepidolite crystals may appear pseudohexagonal. The mineral is also found as botryoidal or kidneylike masses and fine- to coarse-grained, interlocking plates. Its perfect cleavage yields thin, flexible sheets. Lepidolite occurs in granitic pegmatites, where it is associated with other lithium minerals, such as beryl and topaz. The mineral is economically important as a major source of lithium, which is used to make glass and enamels. It is also a major source of the rare alkali metals rubidium and cesium.
Stichtite
Stichtite is a mineral that is known for its striking violet to pinkish-purple color. It is a relatively rare mineral and is often found...
Coal
Coal is a non-clastic sedimentary rock. They are the fossilized remains of plants and are in flammable black and brownish-black tones. Its main element...
Strawberry Quartz
Strawberry Quartz is a unique and beautiful variety of quartz known for its distinctive reddish-pink to strawberry-like hue, which is caused by inclusions of...
Wavellite
Wavellite is a mineral that belongs to the phosphate class of minerals. It is renowned for its distinctive crystal formation, which often occurs in...
Citrine
Citrine is a yellow to brownish-yellow variety of quartz, which is a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. It is one of the...
Pyroxene
The pyroxenes are a set of essential rock-forming inosilicate minerals discovered in many igneous and metamorphic rocks. Pyroxenes have the general components is XY(Si,Al)2O6.Although aluminium substitutes extensively for silicon in silicates consisting of feldspars and amphiboles,
Sillimanite
Sillimanite is a mineral that belongs to the group of aluminosilicate minerals known as the sillimanite group. It is named after the American chemist...
Phosphophyllite
Phosphophyllite is a mineral and a member of the apatite group. It is known for its striking blue-green color and gem-like appearance, which has...
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....
Prehnite
Prehnite is a mineral that belongs to the phyllosilicate group and is known for its distinctive green color. It was first discovered in South...
Color Change Garnet
Color Change Garnet is a fascinating and relatively rare gemstone known for its unique ability to change color under different lighting conditions. It is...