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,...
Boracite
Boracite is a mineral that belongs to the borate group and is known for its unique crystal structure and a variety of interesting properties....
Tugtupite
Tugtupite is a captivating and relatively rare mineral known for its striking pink to reddish-pink coloration. This eye-catching mineral belongs to the group of...
Tremolite
Tremolite is a silicate mineral and member of the amphibole group. Chemical formula is Ca2(Mg5.0-4.5Fe2+0.0-0.5)Si8O22(OH)2. A calcium magnesium silicate, tremolite forms a solid-solution series with ferroactinolite, where iron substitutes in increasing amounts for magnesium.
Carnelian
Carnelian is a captivating gemstone renowned for its warm and vibrant colors, ranging from light orange to deep reddish-brown. It belongs to the chalcedony...
Turquoise
Turquoise is a
member of phosphate mineral with chemical the formula CuAl6 (PO4)4(OH) 8·4H2O.
Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrated phosphate of
copper...
Enstatite
Enstatite is a mineral that belongs to the pyroxene group, which is a class of silicate minerals. It is known for its unique crystalline...
Halite
Culinary rock salt is actually halite. Its name is derived from the Greek word hals, which means “salt.” Most halite is colorless, white, gray, orange, or brown, but it can also be bright blue or purple. The orange color comes from inclusions of hematite, while the blue and purple colors indicate defects in the crystal structure.
Tiger’s Eye
Tiger's Eye is a mineral gemstone that belongs to the quartz family. It is composed primarily of silicon dioxide (SiO2), the same chemical composition...
Rainbow Hematite
Rainbow hematite is a form of hematite, a common iron oxide mineral with the chemical formula Fe2O3. What sets rainbow hematite apart from typical...
Covellite
Covellite is a rare sulfide mineral that is known for its distinctive indigo-blue to blackish-blue coloration. Its name is derived from the Latin word...
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
