Silicates Minerals

Hackmanite is a rare and fascinating mineral that exhibits a unique phenomenon known as tenebrescence. Tenebrescence is the property of certain minerals to temporarily...

The most common pyroxene, augite is named after the Greek word augites, which means “brightness”—a reference to its occasional shiny appearance. Most augite has a dull, dark green, brown, or black finish. Augite occurs chiefly as short, thick, prismatic crystals with a square or octagonal cross section and sometimes as large, cleavable masses. It occurs in a solid-solution series in which diopside and hedenbergite are the end-members. Augite is common in silica-poor rocks and various other dark-colored igneous rocks, as well as igneous rocks of intermediate silica content. It also occurs in some metamorphic rocks formed at high temperatures (1,065°F/575°C or above). Augite is a common constituent of lunar basalts and some meteorites. Notable crystal localities are in Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, Russia, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and USA. Because it is difficult to distinguish between augite, diopside, and hedenbergite in hand specimens, all pyroxenes are often identified as augite.

Shattuckite is a rare and visually striking mineral that is prized by mineral collectors and enthusiasts for its vibrant blue and green-blue color. It...

Ekanite is a silicate mineral with a chemical composition typically expressed as Ca2ThSi8O20Ca2​ThSi8​O20​. It is often found as a tetragonal crystal system but is...

Bixbite is a trade name used to refer to red beryl, a rare gemstone that is found in only a few locations worldwide. Red...

Sugilite is a rare and captivating gemstone known for its vivid purple color and metaphysical properties. It is also sometimes referred to as "Luvulite"...

Jeremejevite is a rare and beautiful mineral that is known for its striking blue to colorless or pale yellow crystals. It belongs to the...

Chalcedony is a mineral that is composed of microscopic crystals of quartz. It is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, meaning that its crystals are...

"Turritella Agate is a distinctive form of agate celebrated for its rich fossil inclusions and eye-catching banded patterns. Despite its name, it actually encases...

Zircon is a zirconium silicate mineral with a chemical composition of ZrSiO4. It is common at some point of the world as a minor constituent of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.Zircon is a popular gemstone that has been used for almost 2000 years.

Maw Sit Sit is a rare and exotic gemstone that has gained popularity among gem collectors and enthusiasts for its unique appearance and intriguing...

Chrysoprase is a gemstone variety of chalcedony, which is a form of quartz. It is known for its apple-green color, which comes from the...