Science Olympiad Rocks and Minerals 2018
mica schist (METAMORPHIC)
-Metamorphic -Foliated -Visible muscovite, biotite, garnet, staurolite -Medium grade Schist is a medium-grade metamorphic rock with medium to large, flat, sheet-like grains in a preferred orientation. It is defined by having more than 50% platy and elongated minerals, often finely interleaved with quartz and feldspar.
conglomerate(SEDIMENTARY)
A rock consisting of individual rounded stones that have become cemented together.
igneous
A type of rock that forms from the cooling of molten rock at or below the surface.
Gold
Au 79 Element Gold is a chemical element with symbol Au and atomic number 79. In its purest form, it is a bright, slightly reddish yellow, dense, soft, malleable, and ductile metal. Chemically, gold is a transition metal and a group 11 element. Symbol: Au Atomic number: 79 Melting point: 1,948°F (1,064°C) Atomic mass: 196.96657 u ± 0.000004 u Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f145d106s1 Boiling point: 4,892°F (2,700°C)
Ulexite
Calcite, Borax
sedimentary
Formed from the compaction and cementation of loose particles
Borates
Formed when metallic elements combine with the borate radical
fossiliferous (LIMESTONE VARIETIES)
Limestone that contains remains of dead organisms A fossil is any preserved remains, impression, or trace of any once-living thing from a past geological age. Examples include bones, shells, exoskeletons, stone imprints of animals or microbes, hair, petrified wood, oil, coal, and DNA remnants.
metamorphic
Rock recrystallized by heat and pressure
gabbro (IGNEOUS)
A medium- to coarse-grained mafic igneous rock, the phaneritic equivalent of basalt. Gabbro refers to a large group of dark, often phaneritic, mafic intrusive igneous rocks chemically equivalent to basalt. It forms when molten magma is trapped beneath the Earth's surface and slowly cools into a holocrystalline mass.
granite (IGNEOUS)
A usually light colored intrusive igneous rock that is found in continental crust Granite is a common type of felsic intrusive igneous rock that is granular and phaneritic in texture. Granites can be predominantly white, pink, or gray in color, depending on their mineralogy.
limonite/goethite
Metallic/Nonmetallic, rusty/yellow-brown, 4.5-5, yellow/brown streak Limonite is an iron ore consisting of a mixture of hydrated iron(III) oxide-hydroxides in varying composition. Mohs scale hardness: 4 - 5 1⁄2 Density: 2.7 - 4.3 g/cm3 Formula (repeating unit): FeO(OH)·nH2O Crystal habit: Fine grained aggregate, powdery coating Color: Various shades of brown and yellow Streak: Yellowish brown Specific gravity: 2.9 - 4.3
chalk (LIMESTONE VARIETIES)
Soft, finely textured stones composed of a variety of natural materials Chalk is a soft, white, porous, sedimentary carbonate rock, a form of limestone composed of the mineral calcite. Calcite is an ionic salt called calcium carbonate or CaCO₃.
jasper (QUARTZ)
(stone) blackish-green Large deposits were used to build the wall around the old city of Jerusalem. Jasper, an aggregate of microgranular quartz and/or chalcedony and other mineral phases, is an opaque, impure variety of silica, usually red, yellow, brown or green in color; and rarely blue. The common red color is due to iron(III) inclusions. Color: Black, Green, Red, White, Grey, Blue, Yellow, Brown, Orange Luster: Vitreous Crystal system: Hexagonal crystal system Chemical formula: SiO₂ Hardness (Mohs hardness scale): 6.5 - 7 Mineral class: Chalcedony Transparency: Opaque
anthracite(COAL VARIETIES)
- hard black coal; about 95% carbon - burns cleanest and hotest Anthracite is a hard, compact variety of coal that has a submetallic luster. It has the highest carbon content, the fewest impurities, and the highest energy density of all types of coal except for graphite.
milky quartz (QUARTZ)
- scratches glass --> 7 - no cleavage - milky Quartz is a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms in a continuous framework of SiO₄ silicon-oxygen tetrahedra, with each oxygen being shared between two tetrahedra, giving an overall chemical formula of SiO₂. Mohs scale hardness: 7 - lower in impure varieties (defining mineral) Crystal system: α-quartz: trigonal; β-quartz: hexagonal Category: oxide mineral Crystal class: α-quartz: trapezohedral (class 3 2); β-quartz: trapezohedral (class 6 2 2) Melting point: 1670 °C (β tridymite) 1713 °C (β cristobalite) Optical properties: Uniaxial (+)
selenite
-SeO32- -shows obvious crystalline structure -variety of gypsum It's a form of gypsum crystal that I refer to as liquid light. Interestingly, gypsum occurs on every continent in the world, and is the most common of all the sulfate minerals. Selenite crystals are white in color, and have many healing and mystical properties. It is named after the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene.
diorite (IGNEOUS)
-phaneritic -minerals: plagioclase, hornblende, quartz, biotite -intermediate -intrusive Diorite is an intrusive igneous rock composed principally of the silicate minerals plagioclase feldspar, biotite, hornblende, and/or pyroxene. The chemical composition of diorite is intermediate, between that of mafic gabbro and felsic granite
augite (PYROXENE GROUP)
2 cleavages, green and black, HTG Augite is a common rock-forming pyroxene mineral with formula (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al)2O6. The crystals are monoclinic and prismatic.
apatite
5 on Moh's scale Apatite is a group of phosphate minerals, usually referring to hydroxylapatite, fluorapatite and chlorapatite, with high concentrations of OH−, F− and Cl− ions, respectively, in the crystal. Mohs scale hardness: 5 (defining mineral) Crystal class: Dipyramidal (6/m); (same H-M symbol) Crystal system: Hexagonal crystal family Formula (repeating unit): Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH) Crystal habit: Tabular, prismatic crystals, massive, compact or granular Optical properties: Double refractive, uniaxial negative
epidote
>glass Grey streak 1 poor cleavage plane Green Met Epidote is a name that is used in two different ways in mineralogy: 1) the "Epidote Group" is the name of a group of silicate minerals that share common structural and compositional characteristics; and, 2) "Epidote" is the name of the most common mineral in the Epidote Group.
topaz
A clear yellow/brownish stone used as a jewel Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminium and fluorine with the chemical formula Al₂SiO₄(F, OH)₂. Topaz crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, and its crystals are mostly prismatic terminated by pyramidal and other faces. Color: Blue, Yellow, Pink, Green, Purple, Brown, White, Orange, Grey, Red Luster: Vitreous Birthstone zodiac sign: Scorpio Associated month: November Crystal system: Orthorhombic crystal system Chemical formula: Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂
basalt (IGNEOUS)
A dark, dense, igneous rock with a fine texture, found in oceanic crust Basalt is a common extrusive igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava exposed at or very near the surface of a planet or moon. Flood basalt describes the formation in a series of lava basalt flows.
obsidian (IGNEOUS)
A dense, glassy volcanic rock, usually of felsic composition Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock. It is produced when felsic lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. Mohs scale hardness: 5-6 Optical properties: Translucent Other characteristics: Texture: Smooth; glassy Color: Deep black or blackish green Luster: Vitreous Fracture: Conchoidal Specific gravity: c. 2.4
rhyolite (IGNEOUS)
A fine-grained, felsic, igneous rock made up mostly of feldspar and quartz. Rhyolite is an igneous, volcanic rock, of felsic composition. It may have any texture from glassy to aphanitic to porphyritic. The mineral assemblage is usually quartz, sanidine and plagioclase. Biotite and hornblende are common accessory minerals.
Diamond
A form of the element carbon in which the atoms are arranged in a crystal structure. Diamond is a metastable allotrope of carbon, where the carbon atoms are arranged in a variation of the face-centered cubic crystal structure called a diamond lattice. Mohs scale hardness: 10 (defining mineral) Density: 3.5- 3.53 g/cm3 Crystal habit: Octahedral Crystal system: Cubic crystal system Crystal class: Hexoctahedral (m3m); H-M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m) Formula mass: 12.01 g/mol
gneiss (METAMORPHIC)
A metamorphic rock that has ribbon like layers. Gneiss is a common distributed type of rock formed by high-grade regional metamorphic processes from pre-existing formations that were originally either igneous or sedimentary rocks. It is often foliated
Carbonates
A non-silicate group of minerals that contain carbon and oxygen compounds. CO3 In chemistry, a carbonate is a salt of carbonic acid, characterized by the presence of the carbonate ion, a polyatomic ion with the formula of CO2− 3. Formula: CO3−2 Molar mass: 60.01 g/mol ChemSpider ID: 18519 PubChem CID: 19660
Sulfides
A non-silicate group of minerals that contains sulfur as part of the compound Sulfide is an inorganic anion of sulfur with the chemical formula S2− or a compound containing one or more S2− ions. It contributes no color to sulfide salts. Chemical formula: S2− Molar mass: 32.06 g·mol−1 Other anions: Telluride ChEBI ID: 15138 PubChem CID: 29109
sulfides
A non-silicate group of minerals that contains sulfur as part of the compound Sulfide is an inorganic anion of sulfur with the chemical formula S2− or a compound containing one or more S2− ions. It contributes no color to sulfide salts. Chemical formula: S2− Molar mass: 32.06 g·mol−1 Other anions: Telluride ChEBI ID: 15138 PubChem CID: 29109
Halides
A non-silicate mineral group that contains F or Cl in the compound A halide is a binary phase, of which one part is a halogen atom and the other part is an element or radical that is less electronegative than the halogen, to make a fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, astatide, or theoretically tennesside compound.
opal (QUARTZ)
A precious stone Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica; its water content may range from 3 to 21% by weight, but is usually between 6 and 10% Color: Pink, Blue, Black, White, Green, Purple, Red, Yellow, Grey, Brown, Orange Luster: Vitreous, Waxy, Pearly Birthstone zodiac sign: Libra Associated month: October Crystal system: Amorphous solid Chemical formula: SiO₂·nH₂O
coquina (LIMESTONE VARIETIES)
A sedimentary rock consisting of sand-sized sea shells. Coquina is a sedimentary rock that is composed either wholly or almost entirely of the transported, abraded, and mechanically-sorted fragments of the shells of molluscs, trilobites, brachiopods, or other invertebrates.
shale(SEDIMENTARY)
A sedimentary rock formed by the deposition of successive layers of clay. Shale is a fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock composed of mud that is a mix of flakes of clay minerals and tiny fragments of other minerals, especially quartz and calcite
breccia(SEDIMENTARY)
A sedimentary rock made with large, angled particles. Breccia is a rock composed of broken fragments of minerals or rock cemented together by a fine-grained matrix that can be similar to or different from the composition of the fragments.
lignite(COAL VARIETIES)
A soft, brownish-black coal Lignite, often referred to as brown coal, is a soft brown combustible sedimentary rock formed from naturally compressed peat. It is considered the lowest rank of coal due to its relatively low heat content.
Silver
Ag 47 Metallic silver, soft, and conductive Silver is a chemical element with symbol Ag and atomic number 47. A soft, white, lustrous transition metal, it exhibits the highest electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and reflectivity of any metal. Symbol: Ag Atomic mass: 107.8682 u Atomic number: 47 Electron configuration: [Kr] 4d105s1 Melting point: 1,763°F (961.8°C) Boiling point: 3,924°F (2,162°C)
pumice (IGNEOUS)
An light grey, extrusive igneous rock with air bubbles. Pumice forms very quickly. Pumice, called pumicite in its powdered or dust form, is a volcanic rock that consists of highly vesicular rough textured volcanic glass, which may or may not contain crystals. It is typically light colored.
pyrite
Brass yellow, Hardness=6 3 directions at 90, Streak: Greenish-black The mineral pyrite, or iron pyrite, also known as fool's gold, is an iron sulfide with the chemical formula Fe S₂. Pyrite is considered the most common of the sulfide minerals. Color: Grey, Yellow, Metallic color Luster: Metallic Crystal system: Cubic crystal system Hardness (Mohs hardness scale): 6 - 6.5 Mineral class: Pyrite Transparency: Opaque
Aragonite
Carbonate Aragonite is a carbonate mineral, one of the two most common, naturally occurring, crystal forms of calcium carbonate, CaCO₃. It is formed by biological and physical processes, including precipitation from marine and freshwater environments. Crystal system: Orthorhombic Crystal class: Dipyramidal (mmm); H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m) Optical properties: Biaxial (-) Formula (repeating unit): CaCO3 Mohs scale hardness: 3.5-4 Solubility: Dilute acid Space group: Pmcn
Onyx/Agate (QUARTZ)
Category: Oxide mineral Formula: (repeating unit) Silica (silicon dioxide, SiO2) Crystal system: Hexagonal/Trigonal Formula mass: 60 g / mol Color: Various Cleavage: no cleavage Fracture: Uneven, conchoidal Mohs scale hardness: 6.5-7 Luster: Vitreous, silky Streak: White Diaphaneity: Translucent Specific gravity: 2.55-2.70 Optical properties: Uniaxial/+ Refractive index: 1.530 to 1.543
Dolomite
Chemical, Crystalline carbonate Dolomite is an anhydrous carbonate mineral composed of calcium magnesium carbonate, ideally CaMg(CO₃)₂. The term is also used for a sedimentary carbonate rock composed mostly of the mineral dolomite. Formula (repeating unit): CaMg(CO3)2 Optical properties: Uniaxial (-) Crystal class: Rhombohedral (3); H-M symbol: (3) Crystal system: Hexagonal crystal family Solubility: Poorly soluble in dilute HCl Mohs scale hardness: 3.5 to 4
Fluorite
Clear with purple tint Almost any color, glassy, have four directional cleavage, and fluorescent Fluorite is the mineral form of calcium fluoride, CaF₂. It belongs to the halide minerals. It crystallizes in isometric cubic habit, although octahedral and more complex isometric forms are not uncommon. Color: Green, Blue, Purple, Black, White, Yellow, Pink, Red, Brown, Orange Luster: Vitreous Crystal system: Cubic crystal system Chemical formula: CaF₂ Hardness (Mohs hardness scale): 4 Mineral class: Fluorite
olivine
Color - Greenish Hardness - >5.5 Luster - Nonmetallic; glassy luster The mineral olivine is a magnesium iron silicate with the formula (Mg²⁺, Fe²⁺)₂SiO₄. Thus it is a type of nesosilicate or orthosilicate. It is a common mineral in the Earth's subsurface but weathers quickly on the surface. Mohs scale hardness: 6.5-7 Crystal habit: Massive to granular Crystal system: Orthorhombic Optical properties: Biaxial (+) Formula (repeating unit): (Mg, Fe)2SiO4 Cleavage: Poor Color: Yellow to yellow-green
sodalite
Colorless and transparent in thin section but frequently pale blue in the hand specimen Sodalite is a rich royal blue tectosilicate mineral widely used as an ornamental gemstone. Although massive sodalite samples are opaque, crystals are usually transparent to translucent. Color: Blue, Purple Luster: Greasy, Waxy Crystal system: Cubic crystal system Chemical formula: Na₈Al₆Si₆O₂₄ Cl₂ Hardness (Mohs hardness scale): 5.5 - 6 Mineral class: Sodalite
dolostone(SEDIMENTARY)
Dolomite Typically formed secondarily from limestone dolomite replaces calcite mineral Dolostone or dolomite rock is a sedimentary carbonate rock that contains a high percentage of the mineral dolomite, CaMg(CO₃)₂
satin spar
Formula mass 172.17 Color Brown green, Brownish yellow, Greenish, Gray green, Gray white Crystal habit Earthy - Dull, clay-like texture with no visible crystalline affinities, (e.g. howlite). Cleavage [010] Perfect, [100] Distinct, [011] Distinct Fracture Fibrous - Thin, elongated fractures produced by crystal forms or intersecting cleavages (e.g. asbestos). Mohs scale hardness 2 Luster Pearly Streak white Specific gravity 2.9 Optical properties Biaxial (-) 2V=58
bornite
Formula: Cu5FeS4 System: Othorhombic Metallic luster Hardness: 3 Bornite is an ore mineral of copper, and is known for its iridescent tarnish. "Peacock Ore", which is sold to amateur mineral collectors and tourists, is often labeled as a variety of Bornite. However, most Peacock Ore in reality is Chalcopyrite treated with acid, which produces a strongly-colored iridescent tarnish.
amethyst (QUARTZ)
Full gem, created on earth in the kindergarten. Gem Location: Chest. Weapon: Whip a precious stone consisting of a violet or purple variety of quartz Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry. The name comes from the Koine Greek ἀμέθυστος amethystos from ἀ- a-, "not" and μεθύσκω methysko / μεθύω methyo, "intoxicate", a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner ... Color: Purple Luster: Vitreous Birthstone zodiac sign: Aquarius Associated month: February Crystal system: Hexagonal crystal system Chemical formula: SiO₂
scoria (IGNEOUS)
Hardened lava that has retained the vesicles produced by escaping gases Scoria is a highly vesicular, dark colored volcanic rock that may or may not contain crystals. It is typically dark in color, and basaltic or andesitic in composition
albite (FELDSPAR - PLAGIOCLASE)
Light grey, white color, cleavage planes, Scratches glass Color White to gray, blueish, greenish, reddish; may be chatoyant Crystal habit Crystals commonly tabular, divergent aggregates, granular, cleavable massive Twinning Common giving polysynthetic striae on {001} or {010}also contact, simple and multiple Cleavage Perfect on {001}, very good on {010}, imperfect on {110} Fracture Uneven to conchoidal Tenacity Brittle Mohs scale hardness 6-6.5 Luster Vitreous, typically pearly on cleavages Streak White Diaphaneity Transparent to translucent Specific gravity 2.60-2.65
tourmaline (group)
Luster-NM, D Hard Color-Black Streak-none Cleavage-none Striated crystals Color Most commonly black, but can range from colorless to brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink, or hues in between; can be bi-colored, or even tri-colored; rarely can be neon green or electric blue Crystal habit Parallel and elongated. Acicular prisms, sometimes radiating. Massive. Scattered grains (in granite). Cleavage Indistinct Fracture Uneven, small conchoidal, brittle Tenacity brittle Mohs scale hardness 7-7.5 Luster Vitreous, sometimes resinous Streak White Diaphaneity translucent to opaque Specific gravity 3.06 (+.20 -.06)[1] Density 2.82-3.32 Polish luster Vitreous[1] Optical properties Double refractive, uniaxial negative[1]
hornblende (AMPHIBOLE)
Luster-NM, D Hard-6 Color-dark grey, green, blue Streak-White Cleavage-1 at 90 Hornblende is a field and classroom name used for a group of dark-colored amphibole minerals found in many types of igneous and metamorphic rocks. These minerals vary in chemical composition but are all double-chain inosilicates with very similar physical properties.
magnetite
Metallic luster, black streak, highly magnetic Magnetite is a mineral and one of the main iron ores. With the chemical formula Fe₃O₄, it is one of the oxides of iron. Magnetite is ferrimagnetic; it is attracted to a magnet and can be magnetized to become a permanent magnet itself. Streak: Black Specific gravity: 5.17-5.18 Solubility: Dissolves slowly in hydrochloric acid Crystal class: Hexoctahedral (m3m); H-M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m) Crystal habit: Octahedral, fine granular to massive Crystal system: Cubic crystal system
chalcopyrite
Mineral Group: Sulphides Hardness: 4 Specific Gravity: 4.2 Luster: Metallic Chalcopyrite is a copper iron sulfide mineral that crystallizes in the tetragonal system. It has the chemical formula CuFeS₂. It has a brassy to golden yellow color and a hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale. Mohs scale hardness: 3.5 Formula (repeating unit): CuFeS2 Formula mass: 183.54 g/mol Crystal class: Scalenohedral (42m); H-M symbol: (4 2m) Crystal system: Tetragonal Optical properties: Opaque Other characteristics: magnetic on heating
rhodonite (PYROXENE GROUP)
Mn2Si2O6 -light pink color -white streak -tabular -5.5-6.5 Rhodonite is a manganese inosilicate, SiO₃ and member of the pyroxenoid group of minerals, crystallizing in the triclinic system. Color: Pink, Red Luster: Greasy, Vitreous Crystal system: Triclinic crystal system Chemical formula: MnSiO₃ Hardness (Mohs hardness scale): 5.5 - 6 Mineral class: Rhodonite Transparency: Opaque, Transparent
muscovite (MICA GROUP)
Nonmetallic, beige/clear, basal cleavage, 2-2.5, white streak, breaks into sheets Muscovite is a hydrated phyllosilicate mineral of aluminium and potassium with formula KAl₂(F, OH)₂, or (KF)₂(Al₂O₃)₃(SiO₂)₆. It has a highly perfect basal cleavage yielding remarkably thin laminae which are often highly elastic. Optical properties: Biaxial (-) Formula (repeating unit): KAl2(AlSi3O10)(F,OH)2 Streak: White Crystal habit: Massive to platy Crystal class: Prismatic (2/m); (same H-M symbol) Crystal system: Monoclinic crystal system
orthoclase (FELDSPAR - POTASSIUM) MICROCLINE
Nonmetallic, pink, prismatic cleavage, 6-6.5, white streak Orthoclase, or orthoclase feldspar, is an important tectosilicate mineral which forms igneous rock. The name is from the Ancient Greek for "straight fracture," because its two cleavage planes are at right angles to each other. Color: Green, Yellow Luster: Vitreous Crystal system: Monoclinic crystal system Chemical formula: KAlSi₃O₈ Hardness (Mohs hardness scale): 6 - 6.5 Mineral class: Sanidine
kaolinite
Nonmetallic, white, 1.5-2, white streak, type of clay Kaolinite is a clay mineral, part of the group of industrial minerals, with the chemical composition Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄. Specific gravity: 2.16-2.68 Refractive index: nα = 1.553-1.565, nβ = 1.559-1.569, nγ = 1.569-1.570 Streak: White Crystal system: Triclinic Optical properties: Biaxial (-) Formula (repeating unit): Al2Si2O5(OH)4
Bauxite
Ore from which aluminum is made Bauxite, an aluminium ore, is the world's main source of aluminium. It consists mostly of the minerals gibbsite, boehmite and diaspore, mixed with the two iron oxides goethite and haematite, the clay
talc
Pearly luster, scratched by fingernail, soapy feel Colol Light to dark green, brown, white, grey Crystal habit Foliated to fibrous masses, rare as platey to pyramidal crystals Cleavage Perfect on {001} basal cleavage Fracture Flat surfaces (not cleavage), fracture in an uneven pattern Tenacity Sectile Mohs scale hardness 1 (defining mineral) Luster Waxlike or pearly Streak White jot to pearl black Diaphaneity Translucent Specific gravity 2.58 to 2.83 Optical properties Biaxial (-) Refractive index nα = 1.538 - 1.550 nβ = 1.589 - 1.594 nγ = 1.589 - 1.600
Phosphates
Phosphorous-based nutrients commonly found in fertilizers and pesticides. A phosphate is an inorganic chemical and a salt-forming anion of phosphoric acid. In organic chemistry, a phosphate, or organophosphate, is an ester of phosphoric acid. Formula: PO43- Molar mass: 94.9714 g/mol Beilstein Reference: 3903772 Gmelin Reference: 1997 ChemSpider ID: 1032 ChEBI ID: 18367
lepidolite )(MICA GROUP)
Purple, lithium-rich mica, used as ornamental stone. Lepidolite is a lithium-rich mica known for its pink and lilac colors. It is a common matrix mineral to Tourmaline and Quartz, providing them with a very aesthetic and glittery base.
chert(SEDIMENTARY)
Sedimentary; hardness 7; can be a dull black Chert is a fine-grained sedimentary rock composed of microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline silica. Depending on its origin, it can contain either microfossils, small macrofossils, or both.
galena
Silver Gray, Hardness=2.5 Good cubic cleavage, Streak: Gray-black Galena, also called lead glance, is the natural mineral form of lead(II) sulfide. It is the most important ore of lead and an important source of silver. Galena is one of the most abundant and widely distributed sulfide minerals. Crystal system: Cubic Crystal class: Hexoctahedral (m3m); H-M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m) Crystal habit: Cubes and octahedra, blocky, tabular and sometimes skeletal crystals Optical properties: Isotropic and opaque Formula (repeating unit): PbS Space group: Fm3m
Sulfer
Smells like rotten eggs Yellow in color Streak is white, smells like eggs, 1.5 to 2 Sulfur or sulphur is a chemical element with symbol S and atomic number 16. It is abundant, multivalent, and nonmetallic. Under normal conditions, sulfur atoms form cyclic octatomic molecules with a chemical formula S₈. Symbol: S Atomic mass: 32.065 u ± 0.005 u Atomic number: 16 Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s²3p⁴ Electrons per shell: 2,8,6 Melting point: 239.4°F (115.2°C)
rose quartz (QUARTZ)
Streak is colorless, no cleavage, nonmetallic, rough, 7 Color: Pink Luster: Vitreous Crystal system: Hexagonal crystal system Chemical formula: SiO₂ Hardness (Mohs hardness scale): 7 Mineral class: Quartz Transparency: Translucent, Transparent
amazonite (FELDSPAR - POTASSIUM) MICROCLINE
Tectosilicate Triclinic deep-blue sea green Amazonite is a green variety of microcline feldspar. The name is taken from that of the Amazon River, from which certain green stones were formerly obtained, but it is doubtful whether green feldspar occurs in the Amazon area. Color: Green, Blue, Grey, Purple Luster: Vitreous Crystal system: Triclinic crystal system Chemical formula: KAlSi₃O₈ Hardness (Mohs hardness scale): 6 - 6.5 Mineral class: Microcline
Corundum
Tiny crystals pink/purple Scratches glass EASILY Corundum is a crystalline form of aluminium oxide typically containing traces of iron, titanium, vanadium and chromium. It is a rock-forming mineral. It is a naturally transparent material, but can have different colors when impurities are present. Ruby: Red Sapphire: Any color except red Crystal class: Hexagonal scalenohedral (3m); H-M symbol: (3 2/m) Crystal system: Trigonal crystal system Formula (repeating unit): Aluminium oxide, Al; 2O; 3 Optical properties: Uniaxial (-)
tremolite (AMPHIBOLE)
Tremolite is a member of the amphibole group of silicate minerals. Tremolite forms by metamorphism of sediments rich in dolomite and quartz. Pure magnesium tremolite is creamy white, but the color grades to dark green with increasing iron content. It has a hardness on Mohs scale of 5 to 6. Nephrite, one of the two minerals of the gemstone jade, is a green variety of tremolite. The fibrous form of tremolite is one of the six recognised types of asbestos. This material is toxic and inhaling the fibers can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer and both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Fibrous tremolite is sometimes found as a contaminant in vermiculite, chrysotile (itself a type of asbestos) and talc.
almandine (GARNET GROUP)
Used in jewelry and abrasive purposes Almandine, also known incorrectly as almandite, is a species of mineral belonging to the garnet group. Color: Black, Red Luster: Vitreous Crystal system: Cubic crystal system Chemical formula: Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂ Hardness (Mohs hardness scale): 7.5 - 8.5 Mineral class: Garnet Transparency: Translucent, Transparent
andesite (IGNEOUS)
Varying shades of gray with black and yellowy spots; Very large crystals Andesite is an extrusive igneous, volcanic rock, of intermediate composition, with aphanitic to porphyritic texture
sphalerite
Vitrious, dodeca, 3.5-4 hardness Sphalerite is a zinc sulfide mineral with a chemical composition of (Zn,Fe)S. It is found in metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks in many parts of the world. Sphalerite is the most commonly encountered zinc mineral and the world's most important ore of zinc.
Halite
White to colorless, Hardness=2.5 3 directions of cleavage at 90 Halite is the mineral name for the substance that everyone knows as "salt." Its chemical name is sodium chloride, and a rock composed primarily of halite is known as "rock salt.
Calcite
White, yellowish to colorless, Hardness=3 3 directions at 75, HCL - Dissolves in HCIA Calcite is a carbonate mineral and the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate. The Mohs scale of mineral hardness, based on scratch hardness comparison, defines value 3 as "calcite". Formula: CaCO3 Tenacity: Brittle Diaphaneity: Transparent to translucent Birefringence: δ = 0.154-0.174 Other characteristics: May fluoresce red, blue, yellow, and other colors under either SW and LW UV; phosphorescent Streak: White
arkose (SEDIMENTARY)
a clastic sedimentary rock containing both quartz and feldspar grains Arkose is a detrital sedimentary rock, specifically a type of sandstone containing at least 25% feldspar. Arkosic sand is sand that is similarly rich in feldspar, and thus the potential precursor of arkose.
Alabaster
a fine-grained, translucent form of gypsum, typically white, often carved into ornaments. Alabaster is a mineral or rock that is soft and often used for carving, as well as being processed for plaster powder.
citrine (QUARTZ)
a glassy yellow variety of quartz. ( November birthstone) Citrine is a colour, the most common reference for which is certain coloured varieties of quartz which are a medium deep shade of golden yellow. Citrine has been summarized at various times as yellow, greenish-yellow, brownish yellow or orange. SRGBB (r, g, b): (228, 208, 10) CMYKH (c, m, y, k): (0, 8, 96, 11) HSV (h, s, v): (54°, 96%, 89%) Hex triplet: #E4D00A Source: /Maerz and Paul
beryl
a hard, colorless hexagonal prism-shaped green mineral with beryllium and aluminum Beryl is a mineral composed of beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate with the chemical formula Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆. Well-known varieties of beryl include emerald and aquamarine. Color: Green, Blue, Yellow, White, Red, Pink, Purple, Brown, Orange Luster: Vitreous Crystal system: Hexagonal crystal system Chemical formula: Be₃Al₂SiO₆ Hardness (Mohs hardness scale): 7.5 - 8 Mineral class: Beryl Transparency: Opaque, Transparent
Copper
a malleable, ductile, metallic element having a characteristic reddish brown color Cu 29 Copper is a chemical element with symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. A freshly exposed surface of pure copper has a reddish-orange color. Symbol: Cu Atomic mass: 63.546 u ± 0.003 u Atomic number: 29 Melting point: 1,984°F (1,085°C) Electron configuration: [Ar] 3d104s1 Discovered: 9000 BC
quartzite (METAMORPHIC)
a metamorphic rock composed of quartz and transformed from a protolith of quartz sandstone Quartzite is a hard, non-foliated metamorphic rock which was originally pure quartz sandstone. Sandstone is converted into quartzite through heating and pressure usually related to tectonic compression within orogenic belts
barite
a white mineral occuring in sedimentary rocks White and kind of platy, but very heavy because it contains barium. Baryte or barite is a mineral consisting of barium sulfate. The baryte group consists of baryte, celestine, anglesite and anhydrite. Baryte is generally white or colorless, and is the main source of barium. Density: 4.48 g/cm³ Optical properties: biaxial positive Specific gravity: 4.3-5 Crystal class: Dipyramidal (mmm); H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m) Crystal habit: Tabular parallel to base, fibrous, nodular to massive Mohs scale hardness: 3-3.5
Graphite
another form of the element carbon Silver, shiny, and soft Graphite, archaically referred to as plumbago, is a crystalline allotrope of carbon, a semimetal, a native element mineral, and a form of coal. Graphite is the most stable form of carbon under standard conditions. Density: 2.09-2.23 g/cm3 Mohs scale hardness: 1-2 Optical properties: Uniaxial (-) Formula (repeating unit): C Crystal system: Hexagonal Crystal habit: Tabular, six-sided foliated masses, granular to compacted masses
Azurite
blue mineral Azurite is a soft, deep blue copper mineral produced by weathering of copper ore deposits. It is also known as Chessylite after the type locality at Chessy-les-Mines near Lyon, France. Mohs scale hardness: 3.5 to 4 Formula mass: 344.67 g/mol Crystal habit: Massive, prismatic, stalactitic, tabular Crystal system: Monoclinic Crystal class: Prismatic (2/m); (same H-M symbol) Formula (repeating unit): Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 Optical properties: Biaxial (+)
staurolite
brown crosses forms cross or x-shaped crystals Staurolite is a red brown to black, mostly opaque, nesosilicate mineral with a white streak. It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, has a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5 and the chemical formula: ... Mohs scale hardness: 7 - 7.5 Crystal habit: Commonly in prismatic crystals Crystal class: Prismatic (2/m); (same H-M symbol) Crystal system: Monoclinic Twinning: Commonly as 60° twins, less common as 90° cruciform twins Optical properties: Biaxial (+) Cleavage: Distinct on
slate (METAMORPHIC)
fine-grained, low grade metamorphic rock, formed by the metamorphism of shale Slate is a fine-grained, foliated metamorphic rock that is created by the alteration of shale or mudstone by low-grade regional metamorphism. It is popular for a wide variety of uses such as roofing, flooring, and flagging because of its durability and attractive appearance.
biotite (MICA GROUP)
flaky always in thin sheets Biotite is a common phyllosilicate mineral within the mica group, with the approximate chemical formula K 3AlSi 3O 10 2. Wikipedia Formula (repeating unit): K(Mg,Fe); 3(AlSi; 3O; 10)(F,OH); 2 Optical properties: Biaxial (-) Crystal habit: Massive to platy Cleavage: Perfect on the Crystal class: Prismatic (2/m); (same H-M symbol) Crystal system: Monoclinic crystal system
garnet schist (METAMORPHIC)
foliated parent rock: slate medium metamorphic grade Schist is a foliated metamorphic rock made up of plate-shaped mineral grains that are large enough to see with an unaided eye. It usually forms on a continental side of a convergent plate boundary where sedimentary rocks, such as shales and mudstones, have been subjected to compressive forces, heat, and chemical activity. This metamorphic environment is intense enough to convert the clay minerals of the sedimentary rocks into platy metamorphic minerals such as muscovite, biotite, and chlorite. To become schist, a shale must be metamorphosed in steps through slate and then through phyllite. If the schist is metamorphosed further, it might become a granular rock known as gneiss.
pegmatite (IGNEOUS)
form when magma is water rich;edge of magma chamber ; large crystals A pegmatite is a holocrystalline, intrusive igneous rock composed of interlocking phaneritic crystals usually larger than 2.5 cm in size; such rocks are referred to as pegmatitic.
Malachite
green mineral A green material used for making ornamental articles Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, with the formula Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂. This opaque, green banded mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, and most often forms botryoidal, ... Color: Green Luster: Silky Crystal system: Monoclinic crystal system Chemical formula: Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂ Hardness (Mohs hardness scale): 3.5 - 4 Mineral class: Malachite Transparency: Opaque
celestite
lt's blueish Celestine or celestite is a mineral consisting of strontium sulfate. The mineral is named for its occasional delicate blue color. Celestine is the principal source of the element strontium, commonly used in fireworks and in various metal alloys. Crystal class: Dipyramidal (mmm); H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m) Crystal system: Orthorhombic Mohs scale hardness: 3 - 3.5 Crystal habit: Tabular to pyramidal crystals, also fibrous, lamellar, earthy, massive granular Optical properties: Biaxial (+) Formula (repeating unit): SrSO4 sometimes contains minor calcium and/or barium Color: Colorless, white, pale blue, pink, pale green, pale brown, black
hematite
metallic luster, red-brown streak Hematite, also spelled as haematite, is the mineral form of iron(III) oxide, one of several iron oxides. It is the oldest known Fe oxide mineral and is widespread in rocks and soils. Mohs scale hardness: 5.5-6.5 Optical properties: Uniaxial (-) Crystal system: Trigonal Crystal class: Hexagonal scalenohedral (3m); H-M symbol: (3 2/m) Formula (repeating unit): iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3, α-Fe2O3 Color: Metallic gray, dull to bright red Specific gravity: 5.26
phyllite (METAMORPHIC)
metamorphic grade above slate and has dull reflective or satiny sheen Phyllite is a type of foliated metamorphic rock created from slate that is further metamorphosed so that very fine grained white mica achieves a preferred orientation. It is primarily composed of quartz, sericite mica, and chlorite.
marble (METAMORPHIC)
metamorphic rock that was once limestone Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite. Marble may be foliated.
Oxides/Hydroxides
minerals that contain oxygen and one or more other elements An oxide is a chemical compound that contains at least one oxygen atom and one other element in its chemical formula. "Oxide" itself is the dianion of oxygen, an O2- atom.
silicates
minerals that contain silicon and oxygen and usually one or more other elements A silicate is a compound containing an anionic silicon compound. The great majority of the silicates are oxides, but hexafluorosilicate and other anions are also included. "Orthosilicate" is the anion SiO4− 4 or its compounds.
bituminous(COAL VARIETIES)
moderate hardness black coal; about 60-80% carbon Bituminous coal or black coal is a relatively soft coal containing a tarlike substance called bitumen or asphalt. It is of higher quality than lignite coal but of poorer quality than anthracite
chalcedony (QUARTZ)
nonmetallic mineral; waxy luster; hardness 7; SG 2.6; no cleavage Chalcedony is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, composed of very fine intergrowths of quartz and moganite. These are both silica minerals, but they differ in that quartz has a trigonal crystal structure, while moganite is monoclinic. Color: Blue, Green, White, Pink, Black, Red, Purple, Grey, Yellow, Orange, Brown Luster: Vitreous, Waxy Crystal system: Hexagonal crystal system Chemical formula: SiO₂ Hardness (Mohs hardness scale): 6.5 - 7 Mineral class: Chalcedony
sandstone(SEDIMENTARY)
silici-clastic, sand, 1/16 to 2, grains are easily visible and identifiable with a ruler Sandstone is a clastic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments.
crystal (QUARTZ)
special shape of mineral found in rocks made from molten lava that cooled slowly (my cousin)
