Rocks and Minerals

Microcline info

used: glass, ceramics, beads, gemstones, cabochons, and ornamental figures Environment: in pegmatites, in metamorphic rocks, hydrothermal veins, and sedimentary conglomerates Facts: the cleavage angle's slight inclination from ninety degrees

Tremolite info

used: industrial asbestos Environment: In contact metamorphic rocks in hornfels and skarns, and Serpentine deposits, in marble of metamorphosed Calcite and Dolomite, in igneous basalt and diabase. Formed: by metamorphism of sediments rich in dolomite and quartz Facts-Tremolite has a greater presence of magnesium (chemical element of the atomic number 12) over iron

Talc info

used: lubricants, talcum powder, electrical insulation, baby powder, latex gloves, rubber, paints, insecticides Environment: In metamorphic rocks, Serpentine deposits Formed: when heated waters carrying dissolved magnesium and silica reacted with dolomitic marble Facts: commonly found in US, Texas. Is usually associated with chlorite schists, serpentine, dolomite, and other metamorphic rocks. The term talc refers both to the pure mineral and a wide variety of soft

Copper - 16

Copper- a malleable, ductile, metallic element having a characteristic reddish-brown color Symbol: Cu Streak : Red, shiny streak Luster: Metallic Rock Type: Igneous, Metamorphic, Sedimentary Composition: Iron and silver Color: red to brown. Tarnishes green, sometimes also blue, brown, red, or black Fracture: jagged Density: 8.92 Mohs hardness: 2.5 - 3 Mineral Habit: Isometric

Diamond - 18

Diamond- The carbon atoms in diamonds are arranged in a strong, tetrahedral structure. Symbol: C Streak : White Luster: Adamantine (unbreakable) Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary Composition: Carbon Color: steel gray, white, blue, yellow, orange, red, green, pink to purple, brown, clear and black Cleavage: 1 Fracture: conchodial Density: 3.51 Mohs hardness: 10 Mineral Habit: Isometric

Halite info

Environemnt: evaporate deposits such as dry lakes, sedimentary salt beds, and salt domes Used: salt Formed: in the salt lakes as they slowly evaporated million of years ago Fun facts: 27% of the salt in our bodies is located in our bones

Fluorite info

Environment: hot water rising underground, in igneous rock dikes, and sedimentary deposits Formed: hot water containing fluorine and other minerals were forced up from deep within the Earth Used: metallurgical, ceramics, and chemical industries Fun Facts: it glows when it is exposed to UV light. Commonly found in Argentina, Austria, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Mexico, Russia, Spain, United States, Switzerland, etc.

Ulexite info

Environment: in dry lakes of arid regions Formed: evaporation in desert areas from shallow lakes and pools when boron-rich runoff from mountains Found in arid regions: dry lakes and marshes in Nevada, California, Canada, and Chile.

Diamond Info.

Found: Canada, Zimbabwe, Angola, Russia, Arkansas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. Used: Jewelry, thermal insulators, optics, electronics Formed: High temperature, at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers in earth's mantle Birthstone Month: April

Graphite Info.

Found: USA Used: Pencils and electricity Environment: Metamorphic rock caused from metamorphism of carbonates Formed: metamorphic environment or igneous environments

Gold

Gold- a precious yellow metallic element, highly malleable and ductile, and not subject to oxidation Symbol: Au Streak : Golden yellow Luster: Metallic Rock Type: Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: small amount of silver, sometimes copper and iron Color: Golden yellow to brass yellow Fracture: Hackly Density: 19.32 Mohs hardness: 2.5 - 3 Mineral Habit: Isometric

Barite 9

Symbol: BaSO4 Streak: white Luster: Vitreous to pearly Rock Type:Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Barium sulfate, sometimes with small amounts of strontium Color: Colorless, white, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, brown, blue, green, gray, and black. May also be multicolored and banded Cleavage: 1,1 - basal ; 2,1 - prismatic ; 3,1 - pinacoidal Fracture: uneven Density: 4.50 Hardness: 3-3.5 Crystal system: Orthorhombic

Beryl 10

Symbol: Be3Al2SiO6 Streak: colorless Luster: reflective, waxy Rock Type: Igneous, Metamorphic Composition: Beryllium aluminum silicate Color: Light to emerald green, light to deep sky-blue, blue-green, yellow, pink, purple, red, orange, brown, colorless, white, and gray Cleavage: 3,1 - basal Fracture: uneven to conchoidal Density: 2.63-2.92 Hardness: 7.5-8 Mineral Habit: hexagonal

Augite 6

Symbol: (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al)(Al,Si)2O6 Streak: Light green to colorless Luster: reflective, dull Rock Type: Igneous, Metamorphic Composition: Silicate of calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum Color: Green, grayish-green, greenish brown, dark brown, black Cleavage: 1,2 - prismatic Fracture: Uneven to splintery Density: 3.4 Hardness: 5-6 Mineral Habit: Monoclinic

Olivine 38

Symbol: (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 Streak: colorless Luster: reflective Rock Type: Igneous, Metamorphic, Meteoric Composition: Magnesium iron silicate Color: Forsterite and Olivine can be olive-green, light green, dark green, yellow-green, yellow-brown, and brown. Rarely white, gray, or orange. Pure Forsterite is colorless, but this is extremely rare. Fayalite is usually yellow-brown to brown Cleavage: 2,1 ; 3,1- forming a 90º angle Fracture: conchoidal Density: 3.27-3.37 Hardness: 6.5-7 Mineral Habit: orthorhombic

Tourmaline group 57

Symbol: (Na,Ca)(Mg,Li,Al,Fe2+)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 Streak: white Luster: reflective and some black and brown specimens may be dull Rock Type: Igneous and metamorphic Composition: crystalline boron silicate Color: Colors include black, brown, green, red, pink, blue, and gray. White, colorless, yellow, orange, and purple colors are less common Cleavage: 3,2 Fracture: conchoidal to uneven Density: 2.82-3.32 Hardness: 7-7.5 Mineral Habit: hexagonal

Hydroxides: Bauxite 8

Symbol: Al(OH)3 Streak: white Luster: dull Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary Composition: Basic aluminum hydroxide Colors: beige, yellow, white, gray, brown, reddish-brown, pink Fracture: Earthy Density: 3.08 Hardness: 1- 3 Crystal System: Amorphous

Corundum 17

Symbol: Al2O3 Streak : White Luster: Vitreous to adamantine Rock Type; Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Aluminum oxide Color: blue, red, violet, pink, green, yellow, orange, gray, white, colorless, black, multicolored, or striped Fracture: uneven Density: 4.02 Mohs hardness: 9 crystal system: Hexagonal

Kaolinite 33

Symbol: Al2Si2O5(OH)4 Streak: white Luster: dull Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Basic aluminum silicate Color: White, gray, yellow, beige. May also be darker colored brown, orange, or reddish-brown from iron oxide impurities Cleavage: 1,1 Fracture: Earthy Density: 2.6 Hardness: 2-2.5 Mineral Habit: monoclinic

Topaz 56

Symbol: Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 Streak: colorless Luster: reflective Rock Type: igneous Composition: a fluosilicate of aluminum Color: Colorless, white, yellow, orange, brown, pink, light purple, gray, light blue, greenish blue, green Cleavage: 3,1- basal Fracture: subconchoidal Density: 3.55 Hardness: 8 Mineral Habit: orthorhombic

Epidote 20

Symbol: Ca2(Al,Fe)2(SiO4)3(OH) Luster: reflective Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Basic calcium aluminum iron silicate Color: Light to dark-green, olive-green, brownish-green, yellowish-green, yellow, brown, black Cleavage: 1,1 Fracture: uneven Density: 3.3-3.6 Hardness: 6-7 Mineral Habit: monoclinic

Tremolite 58

Symbol: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 Streak: colorless Luster: reflective and silky Rock Type: Igneous and metamorphic Composition: Basic magnesium, calcium, iron silicate Color: White, light to dark gray, black, light yellow, light to dark green, emerald green, pink to purple. Rarely colorless Cleavage: 2,2- prismatic Fracture: uneven and splintery Density: 7.76 Hardness: 5-6 Mineral Habit: monoclinic

Hornblende 32

Symbol: Ca2(Mg,Fe2+,Fe3+,Al)5(Si,Al)8O22(OH)2 Streak: colorless Luster: reflective, submetallic, dull Rock Type: Igneous, Metamorphic Composition:Complex basic silicate of sodium, calcium, magnesium, and aluminum Color: Black, dark green, dark brown, dark gray Cleavage: 2,2 - prismatic Fracture: Uneven, splintery Density: 3-3.4 Hardness: 5-6 Mineral Habit: monoclinic

Apatite 4

Symbol: Ca5 Streak: white Luster: Vitreous Rock Type: Igneous, Metamorphic Composition: Calcium fluoro-chloro-hydroxyl phosphate Color: Colorless, white, yellow, brown, gray, red, pink, purple, blue, green Cleavage: Indiscernible= an unnoticeable difference Fracture: Conchoidal Density: 3.17 Hardness: 5 Mineral Habit: Hexagonal

Carbonate: Aragonite

Symbol: CaCO3 Streak: white Luster: vitreous Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Calcium, carbonate, strontium, lead, zinc Color: colorless, white, grey, red, pink, purple, orange, blue, green Cleavage: 3,1 Density; 2.93 Hardness: 3.5- 4 Mineral Habit: Orthorhombic.

Halides: Fluorite

Symbol: CaF2 Streak: white Luster: vitreous Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Calcium fluoride Colors: purple, yellow, green, colorless, blue, pink, champagne, brown, blue, orange, gray, red, multicolored, colorless Cleavage: 1 (all sides) Fracture: conchodial Density: 3.01-3.25 Hardness: 4 Crystal System: Isometric

Carbonate: Dolomite

Symbol: CaMg(CO3)2 Streak: white Luster: vitreous, pearly Rock Type: Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Calcium magnesium carbonate, small amount of iron Colors: white, gray, reddish-white, brown, colorless, or pink Cleavage: 1,3 Fracture: Conchoidal Density: 2.8-2.9 Hardness: 3.5- 4 Crystal System: Hexagonal

Selenite 29

Symbol: CaSO4 · 2H2O Streak: white Luster: Vitreous to pearly Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary Composition: Hydrous calcium sulfate Color: Colorless, white, gray, brown, beige, orange, pink, yellow, light red, green Cleavage: 1,1 - micaceous ; 2,2 Fracture: uneven Density: 2.36 Hardness: 2 Crystal system: Monoclinic

Alabaster 27

Symbol: CaSO4 · 2H2O Streak: white Luster: Vitreous to pearly Rock Type:Igneous, Sedimentary Composition: Hydrous calcium sulfate Color: Colorless, white, gray, brown, beige, orange, pink, yellow, light red, green Cleavage: 1,1 - micaceous ; 2,2 Fracture: uneven Density: 2.36 Hardness: 2 Crystal System: Monoclinic

Carbonate: Malachite

Symbol: Cu2(CO3) Streak: light green Luster: vitreous, Silky or Dull Rock Type: Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Basic copper carbonate Colors: bright green, dark green, emerald aqua, and black-green Cleavage: 1,1 Fracture: Splintery Density: 3.6-4.0 Hardness: 3.5 - 4 Crystal System: Monoclinic

Bornite 12

Symbol: Cu5FeS4 Streak: Dark gray to black Luster: metallic Rock Type: Igneous, Metamorphic Composition: Copper iron sulfide Color: Copper-red to yellowish brown on fresh surfaces. Quickly tarnishes to a multicolored purple, blue, and red Cleavage: hard to tell Fracture: Conchoidal Density: 4.9-5.3 Hardness: 3-3.5 Crystal system: Orthorhombic

Chalcopyrite 15

Symbol: CuFeS2 Streak: Black with a slightly green tinge Luster: metallic Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Copper iron sulfide Color: Brass yellow to golden yellow; sometimes dark brown to black Cleavage: hard to tell Fracture: uneven Density: 4.19 Hardness: 3.5-4 Mineral Habit: Tetragonal= Three axes, two are equal in length, one is unequal. All three axes are at 90° to each other

Hematite 31

Symbol: Fe2O3 Streak : Red to Reddish brown Luster:Metallic to Dull Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: iron oxide, small amounts of titanium Color: black to silver-gray, brown to reddish brown, or red Fracture: uneven Density: 5.3 Mohs hardness: 5-6 crystal system: Hexagonal

Almandine 2

Symbol: Fe3Al2Si3O12 Streak: colorless Luster: reflective Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Iron aluminum silicate Color: Dark red, reddish-brown, black Cleavage: none Fracture: conchoidal to uneven Density: 4.19 Hardness: 7.5-8.5 Mineral Habit: Isometric

Geothite/Limonite 24

Symbol: Fe3O Streak: Brownish-yellow to yellow Luster: submetallic Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary Composition: Iron hydroxide with some manganese Color: Yellowish to reddish to dark brown or black, multicolored Cleavage: 1,1 Fracture: Splintery, uneven Density: 3.3-3.4 Mohs hardness: 5 - 5.5 crystal system: Orthorhombic

Pyrite 40

Symbol: FeS2 Streak: Black with a slightly green tinge Luster: metallic Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Iron sulfide Color: Yellowish gray to gray Cleavage: none Fracture: conchoidal Density: 5.02 Hardness: 6-6.5 Crystal system: Isometric

Microcline 3

Symbol: KAlSi3O8 Streak: white Luster: reflective Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Potassium aluminum silicate Color: White, cream, light yellow, light brown, reddish-brown, pink, light blue, blue-green, green, deep green Cleavage: 2,1 - basal ; 2,1 - prismatic ; 3,1 - pinacoidal Fracture: conchoidal to uneven Density: 2.56 Hardness: 6 Mineral Habit: Triclinic

Orthoclase 21

Symbol: KAlSi3O8 Streak: white Luster: reflective to pearly Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Potassium aluminum silicate Color: White, yellow, colorless, pink, orange, light blue, light green, brown, gray Cleavage: 2,1 - basal ; 2,1 - prismatic ; 3,1 - pinacoidal Fracture: conchoidal to uneven Density: 2.56 Hardness: 6 Mineral Habit: Monoclinic

Rhodonite 49

Symbol: MnSiO3 Streak: colorless Luster: reflective Rock Type: Metamorphic Composition: Manganese silicate Color: Red, pink, orange-red, and brownish-red Cleavage: 2,2 - forming at an angle near 90º Fracture: Hackly, uneven Density: 3.5-3.7 Hardness: 5.5-6 Mineral Habit: Triclinic

Geothite/Limonite info

Used: ore of iron Environment: in hydrothermal replacement deposits, in igneous pegmatites and basalt, sandstones, limestones, clays Formed: weathering of other iron-rich minerals and concetrated in reddish clay soils

Albite 1

Symbol: NaAlSi3O8 Streak: white Luster: reflective to pearly Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition:Sodium aluminum silicate Color: White, colorless, cream, light yellow, light blue, light green, pale red, light brown, gray Cleavage: 2,1 - basal ; 2,1 - prismatic ; 3,1 - pinacoidal Fracture: subconchoidal to uneven Density: 2.62 Hardness: 6-6.5 Mineral Habit: Triclinic

Halides: Halite 30

Symbol: NaCl Streak: white Luster: Vitreous Rock Type: Sedimentary Composition: sodium chloride Colors: Colorless, white, yellow, red, purple, yellow, orange or blue, violet, green, gray, multicolored Cleavage: 1 (cubic) Fracture: Conchodial Density: 2.16 Hardness: 2-2.5 Crystal System: Isometric

Galena 23

Symbol: PbS Streak: steel gray Luster: metallic Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Lead sulfide Color: steel gray Cleavage: 1,3 - Cubic Fracture: Subconchoidal Density: 7.6 Hardness: 2.5-3 Crystal system: Isometric

Amythest 42

Symbol: SiO2 Streak: white Luster: reflective Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: silicon dioxide Color: Light to dark purple Cleavage: not able to clearly distinguish Fracture: conchoidal Density: 2.66 Hardness: 7 Mineral Habit: Hexagonal

Chalcedony 43

Symbol: SiO2 Streak: white Luster: reflective, waxy, dull Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Silicon dioxide Color: White, blue, red, green, yellow, orange, brown, pink, purple, gray, black, colorless, and multicolored Cleavage: none Fracture: conchoidal Density: 2.56 Hardness: 7 Mineral Habit: Hexagonal

Opal 39

Symbol: SiO2 · nH2O Streak: white Luster: Usually reflective, but may also be pearly, waxy, or resinous Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Hydrous silicon dioxide Color: Colorless, white, yellow, orange, red, purple, blue, green, gray, brown, and black. These are some of the base colors of Opal. Certain opals display different colors when viewed from different directions, or when the stone is turned, or when the light source is moved Cleavage: none Fracture: conchoidal Density: 1.9-2.3 Hardness: 4.5-6.5 Mineral Habit: Amorphous= Without a defined crystalline shape

Celestite 14

Symbol: SrSO4 Streak: white Luster: Vitreous; pearly on cleavage surfaces Rock Type: Sedimentary Composition: Strontium sulfate, sometimes with small amounts of barium Color: Blue, white, colorless, orange, orange-brown, light brown, yellow, greenish-blue, gray. Crystals may also be slightly multicolored, with light blue on one end and colorless on the other Cleavage: 1,1 - basal ; 2,1 - prismatic ; 3,1 - pinacoidal Fracture: uneven Density: 3.9-4 Hardness: 3-3.5 Crystal system: Orthorhombic

Sphalerite 52

Symbol: ZnS Streak: Pure Sphalerite has a white streak. Impurities are almost always present, giving this mineral a light brown streak Luster: Metallic, sub-metallic, adamantine= bright shine , resinous= Luster describing yellow, dark orange, or brown minerals with slightly high refractive indices Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Zinc sulfide Color: Black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green, gray and rarely colorless Cleavage: 1,all sides Fracture: conchoidal Density: 3.9-4.2 Hardness: 3.5-4 Mineral Habit: Isometric

Magnetite 35

Symbol:Fe2+Fe3+2O4 Streak : Black Luster: Metallic Rock Type: Igneous, Metamorphic Composition: iron oxide, contains different elemental impurities partially replacing both the first and the second iron Color: Dark gray to black Fracture: Subconchodial Density: 5.5-6.5 Mohs hardness: 5.5 - 6.5 crystal system: Isometric

Staurolite 53

Symbol:Fe2Al9Si4O22(OH)2 Streak: white Luster: reflective, dull Rock Type: Metamorphic Composition: Basic aluminum iron silicate Color: Brown, grayish brown, gray, yellowish-brown, reddish brown Cleavage: 3,1 Fracture: uneven to subconchoidal Density: 3.65-3.77 Hardness: 7-7.5 Mineral Habit: monoclinic

Talc

Symbol:Mg3Si4O10(OH)2 Streak: white Luster: greasy, waxy, pearly Rock Type: Metamorphic Composition: Basic magnesium silicate Color: White, beige, gray, yellow, brown, pink, purple, blue, green. Rarely colorless Cleavage: 1,1 Fracture: uneven Density: 2.7-2.8 Hardness: 1 Mineral Habit: monoclinic

Sodalite 51

Symbol:Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2 Streak: white Luster: reflective to greasy; also may be dull Rock Type: Igneous, Metamorphic Composition:Sodium aluminum silicate with chlorine Color: Most often blue, less commonly purple, pink, gray, green, brown, white, and colorless Cleavage: 3,6 Fracture: uneven Density: 2.29 Hardness: 5.5-6 Mineral Habit: Isometric

Citrine 44

Symbol:SiO2 Streak: white Luster: reflective Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Silicon dioxide Color: Yellow, yellow-brown, orange, dark orange-brown, reddish-brown Cleavage: not able to clearly distinguish Fracture: conchoidal Density: 2.65 Hardness: 7 Mineral Habit: Hexagonal

Olivine info

Used for: flux for steel production, important ore of the metal magnesium, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and gemstone Environment: occurs in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks, in metamorphic rocks and Serpentine deposits as a primary mineral, may also occur in meteorites (that did not fully burn up in the atmosphere and landed on the earth) Formed:from metamorphosed impure limestones Facts: commonly found in Germany. It takes its name from its color which is typically olive-green due to traces of nickel in the rock. Although Olivine is the generic name, this mineral also has a number of other names, for example Chrysolite from the Greek meaning 'Golden Stone', or Peridot.

Sphalerite info

Used for: ore of zinc Environment: In sedimentary limestone deposits, hypothermal veins and mesothermal veins, and in hydrothermal replacement deposits Formed: crystals showing good external form Facts: commonly found in Peru. Is a zinc ore mineral that typically contains iron. Associated with galena

Copper Info.

Used: Electricity (general motors and generators, for wiring, radio, Tv sets, etc.) Found: in volcanic basalt rocks, often near the level of sedimentary rock layer. Also in hydrothermal deposits and the oxidation zone of sulfide deposits Formed: in Earth's crust, deposits with other metals, or porphyry copper deposits Fun Fact: the oldest metal found in Middle East, aside from gold, copper is the only metal on the periodic table whose color inst naturally silver or gray

Silver Info.

Used: Jewelry, tableware, coins, electricity, photographic films, ornaments Environment: volcanic basalt rocks, hydrothermal veins and mesothermal veins Formed: In Earth's crust, compounds of sulfur, then hot temperatures and salty water concentrates silver into the brine Found: China, Australia, Peru, Poland, Serbia, Bolivia, Mexico and Chile. Facts: Stable in oxygen and water

Rhodonite info

Used: beads and ornamental objects Environment: Manganese-rich metamorphic environments and hydrothermal replacement deposits Facts: commonly found in Australia, Brazil. A member of the pyroxenoid group of minerals. A greyish-brown variety containing as much as 20% calcium oxide is called bustamite, whilst fowlerite is a variety that contains 7% zinc oxide

Azurite info

Used: beads and ornaments Environment: as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zone of copper deposits Found: in Copper mines and deposits, mainly in France Fun Facts: is popular mineral because of its unparalleled color

Chalcopyrite info

Used: beads and pendants Environment: In the sulfide zones of copper deposits, in hypothermal veins and mesothermal veins, hydrothermal replacement deposits, metamorphic schists, and in igneous intrusions and dikes Formed: by deposition of copper during hydrothermal circulation Facts: commonly found in US,Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri. Chalcopyrite has a similar appearance as pyrite and gold, but distinguishing the difference is easy. Gold is softer and has a yellow streak. Pyrite cannot be scratched with a nail, but chalcopyrite can be easily scratched. Chalcopyrite is also given the name "fool's gold", along with pyrite, because of its similar appearance, though it is not as common as pyrite. The mineral forms under several different conditions, including primary, crystallizing from melts as accessory minerals in igneous rocks

Malachite info

Used: boxes, animal figures, necklace beads Environment: in the oxidstion zone of copper deposits Formed: weathering of copper ores and often found with azurite

Aragonite info

Used: carvings and ornaments Environment: sedimentary formations and evaporite deposits, hot spring deposits, hydrothermal ore veins, igneous traprock environments, and metamorphic schists Formed: precipitating water that traps in organic matter Found: in limestone caves, deposits at/near geysers and springs, and the seafloor, mainly in Spain.

Calcite info

Used: cement, drugs, fertilizers, metals, glass, rubber, paint Environment: constituent of all mineral environment, sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic Formed: constituent of sedimentary rocks, limestone, shells of dead marine Found: in any geological setting, mexico and Germany Fun Fact: bubbles happen when exposed to a weak acid is an example of a fluorescent mineral in that it can emit light when connected to a non visible UV light

Kaolinite info

Used: clay, pottery, ceramics, paper, in pharmaceuticals as an ingredient in some medications such as stomach soothers, cosmetics, soaps, paint gloss, and toothpastes Environment: weathering, in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments Formed: by weathering or hydrothermal alteration of aluminosilicate minerals Facts: is worldwide. Gibbsite is an aluminum oxide mineral that has the same structure as these aluminum layers in kaolinite

Epidote info

Used: crystals/ gems Environment: occurs in several different environments. It is found in hornfels, skarns in contact metamorphic rocks, in metamorphosed limestone, in schists in regional metamorphic rock, in igneous rock in basalt and diabase, and is occasionally found in granite pegmatites Formed: occurs as monoclinic crystals in pegmatites and found in massive form and as monoclinic crystals in marbles and schists that were formed or altered through metamorphism Facts: commonly found in Austrian Alps, Switzerland. Epidote is a complex form of calcium aluminum iron silicate

Corundum info

Used: electrical uses and non gem material Environment: metamorphosis of limestone and is an igneous occurrence in rocks lacking in silica Fun facts: commonly found in India. Can form more then one precious gemstone Birthstone: July (ruby) September (Sapphire)

Apatite info

Used: fertilizers and medicinal drug industries Environment: As gemmy crystals in granite pegmatites, in ore veins, and in nepheline syenite pegmatites. Formed: under a wide variety of conditions and is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks Facts: Commonly found in Germany, Portugal. Is one of the few minerals produced/used by biological micro-environmental systems. To contain large amounts of rare-earth elements. Is non-radioactive, it does not pose an environmental hazard

Hornblende info

Used: gangue material (Worthless material in which valuable metals or gems occur) Environment: major rock-forming mineral found in many different types of metamorphic and igneous environments Formed:is an important constituent in acidic and intermediate igneous rocks Facts: commonly found in Malmberget, Sweden, Bohemia. Hornblendes exhibit typical amphibole structures; these are based on double tetrahedral chains between which four metal sites are located.

Opal info

Used: gemstones Environment: Forms in all mineral environments, especially igneous environments Formed: composed of a solution of silicon dioxide and water. Facts: commonly found in Australia. Australia produces around 95% of the worlds opals. The majority of this Opal is white Opal from the fields of Coober Pedy in South Australia. The play of color you see in Opal is due to millions of tiny silica Spheres of different sizes. The spheres have to be just the right size and of a uniform nature to create enough color for our eyes to see Birthstone month: October

Beryl info

Used: gemstones (Emerald, Aquamarine Morganite, Golden Beryl, and Heliodor), mined for the element beryllium (metal) Environment: granite pegmatites. It can also be found in metamorphosed mica schists and in igneous rhyolite deposits Formed: igneous and metamorphic rocks Facts: commonly found in Austria, Germany, Ireland, Madagascar Birthstone month: March (Aquamarine) May (Emerald). Golden beryl is sometimes referred to as 'heliodor', but many argue that heliodor and golden beryl are not the same gem. Beryl in its purest form is completely colorless (goshenite). Without trace elements and impurities, beryl would be rather ordinary and average, except for its superior hardness

Augite info

Used: geologist study this mineral Environment: igneous rocks, including basalt, diabase, and gabbro Formed: occurs in mafic and intermediate igneous rocks such as basalt, gabbro Facts: commonly found in Italy, New Jersey. The forming of large crystals is common in Augite, however, the crystals are normally dull and very uninteresting.

Sulfer Info.

Used: industrial uses, black powder, matches, explosives, rubber, dyes Environment: Sedimentary environments, evaporite and salt dome deposits Formed: Normal conditions sulfur atoms form cyclic otatomic molecules Found: areas around hot springs and in volcanic regions Facts: Makes up only 0.05% of the Earth's crust

Hematite info

Used: jewelry, ornaments, bracelets, and necklaces Environment: all different environments Formed; rock-forming mineral found in sedimentary, metamorphic, metamorphic, and igneous rocks throughout the world Fun facts: commonly found in Brazil, England, Italy, Australia, Switzerland. Iron oxide is harder than pure iron, but much more brittle.

Dolomite info

Used: magnesia Environment: in limestone, sedimentary basins, mostly in Europe, Canada, and Africa Formed: is a sedimentary rock composed of the mineral dolomite. Or post depositional alteration of lime mud and limestone Fun fact: is a good addition to soil to decrease its acid levels. Will not bubble when introduced to an acid

Pyrite info

Used: mirrors, rings, necklaces, and bracelets Environment: Pyrite forms in all type of environment Formed: at high and low temperatures of environments Facts: commonly found in Peru Iron Pyrite is known as "Fool's Gold" because of its golden luster. Iron Pyrite forms in cubes that either clump to make 'nuggets' together or grow larger individually in a matrix. The clusters/nuggets tend to shine and seem sparkly because the light is reflecting off various sides of the cubes. Another form taken is a 'Sun' where Pyrite crystals form outward from a central cluster of pyrite cubes

Bauxite info

Used: ore of aluminum Environment: in the weathered surface zones in clay deposits and limestone Formed: is a rock formed from reddish clay soil that has been severely leached of silica and other minerals in a wet tropical climate

Bornite info

Used: ore of copper Environment: Mainly in hydrothermal metamorphic rocks, in mesothermal veins, in hydrothermal replacement deposits, and in igneous intrusions and dikes Formed: exposure to air Facts: commonly found in Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan or Shaba, Congo. Other names for bornite may include blushing copper, erubescite, peacock copper, purple copper ore, and variegated copper. It is both a primary and secondary mineral

Magnetite info

Used: ore of iron and crystal Environment: in igneous rock such as diabase, as well as contact and regional metamorphic rocks and hydrothermal replacement deposits Formed: in metamorphic roocks which formed from rusty sediments in both regional and contact metamorphic settings Fun facts: commonly found in Californa and New Zealand

Galena info

Used: ore of lead Environment: In sedimentary limestone deposits, hypothermal veins and mesothermal veins, in hydrothermal replacement deposits, and in placer deposits Formed: in a wide range of hydrothermal environments Facts: commonly found in England. Is the primary ore mineral of lead

Celestine info

Used: ornamental rocks Environment: In sedimentary rock such as limestone Formed: from warm solutions Facts: commonly found in Ohio, South Bass Island. It resembles barite, barium sulfate, but is much less common. Barium is interchangeable with strontium in the crystal structure; there is a gradation between celestine and barite

Gold info.

Used: ornaments, masks, statues, coins, jewelry Found: South Africa, Nevada, Indonesia, Australia, Peru, California, South Dakota, Papa New Guinea, Canada, and Canada Environment: High temperature hydrothermal deposits Formed: The formation of Earth's, iron sank to make the core Fun Facts: Three main types of deposits: Hydrothermal quartz veins,deposits in metamorphic and igneous rocks, volcanic-exhalative sulphides

Barite info.

Used: paper, rubber, main ore of the element barium, radiology for x-rays, wells during drilling Environment: In sedimentary rock layers and in hydrothermal and mesothermal metal ore veins Formed: is mined from layers of sedimentary rock which formed when barite precipitated onto the bottom of the ocean Facts: Commonly found in, Italy, China. Barite is associated with ores of antimony, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, and silver. Barite has a sugary appearance which sometimes leads to a misidentification, with it being mistaken as a piece of calcite or marble.

Alabaster info

Used: plaster-of-Paris, finely ground Gypsum is for cement, sheet rock, flux for creating earthenware, fertilizer, ornamental use, which are artistic sculptures and pottery Environment: In enormous deposits and beds in sedimentary rock, specifically limestone, in clay sedimentary deposits, and in dry caves. Formed: found in thick beds or layers. It forms in lagoons where ocean waters high in calcium and sulfate content can slowly evaporate and be regularly replenished with new sources of water Facts: commonly found in Spain. Generally, Alabaster has been used magically to symbolize transparency and purity. These crystals signifies their excellence through their color, it means the whiter the stone the better. Alabaster is considered as the protective stone especially for babies, kids and for them who are innocent at heart

Selenite info

Used: spiritual work Environment: In enormous deposits and beds in sedimentary rock, specifically limestone, in clay sedimentary deposits, and in dry caves. Formed: On the Salt Plains, the crystals are formed just below the salt encrusted surface. Facts: commonly found in US, Mexico, Nova Scotia, Australia. Because gypsum contains water molecules, it can be easily hydrated and dehydrated making it very versatile. Gypsum is so soft that you could scratch it with your fingernail

Carbonate: Azurite 7

a mineral , orthorhombic calcium carbonate, chemically identical with calcite but differing in crystallization and in having a higher gravity Symbol: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 Streak: light blue Luster: Vitreous or dull Rock Type: Sedimentary, Metamorphic Composition: Basic copper carbonate Color: blue to very dark blue Cleavage: 2,1; 3,2 Fracture: conchodial and splintery Density: 3.77- 3.89 Hardness: 3.5- 4 Mineral Habit: Monoclinic.

Borate: Ulexite

a mineral, hydrousnsodium and calcium borate Symbol: NaCaB5O9•8H2O Streak: white Luster: silky Rock Type: Sedimentary Composition: Hydrous sodium calcium borate Color: white to light gray Cleavge: 1: 2,1 Fracture: uneven to splintery Density 1.97 Hardness: 2.5 Mineral Habit: Triclinic.

Sulfer

a nonmetallic element that exists in several forms, the ordinary one being yellow rhombic crystalline solid, and that birns with blue flame and a suffocating odor Symbol: S Streak : White Luster: Adamantine on clean, crystal surfaces, otherwise dull Rock Type: Igneous, Sedimentary Composition: sulfur Color: Yellow Cleavage: 3,2 Fracture: conchoidal Density: 2.07 Mohs hardness: 1.5 - 2.5 Mineral Habit: Orthorhombic

Graphite

a very common mineral, soft native carbon, occurring in black to dark-gray follated masses Symbol: Cu Streak : Black Luster: metallic Rock Type: Igneous, Metamorphic Composition: Carbon Color: Silver-gray to black Cleavage: 1 Mineral Habit: crystalline Mohs hardness: 1

Silver

a white ductile metallic element Symbol: Ag Streak : Silver-white to light gray (shiny) Luster: Metallic Rock Type: Igneous, Metamorphic Composition: mixed with gold, mercury, arsenic, antimony Color: Silver-white on untarnished surfaces (dark yellow to black) Fracture: Hackly Density: 10.5 Mohs hardness: 2.5 - 3 Mineral Habit: Isometric

Carbonate: Calcite 13

one of the commonest minerals, calcium carbornate, a major constituent of limestone, marble, and chalk, calc-spar Symbol: CaCO3 Streak: white Luster: vitreous Rock Type: Igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic Composition: Calcium, carbonate, iron, magnesium, zinc, cobalt Color: colorless, pink, white, Yellow, Red, Orange, Blue, Green, Brown, and Gray or multicolored Cleavage: 1,3 Fracture: conchoidal Density: 2.71 Hardness: 3 crystal structure: Hexagonal

Almandine info

used for: gemstone and jewelry Environment: In regional metamorphic environments in mica schist, and in contact metamorphic hornfels. Also in igneous rocks in diorite and granite pegmatites, and as a sedimentary mineral in alluvial deposits

Sodalite info

used for: gemstones and beads Environment: occur in a variety of different environments, alkaline nepheline syenite pegmatites, metamorphosed marbles, skarns, both intrusive and extrusive igneous rock Formed: in Nepheline syenites, phonolites, and related rock types; in metasomatized calcareous rocks, and cavities in ejected volcanic blocks. Facts: commonly found in Greenland, Italy. Is a scare mineral which was named in reference to its sodium content by a Glasgow chemist

Staurolite info

used: amulets and charms (christians use this) Environment: In metamorphosed schists and gneiss's Formed: when shale is strongly altered by regional metamorphism Facts: commonly found in Georgia. It is famous because of its twinned crystals which forms the shape of a cross. The name has been derived from Greek word "stauros," which mean a cross. Is a common metamorphic mineral that is useful to geologists to determine the degree of metamorphism

Albite info

used: ceramics Environment: Most often in granite pegmatite, also in metamorphic rocks and sedimentary conglomerates Facts: commonly found in Swiss Alps, Tyrol, Austria, Brazil. The majority of the common feldspars fall into two groups, the alkali feldspars, and the plagioclase feldspars. Albite is an end member in each of these series. It is generally the last of the feldspars to crystalize in igneous rocks.

Topaz info

used: gem Environment: In igneous environments, granite pegmatites, rhyolite, sedimentary alluvial deposits Formed: crystallizes from fluorine-bearing vapor in last stages of solidification of igneous rocks Facts: commonly found in Russia, in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Czech Republic, Norway, Pakistan, Sweden Brazil, Nigeria and United States Birthstone month: December (Blue topaz)

Tourmaline group info

used: gem and jewelry Environment: Elbaite, Schorl, and Liddicoatite are granite pegmatites, while Dravite and Uvite or from metamorphic environments such as marbles, Buergerite is from igneous rhyolite deposits Facts: commonly found in Brazil, Afghanistan, Australia. The name "tourmaline" comes from Sinhalese (Sri Lanka) and translates into English as "stone of mixed colors." Pegmatitic tourmaline is commonly black and is associated with microcline, albite, quartz and muscovite Birthstone month: October (pink tourmaline)

Amethyst info

used: gems, cabochons and ornaments Environment: all mineral environments, in igneous environments Formed: in silica-rich liquids deposited in gas cavities of lava that occur in crystalline masses Facts- Amethyst was once revered as the "jewel of the gods". The official gem for Wednesday, Jupiter and those born under the sign of Pisces. Birthstone month: February

Citrine info

used: gemstone and jewelry Environment: all mineral environments, in igneous environments Formed: by heat treating purple Amethyst Facts: Citrine is one of the most popular gemstones available today. It belongs to the very large family of quartz gemstones.

Orthoclase info

used: glass and ceramics Environment: low-temperature metamorphic rocks, igneous environments such as pegmatites, sedimentary conglomerates Facts: Orthoclase is one of the most common minerals

Chalcedony info

used: ornamental stone, cabochons, beads and gems Environment: all mineral environments, in igneous environments Facts: Chalcedony and its named varieties are well represented in various birthstone charts and can be found for all the months except January, April, and November.