Acidic rock
Actinolite
Adamantine
Adamite
Aegirite
Agaric Mineral
Agate
Alabaster
Albite
Alkaline rock
Allanite
Allemontite
Almandine
Alteration
Alumina
Alunite
Amblygonite
Amethyst
Amorphous
Amygdule
Anaclime
Anatase
Andalusite
Andesine
Anglesite
Anhydrite
Annivite
Anorthite
Anthophyllite
Antimonite
Antimony
Apatite
Aphanitic rock
Apophyllite
Aragonite
Arfvedsonite
Argentite
Argillaceous
Arsenates
Arsenic
Arsenopyrite
Asbestos
Atacamite
Augite
Autunite
Axinite
Azurite
Barite
Barytes
Basanite
Basic rock
Bauxite
Bedding
Beryl
Beryllium aluminium meta-silicate
Biotite
Bismuth
Bismuthinite
Bituminous rocks
Blende
Bloodstone
Bohemian garnet
Bole
Boracite
Borates
Borax
Bornite
Botryoidal
Boulangerite
Bournonite
Brimstone
Brookite
Brown Spar
Brucite
Calamine
Calcareous
Calcic
Calcite
Caliche
Carbonaceous
Carbonates
Carnallite
Carnelian
Carnotite
Cassiterite
Celestine
Celestite
Cerussite
Chabazite
Chalcanthite
Chalcedony
Chalcocite
Chalcopyrite
Chalcosine
Chili Saltpetre
Chlorite
Chondrodite
Chromite
Chrysoberyl
Chrysocolla
Chrysostom
Cinnabar
Clastic rock
Clay
Cleavage
Cleveite
Clinozoisite
Cobalt glance
Cobaltite
Coelestine
Colemanite
Columbite
Concretion
Contact metamorphism
Copper
Cordierite
Corundum
Covellite
Cristobalite
Crocoite
Cross-stone
Cryolite
Crystal
Crystal symmetry
Cubic Nitre
Acidic rock refers to an igneous rock that consists mostly of light coloured minerals and has more than 66% free or combined silica.
Actinolite has the formulae Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2.
It has a relative hardness of 6.
It commonly occurs in the crystalline schists, being often the chief constituent of green-coloured schists and greenstones. Used somewhat as an asbestos material.
Adamantine refers to a brilliant luster like that of a diamond. Results from a mineral having a high index of refraction.
Adamite has the formulae Zn2(AsO4)(OH) and a relative hardness of 4.
It has brilliant fluorescence. Of scientific interest and much desired by collectors.
Aegirite has the formulae NaFe(Si2O6) and a relative hardness of 7.
It is a rock-forming mineral found mainly in rocks rich in soda and poor in silica. Named after Aegir, Icelandic god of the sea.
Agaric Mineral is one of the purest native carbonates of lime. It is chiefly found in the clefts of rocks and at the bottom of some lakes.
Agate is a semi-precious stone comprised mainly of silica. It is a compact variety of chalcedony. It has a pattern of banding which occurs due to chemical admixtures of haematite, limonite and other minerals.
Alabaster is naturally occurring hydrated calcium sulphate.
Albite has the formulae NaAlSi3O8 and a relative hardness of 7.
It is widely distributed, rock-forming mineral. Present in pegmatite dikes and may be found in crystals.
Alkaline rock refers to any rock which contains more than average amounts of potassium bearing and sodium bearing minerals.
Allanite has the formulae (Ce,Ca,Y)2(Al,Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH).
It has a relative hardness of 6.
It occurs as a minor constituent of many igneous rocks. Frequently associated with epidote. Found in some magnetic bodies.
Allemontite is a natural alloy of arsenic and antimony. It has a relative hardness of 4.
Almandine is a variety of precious garnet, reddish or violet in colour.
Alteration refers to physical or chemical change in a rock or mineral after its original formation. Can result in new minerals or in textural changes in the rock.
Alumina is aluminium oxide and occurs as ruby, sapphire, bauxite.
Alunite has the formulae KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6.
It has a relative hardness of 4.
It is usually formed by sulphuric acid solutions acting on rocks rich in alkalic feldspar. Used in the production of alum.
Amblygonite has the formulae (Li,Na)Al(PO4)(F,OH).
It has a relative hardness of 6.
It occurs in lithium and phosphate rich granite pegmatites. Associated with spodumene, apatite, tourmaline, lepidolite.
Amethyst is a precious stone. It is quartz coloured with manganese.
Amorphous refers to 'Without form'. The term is applied to rocks and minerals that lack definite crystal structure.
Amygdule refers to a mineral containing cavity in an igneous rock formed by escaping gas.
Anaclime has the formulae NaAlSi2O6ù2H2O.
It has a relative hardness of 6.
It is of interest to collectors. Found in cavities of intrusive and volcanic igneous rocks; often as clear shiny crystals. Associated with calcite and zeolites.
Anatase has the formulae TiO2.
It has a relative hardness of 6.
It is a form of rutile. Found in granite, gneiss, mica schist, maetamorphic limestone, and dolomite. May be present as an accessory mineral in the rocks or in a quartz vein traversing it. Used as a coating of welding rods. A derivative it titanium.
Andalusite has the formulae Al2SiO5.
It has a relative hardness of 8.
It is formed by the metamorphism of aluminous shales and slate. Used in the manufacture of spark plugs and other porcelains. May serve as a gem stone if clear and transparent. Name from Andalusia, a province of Spain.
Andesine has the formulae NaAlSi3O8.
It has a relative hardness of 6.
Anglesite is a common, minor ore of lead formed by the oxidation of galena.It has the formulae PbSO4 and a relative hardness of 3.
It is found in the upper, oxidzed portions of lead veins and is named after the Island of Anglesey.
Anhydrite has the formulae CaSO4.
It has a relative hardness of 4.
It has rectangular cleavage fragments. Occurs in a manner similar to gypsum and often found with it but not as common. Found in the cap rock of salt domes and in limestone rocks. From the Greek meaning 'without water'.
Annivite is a variety of terahedrite containing bismuth and usually iron and zinc.
Anorthite has the formulae (Na,Ca)AlSi3O8.
It has a relative hardness of 7.
It is widely distributed and abundant rock-forming feldspar.
Anthophyllite has the formulae (Mg,Fe)7Si8O22(OH)2.
It has a relative hardness of 6.
It occurs in crystalline schists rich in magnesium. Of interest to collectors.
Antimonite is an antimony ore. It was used by the Greeks as a cosmetic for darkening the eyelids.
Antimony has the formulae Sb.
It has a relative hardness of 4.
It is a native semimetal and difficult to distinguish from arsenic. Rather brittle and a poorer conductor of heat and electriciy than native metals.
Apatite has the formulae Ca5(F,Cl,OH)(PO4)3.
It has a relative hardness of 5.
It is widely distributed as an accesory constituent in all classes of rock. Found in crystals and masses. Crystallized apatite has been extensivley for fertilizer. Transparent varieties of fine colour are sometimes used for gems - but it's too soft for extensive use.
Aphanitic rock refers to a rock in which the crystalline constituents are too small to be distinguished without magnification.
Apophyllite has the formulae KCa4Si8O2O(OH)ù8H2O.
It has a relative hardness of 5.
It is a hydrothermal mineral filling cavities in basalt and tufaceous rocks. Associated with stilbite, scolecite, calcite, prehnite, analcime.
Aragonite has the formulae CaCO3.
It has a relative hardness of 4.
It forms easily in a sedimentary environment but only stable in metamorphic rocks formed at high temperatures.
Arfvedsonite has the formulae Na2-3(Fe,Mg,Al)5Si8O22(OH,F)2.
It has a relative hardness of 6.
It is typical of alkaline plutonic rocks that are rich in iron.
Argentite has the formulae Ag2S.
It has a relative hardness of 3.
It lacks distinct cleavage. An important primary silver ore. The name is from Latin meaning 'silver'. Occurs disseminated in galena and in the cementation zone of lead and zinc deposits. Associated with cerussite, chlorargyrite, native silver.
Argillaceous refers to composed mostly of or containg clay; such as shale.
Arsenates refers to minerals in which arsenate (AsO4) is an important part.
Arsenic is a metal element with the symbol As and a relative hardness of 4.
It has a garlicky odor; otherwise it is difficult to distinguish from antimony. It is a relatively rare mineral found in veins in crystalline rocks associated with silver, cobalt, or nickel ores.
Arsenopyrite has the formulae FeAsS.
It has a relative hardness of 6.
It is the most common mineral containing arsenic. It occurs with tin and tungsten ores in high temperature deposits as a deposition from hot waters. Frequently associated with gold. Also found with copper and silver ores.
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral with a high melting and combustion point.
Atacamite has the formulae Cu2Cl(OH)3.
It has a relative hardness of 4.
It is a comparatively rare copper mineral. Occurs in arid regions in the upper oxidized zone of copper deposits.
Augite has the formulae (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al)2O6.
It has a relative hardness of 6.
It is an important rock forming mineral. Chiefly found in dark coloured igneous rocks, especially those whose magmas were rich in iron, calcium and magnesium. Seldom found in rocks that contain much quartz. A common memeber of the pyroxene group. Told from amphibole by cleavage.
Autunite has the formulae Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2ù10-12H2O.
It has a relative hardness of 3.
It has strong fluorescence. A secondary mineral found in the zone of oxidation and weathering of uranite or other uranium minerals. Used as an ore of uranium.
Axinite has the formulae Ca2(Fe,Mn)Al2(BO3)(Si4O12)(OH).
It has a relative hardness of 7.
It occurs in cavities in granite and in the contact zones surrounding granite intrusions.
Azurite has the formulae Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2.
It has a relative hardness of 4.
It is a minor ore of copper with an intense azure-blue colour. Alters to malachite. Associated with limonite, calcite, chalcocite, chrysocolla and other secondary copper minerals. Reacts vigorously with hydrochloric acid.
Barite has the formulae BaSO4.
It has a relative hardness of 3.
It is major ore of barium. Has a high SG for a light coloured mineral. Common gangue mineral in hydrothermal veins or as a repacement mineral in veins of limestone and dolomite. Associated with lead, silver and antimony sulphides.
Barytes was the first mineral to be found to be luminescent when heated, and led to the discovery of the luminescence of minerals. It has a relative hardness of 3.5.
Basanite is a smooth, black siliceous mineral.
Basic rock refers to an igneous rock with a low percentage of silica and a high percentage of pyroxene, hornblende, and labradorite.
Bauxite is a sedimentary rock group of various aluminium oxides, a principal ore of aluminium, found in France and Jamaica. Bauxite was named after the place where it was first found, Les Baux in France. It has a relative hardness of 1 to 3.
Bedding refers to the arrangement of sedimentary rocks in about parallel layers or strata which correspond to the original sediments.
Beryl (beryllium aluminium meta-silicate) has the formulae Be3Al2Si16O18 and a relative hardness of 8.
It has a characteristic six-sided outline and is used as a gem stone of various colours, its green variety being emerald. Beryl is also the major source of the rare element beryllium, a light metal similar to aluminum. Beryl is quite common and occurs usually in granite rocks, mica schists and with tin ores.
see "Beryl"
Biotite has the formulae K(Mg,Fe)2(Al,Fe)Si3O10(OH,F)2 and a relative hardness of 3.
It is a widely distributed rock forming mineral and occurs in igneous and metamorphic rocks and is a common member of the mica group.
Bismuth is a metal element with the symbol Bi and a relative hardness of 3. Bismuth is a somewhat rare mineral occurring in connection with ores of silver, cobalt, nickel, lead, and tin. Bismuth forms low melting alloys and is used in fuses, medicine and cosmetics.
Bismuthinite has the formulae Bi2S3 and a relative hardness of 2. It is a rare ore of bismuth. Occurs in veins that show definite relations to igneous rocks.
Bituminous rocks refers to rocks that contain tar, petroleum, or asphalt.
Blende is a zinc ore. It generally contains more than half its weight in zinc, a quarter sulphur and often a small amount of iron.
Bloodstone is a dark green variety of chalcedony.
see "Pyrope"
Bole is an earthy mineral occuring in amorphous masses , and composed chiefly of silica with alumina, iron and occasionally magnesia.
Boracite has the formulae Mg3B7O13Cl and a relative hardness of 7. It occurs associated with beds of halite, anhydrite, and gypsum. It is formed by the evaporation of bodies of salt water.
Borates refers to a group of minerals in which the borate radical (BO3) is an important constituent.
Borax has the formulae Na2B4O710H2O and a relative hardness of 3. It dissolves in water and has a sweetish alkaline taste. It is formed as a deposit from the evaportation of salt lakes and is used in cleansing, antiseptic,, preservative, and chemical uses. Borax is also a source of boron which is used in fuels.
Bornite has the formulae Cu5FeS4 and a relative hardness of 3. It is an ore of copper with a colourful tarnish, widely occurring, it is found in basic rocks and metamorphic deposits.
Botryoidal refers to resembling a bunch of grapes. A mineral of this type appears to have a surface covered with spherical bulges.
Boulangerite is a lead ore. It contains 55 percent lead. It has a relative hardness of 2.5.
Bournonite has the formulae PbCuSbS3.
It has a relative hardness of 3.
It is an ore of lead, copper, and antimony which often exhibits twinned crystals. Occurs in in veins formed at moderate temperatures.
Brimstone is another name for sulphur.
Brookite has the formulae à-TiO2.
It has a relative hardness of 6.
It is a source of titanium but deposits are usually too small to be of commercial use.
Brown Spar is the name given to some crystalline varieties of dolomite tinged with peroxide of Iron
Brucite has the formulae Mg(OH)2.
It has a relative hardness of 3.
It is a decomposition product of magnesium silicates, especially serpentine. Variety: nemalite.
Calamine is a zinc ore.
Calcareous refers to containing calcium carbonate or calcite.
Calcic refers to containing calcium.
Calcite has the formulae CaCO3.
It has a relative hardness of 3.
It effervesces vigorously with HCl. Clear specimens exhibit double refraction. Occurs as widespread sedimentary rock masses such as limestone. Crystalline metamorphosed limestones are called marbles. Fine grained deposits form chalk. Variety: onyx.
Caliche is naturally occurring sodium nitrate found in Chile.
Carbonaceous refers to composed chiefly of organic carbon. (i.e. carbon derived from plant and animal remains.)
Carbonates refers to minerals, such as calcite, where the carbonate radical (CO3) is an important constituent.
Carnallite has the formulae KMgCl3ù6H2O.
It has a relative hardness of 3.
It is a source of potassium coumpounds and magnesium. Has a bitter salty taste.
Carnelian is a semi-precious gemstone consisting of quartz with iron impurities which give it a translucent red colour. Carnelian is found mainly in Brazil, Japan and India.
Carnotite has the formulae K2(UO2)2(VO4)2ù3H2O.
It has a relative hardness of 1.
It is an ore of uranium and vandium. Found in sand, sandstones and around petrified trees. Probably formed as a deposition from meteoric waters. Strongly radioactive.
Cassiterite has the formulae SnO2 and a relative hardness of 7.
It is the principal ore of tin. Widely distributed in small amounts but commerically available in only a few localities. Frequently associated with wolframite. Also found as rolled pebbles in placer deposits ('stream tin'). Usually found in veins associated with quartz, in or near granitic rocks.
Celestine is a natural sulphate of strontium.
Celestite has the formulae SrSO4.
It has a relative hardness of 4.
It often found disseminated through limestone or sandstone, or lining cavities in such rocks. Associated with calcite, dolomite, gypsum, sulphur, fluorite. Also found as a gangue mineral in lead veins. Used to prepare nitrate of strontium for fireworks and tracer bullets and in the refining of beet sugar.
Cerussite has the formulae PbCO3.
It has a relative hardness of 4.
It is an important and widely distributed supergene lead ore formed by the action of carbonated waters on galena in the upper zone of lead veins. Often found associated with galena and sphalerite.
Chabazite has the formulae Ca(Al2Si4)O12ù6H2O.
It has a relative hardness of 5.
It is a mineral of secondary origin found lining cavities in volcanic and intrusive igneous rocks.
Chalcanthite has the formulae CuSO4ù5H2O.
It has a relative hardness of 3.
It dissolves quickly in water and produces a blue solution. A minor ore of copper and found only in arid regions. Occurs near the surface in copper veins. Often deposited on iron from the water in copper mines. Used in calico printing, insecticides and for industrial purposes.
Chalcedony is a variant of quartz comprised of silica. Chalcedony was named after Chalkedon, near Istanbul. It was traditionally used for decorative objects and amultes. It has a relative hardness of 7.
Chalcocite has the formulae Cu2S.
It has a relative hardness of 3.
It is one of the most important copper ore minerals. It occurs primarily in enriched zones of sulphide deposits.
Chalcopyrite has the formulae CuFeS2.
It has a relative hardness of 4.
It is the most widely occuring copper mineral and one of the most important ore sources of that metal. Occurs as an original constituent of igneous rocks, in pegmatic dikes, and in contact with metamorphic deposits. May carry gold or silver and become an ore of those metals.
Chalcosine is an important copper ore. It was discovered in the 16th century.
see "Cubic Nitr"
Chlorite has the formulae (Mg,Fe)6(AlSi3)O10(OH)8.
It has a relative hardness of 3.
It is a mineral group whose members usually exhibit a charactersitic green colour. The formula above is for 'green mica'. Distinguished from muscovite and green phlogopite by a lack of elasticity.
Chondrodite has the formulae (Mg,Fe)3(SiO4)(OH,F)2.
It has a relative hardness of 7.
It is a common metamorphic mineral in dolomitic marbles.
Chromite has the formulae FeCr2O4.
It has a relative hardness of 6.
It is slightly magnetic. The only ore of chromium. A common constituent of peridotite rocks and the serpentines derived from them. Also associated with corundum. One of the first minerals to separate from a cooling magma. Chromium is widely used in metal plating and in stainless steel.
Chrysoberyl has the formulae BeAl2O4.
It has a relative hardness of 9.
It occurs in granite rocks, pegmatites, and in mica schists. Frequently in river sand and gravels. Serves as a gem stone: alexandrite and "cats eye" which can be of great value.
Chrysocolla has the formulae (Cu,Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4ùnH2O.
It has a relative hardness of 4.
It is a minor ore of copper. A mineral of secondary origin, occuring in the oxidized zones of copper veins. Associated with malachite, azurite, cuprite, native copper. Named from two Greek words meaning 'gold' and 'glue'.
Chrysostom is a gem stone of beryllium aluminate.
Cinnabar (vermilion) is a red crystalline form of mercuric sulphide. It has the formulae HgS and a relative hardness of 3.
It often has a bright red colour. The only important source of mercury and it's found in few localities. Occurs as vein fillings near recent volcanic rocks and hot springs. Used in scientific equipment, in drugs, and with tin in silvering mirrors. Many other uses.
Clastic rock refers to a sedimentary rock comprised of fragments of preexisting rocks that have been transported and deposited.
Clay refers to a soft sediment or deposit that is plastic when wet and comprised of very fine-grained materials, mainly hydrous aluminum silicates.
Cleavage refers to a mineral is said to possess cleavage if when it breaks it yields definite plane surfaces. Cleavage can be perfect as in micas or, in some minerals, completely lacking. Cleavage is always parallel to crystal faces.
Cleveite is a uranium-containing mineral, of interest owing to the fact that when heated with dilute sulphuric acid it liberates considerable quantities of occluded helium. It was this property which first led to the discovery of the element helium.
Clinozoisite has the formulae Ca2Al3Si3O12(OH).
It has a relative hardness of 7.
see "cobaltite"
Cobaltite (cobalt glance) is an ore of cobalt consisting of a cobalt arsenosulphide of the formulae CoAsS and has a relative hardness of 6.
It is usually found in high temperature deposits, disseminated in metamorphic rocks, or in vein deposits with other cobalt and nickel minerals.
Coelestine is a mineral used in pyrotechnics and a s a source of strontium. Occassionaly it is cut and used as a gem stone. It has a relative hardness of 3.5.
Colemanite is a major source of borax and has a relative hardness of 5. It occurs in high temperature hydrothermal veins or disseminated in metamorphic rocks associated with other cobalt and nickel sulphides/arsenides.
Columbite has the formulae (Fe,Mn)(Nb,Ta)2O6 and a relative hardness of 6.
It shows a bluish iridescent fracture surface. The main ore of niobium and tantalum; used in metallurgy to create heat-resistant alloys and in the rust proofing of stainless steel.
Concretion refers to an accumulation of mineral matter when mineral particles become cemented together into an orderly, rounded form.
Contact metamorphism refers to metamorphism resulting from the intrusion of magma which takes place at or near the contact point with the molten rock.
Copper has the formulae Cu and a relative hardness of 3.
It is one of the essential metals of modern civilization. Native copper is found in copper veins but copper sulphides are the principal source ores of the metal.
Cordierite has the formulae Mg2Al4Si5O18.
It has a relative hardness of 8.
It is found as an accessory mineral in granite, gneiss, schists, and in contact metamorphic zones. Transparent specimens of good colour have been used as a gem.
Corundum has the formulae Al2O3.
It has a relative hardness of 9.
It is common as an accessory mineral in metamorphic rocks and as an original constituent of certain igneous rocks. Color differences give rise to several varieties of gem, notably, ruby and saphire. The deep red ruby is one of the most valuable gems, second only to emerald and diamond.
Covellite has the formulae CuS.
It has a relative hardness of 2.
It has an indigo-blue colour. Not an abundant material but is found in most copper deposits, usually as a coating in the zone of sulphide enrichment.
Cristobalite has the formulae SiO2.
It has a relative hardness of 7.
It is present in many siliceous volcanic rocks as a lining in cavities. Upon heating to 1470 C it becomes nearly transparent. On cooling it assumes its initial white translucent appearance.
Crocoite has the formulae PbCrO4.
It has a relative hardness of 3.
It is a rare mineral found in the oxidized zones of lead deposits where lead veins have traversed rocks containing chromite. Not abundant enough to be of commercial value although it does contain chromium. Name is Greek and means 'saffron', an allusion to the colour.
see "Harmotome"
Cryolite has the formulae Na3AlF.
It has a relative hardness of 3.
It often found enclosing brown siderite and grey galena. Always occurs in pegmatites where it's probably a precipitate from flouride rich solutions. Used in the manufacture of sodium salts, certain kinds of glass and porcelain, and as a flux for cleaning metal surfaces.
Crystal refers to a solid mineral having a regular geometric shape and bounded by smooth flat surfaces(called crystal faces).
Crystal symmetry refers to the repetitive pattern of crystal faces caused by the orderly internal arrangements of atoms within a mineral.
Cubic Nitre (sodium nitrate, Chili Saltpetre) is a mineral found mainly in the Tarapaca district of Chile.