book of mineralogy

LABORATORIUM KRISTALOGRAFI MINERALOGI 2010

ABSTRACT

What is a Mineral?

"A mineral is an element or chemical compound that is normally crystalline and that has been formed as a result of geological processes" (Nickel, E. H., 1995).

"Minerals are naturally-occurring inorganic substances with a definite and predictable chemical composition and physical properties." (O' Donoghue, 1990).

"A mineral is a naturally occurring homogeneous solid, inorganically formed, with a definite chemical composition and an ordered atomic arrangement" (Mason, et al, 1968).

"These... minerals ...can be distinguished from one another by individual characteristics that arise directly from the kinds of atoms they contain and the arrangements these atoms make inside them" (Sinkankas, 1966).

"A mineral is a body produced by the processes of inorganic nature, having usually a definite chemical composition and, if formed under favorable conditions, a certain characteristic atomic structure which is expressed in its crystalline form and other physical properties" (Dana & Ford, 1932).

"Every distinct chemical compound occurring in inorganic nature, having a definite molecular structure or system of crystallization and well-defined physical properties, constitutes a mineral species" (Brush & Penfield, 1898).

MINERALS OF THE WORLD 2010


Anhydrite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Anhydrite?

Anhydrite is an evaporite mineral most commonly found in layered sedimentary deposits in association with halite, gypsum, sulfur, calcite and dolomite. Anhydrite (CaSO4) is very similar to gypsum (CaSO4

.2H2O). The difference is that anhydrite does not include water and that is where it gets its name - anhydrite means: "without water".

Uses

Anhydrite uses include: soil conditioner; mixed with Portland cement to control the rate of curing; manufacture of gypsum wallboard; mineral filler in joint compounds, plastics and paints; a source of sulfur.

Colorcolorless, white, gray, blue, reddish

Streakwhite

Lustervitreous to pearly

Diaphaneitytransparent to translucent

Cleavagethree directions at right angles

Hardness3 - 3.5

Specific Gravity2.9 - 3.0

DistinguishingCharacteristics

three cleavage directions, harder than gypsum, higher specific gravity than calcite

Crystal Systemorthorhombic

Chemical Classification

sulfate

Chemical Composition anhydrous calcium sulfate, CaSO4



Anhydrite from Mound House, Nevada.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Anhydrite from Balmat, New York.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across

Anhydrite from Nova Scotia, Canada.

Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.



Apatite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Apatite?

Apatite is a group of phosphate minerals which includes: fluorapatite, chlorapatite, hydroxylapatite, carbonate-rich apatite and francolite. The term "apatite" is often used for fluorapatite, the most common of these minerals. Apatite is found in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. The most extensive deposits are the sedimentary "phosphate rocks", which are mined to produce phosphate fertilizer.

Uses

The primary use of apatite is in the manufacture of fertilizer - it is a source of phosphorus. It is occasionally used as a gemstone. Apatite also serves as an index mineral of Mohs hardness scale with a hardness of five.

Colorgreen, brown, blue, yellow, violet, colorless

Streakwhite

Lustervitreous to subresinous


Cleavagepoor

Hardness5



easy to recognize by color, crystal form, and hardness, can be scratched with a steel knife blade

Crystal Systemhexagonal


phospate

Chemical Composition

a variety of calcium phosphates - fluorapatite: Ca5(PO4)3F - hydroxylapatite: Ca5(PO4)3(OH) - chlorapatite: Ca5(PO4)3Cl - carbonate-rich apatite/francolite: Ca5(PO4,CO3)3(F,O)



Apatite from Perth, Ontario, Canada.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Apatite Crystal from Perth, Ontario, Canada.Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.

Apatite Crystal from Perth, Ontario, Canada.Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.




Arsenopyrite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Arsenopyrite?

Arsenopyrite is an iron arsenic sulfide. It is the most common arsenic mineral and the primary ore of arsenic metal. Arsenopyrite is most often found as a hydrothermal vein mineral and sometimes as a mineral of contact metamorphism. It is sometimes referred to in old texts as "mispickel".

UsesArsenopyrite uses include: poison, preservative, pigment

Colorsilver white to steel gray

Streakdark grayish black

Lustermetallic

Diaphaneityopaque

Cleavagepoor

Hardness5.5 - 6



smells like garlic when crushed, crystal form

Crystal Systemmonoclinic


sulfide


iron arsenic sulfide, FeAsS


Arsenopyrite from Gold Hill, Utah.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Azurite from Tintic, Utah.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.



Augite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Augite?

Augite is a rock-forming silicate mineral of the pyroxene group. It is an important mineral in many basic igneous rocks.

UsesThere are no significant commercial uses of augite.

Colordark green to black

Streak

white to gray, augite can be slightly harder than a streak plate so brittle fragments rather than a powder will sometimes be produced

Lustervitreous

Diaphaneitytranslucent to opaque

Cleavageprismatic

Hardness5.5 - 6



two cleavage directions almost at right angles, dark green to black color



silicate


a complex silicate - (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al)(Si,Al)2O6



Barite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Barite ?

Barite is a mineral consisting of barium sulfate. It most often occurs in hydrothermal veins and as veins in limestones. It is a relatively inert mineral with a high density. It is the primary ore of barium. The most common use of barite is as a weighting agent in drilling muds.

Uses

Most barite produced is used as a weighting agent in drilling muds. These high density muds are circulated down the drill stem and return to the surface between the drill stem and the wall of the well. This action effectively flushes the cuttings produced by the drill and carries them to the surface. Barite is also used as a pigment in paints and as a weighted filler for paper and cloth. It is the primary ore of barium. Barite's high density makes it opaque to x-rays. If it is given to a patient as a drink or enema it can be used to image the shape of internal organs by x-ray.

Colorcolorless, white, light blue, light yellow, light red, light green

Streakwhite

Lustervitreous


Cleavagevery good, basal, prismatic

Hardness2.5 - 3.5

Specific Gravity4.5


high specific gravity, three cleavage directions at right angles, cleavage

Crystal Systemorthorhombic

Chemical Classification sulfate

Chemical Composition barium sulfate , BaSO4



Barite from Kings Creek, South Carolina.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Barite from Edith River, Northern Territory, Australia.Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.

Barite from Mercur, Utah.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.



Bauxite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Bauxite ?

Bauxite is a rock composed mainly of aluminum oxide and aluminum hydroxide minerals. These might include: gibbsite, boehmite and diaspore. The rock usually includes other materials such as iron hydroxides, clay, silt and free silica. It most often occurs as a residual soil material in tropical and subtropical areas. It is the primary source of aluminum.

Uses

Bauxite is the most common ore of aluminum. It is also used as an abrasive, however, this use is now being replaced by synthetic materials.

Colorwhite, gray, yellow, red

Streak

normally white but may streak other colors if the specimen is stained

Lusterdull to earthy

Diaphaneitytranslucent

Cleavage

because bauxite is a mixture of gibbsite, boehmite and diaspore, it has no cleavage properties of its own

Hardness1 to 3

Specific Gravity2 - 2.5


pisolitic structure, color

Crystal System

Bauxite is a mixture of Diaspore (orthorhomic), Gibbsite (monoclinic), and Boehmite (orthorhombic)

Chemical Classification oxide / hydroxide


gibbsite, Al(OH)3 boehmite, AlO(OH) diaspore, AlO(OH)



Bauxite from Little Rock, Arkansas. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across . Pisolitic structure of bauxite mineral from Little Rock,

Arkansas. A detailed view of the specimen shown above..

Bauxite from Demerara, Guyana.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Bauxite from Little Rock, Arkansas.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.



Beryl - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Beryl?

Beryl is a beryllium aluminum silicate mineral most often found in granites and granite pegmatites. It can also be found in metamorphic rocks or in the veins and cavities of limestones and marbles. Beryl is the pimary ore of beryllium. Gem quality beryls with a specific deep green color are sold under the name "emerald". Different shades of green are known as "aquamarine" . Other gem quality beryls include: heliodore (yellow), morganite (pink) and goshenite (white).

UsesBeryl uses include: gemstones, the primary ore of beryllium.

Colorbluish green, light yellow, golden yellow, pink, white, colorless

Streakcolorless

Lustervitreous


Cleavageimperfect

Hardness7.5 - 8



hexagonal crystal form, green color, hardness

Crystal Systemhexagonal


silicate


beryllium aluminum silicate , Be3Al2Si6O18



Aquamarine, a blue-green variety of beryl from Tanzania.Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.

Beryl from Bedford, New York.Specimen is approximately 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) across

.

Beryl crystal in pegmatite from Quadville, Ontario, Canada.Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.



Biotite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Biotite? Biotite is a common rock-forming silicate mineral. It is a mica found in many types of igneous rocks and in some metamorphic rocks. It is easily recognized because of its perfect cleavage that allows it to separate into thin, black, flexible sheets.

UsesBiotite has very limited commercial use. Biotite particles are sometimes used as a surface treatment in decorative concrete, plaster and other construction materials. It is also used in the potassium-argon method of dating igneous rocks.

Color black, dark green, dark brown

Streak white to gray

Luster vitreous

Diaphaneity transparent to translucent

Cleavage basal, perfect

Hardness 2.5 - 3

Specific Gravity 2.7 - 3.3


dark color, perfect cleavage

Crystal System monoclinic

Chemical Classification silicate

Chemical Composition K(Mg,Fe)3(Si3Al)O10(OH,F)2

Biotite from Bancroft, Ontario, Canada.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.



Bornite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Bornite?

Bornite is a copper iron sulfide mineral commonly found in hydrothermal veins, contact metamorphic rocks and in the enriched zone of sulfide copper deposits. It is a common ore of copper and is easily recognized because it tarnishes to iridescent shades of blue, purple, green and yellow. It is often mined as an ore of copper.

Uses The primary use of bornite is as an ore of copper. It has no other uses that are significant.

Color brownish bronze on a fresh surface, iridescent purple, blue, and black on a tarnished surface

Streak grayish black

Luster metallic

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage poor

Hardness 3



color

Crystal System tetragonal


sulfide


copper iron sulfide, Cu5FeS4

Bornite from Musina, South Africa.Specimen is approximately 3/4 inch (1.9 centimeters) across.



Calcite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses

Calcite has more uses than almost any other mineral. Most is used as a construction material in the form of cement, concrete, dimension stone or aggregate. In agriculture it is used as a soil treatment to neutralize acids and as a filler or dietary supplement in livestock feeds. It is used in many medications, particularly those that treat excess stomach acids. Several other uses are described in the article at the top of this page.

Color usually white but also colorless, gray, red, green, blue, yellow, brown, orange

Streak white

Luster vitreous


Cleavage rhombohedral, perfect

Hardness 3

Specific Gravity 2.7


hardness, cleavage, dissolves in cold dilute HCl

Crystal System hexagonal


Carbonate


Calcium carbonate , CaCO3

Calcite in the form of translucent onyx from Tecali, Mexico. Specimen is about four inches (ten centimeters) across.



1 5

2 6

3 7

4 8



1. Transparent calcite from Baxter Springs, Kansas, showing characteristic cleavage. Specimen is approximately four inches (10 centimeters) across.

2. Calcite in the form of oolitic limestone from Bedford, Indiana. Specimen is about four inches (ten centimeters) across.

3. Calcite in the form of chalk from Dover, England. Specimen is about 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.4. Calcite in the form of lithographic limestone from Solenhofn, Bavaria. Note the fine, uniform texture that

is characteristic of lithographic limestone. Specimen is about 4 inches (ten centimeters) across.5. Calcite in the form of oolitic limestone from Tyrone, Pennsylvania. This specimen is approximately four

inches (ten centimeters) across. 6. Transparent calcite (known as "Iceland Spar") from Chihuahua, Mexico. This specimen shows excellent

double refraction. Specimen is about four inches (ten millimeters) across .7. Calcite in the form of calcareous tufa from Mumford, New York. This specimen is approximately four

inches (ten centimeters) across. 8. Calcite in the form of travertine from Tivoli, Italy. Specimen is about four inches (ten centimeters) across.

Cassiterite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Cassiterite?

Cassiterite is a tin oxide mineral that is found in vein deposits, granitic rocks, pegmatites, areas of contact metamorphism and the altered zone of ore deposits. It is also found in placer deposits where it is most commonly mined and given the name of "stream tin". It is the most widely mined ore of tin.

Uses

Cassiterite is the principle ore of tin. In the past, much of the tin was used to produce "tin cans" (actually steel plated with tin) for food containers. However, this use is being rapidly replaced by containers made of glass, plastic, paper, aluminum and other materials. Small amounts are also used to produce solder and polishing compounds.

Colorbrown, black, reddish brown, brownish black

Streakcolorless

Lusteradamantine, splendent to submetallic

Diaphaneityopaque to translucent

Cleavageimperfect

Hardness6.0 - 7



high specific gravity, luster, streak, fibrous appearance

Crystal Systemtetragonal

Chemical Classification oxide



Cassiterite from near keystone, South Dakota. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Chalcocite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Chalcocite? Chalcocite is an iron sulfide mineral and an important ore of copper. It is most commonly found as a supergene mineral in the enriched zones of sulfide deposits. It is also occurs in hydrothermal veins.

UsesChalcocite is used as an ore of copper.

Colorblack, blackish lead gray

Streakgrayish black

Lustermetallic

Diaphaneityopaque

Cleavagepoor

Hardness2.5 - 3



color, soft, sooty appearance


Chemical Classification sulfide



Chalcocite from Butte, Montana. This specimen is Chalcocite from Musina, South Africa. Specimen approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across is approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across.

Chalcopyrite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Chalcopyrite?

Chalcopyrite is a copper iron sulfide. It is the most commonly encountered copper mineral and is the most important ore of copper. Chalcopyrite deposits are found in hydrothermal veins, void fillings and replacements in limestones, contact metamorphic deposits and magmatic separations. Minor amounts are found throughout many igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.

Uses Chalcopyrite is an important ore of copper.

Color brass yellow

Streak greenish black

Luster metallic

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage poor

Hardness 3.5 - 4



color, streak, softer than pyrite



sulfide

Chemical Composition copper iron sulfide, CuFeS2



1. Chalcopyrite, auriferous with pyrrhotite from Rouyn District, Quebec, Canada. This specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

2. Crystallized chalcopyrite on dolomite from Baxter Springs, Kansas. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

3. Chalcopyrite from Rouyn District, Quebec, Canada.This specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

4. Chalcopyrite from Ajo, Arizona. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Chlorite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is "Chlorite" is a name used for a group of sheet silicate minerals with similar properties. They are primarily found in weakly metamorphosed rock and



Chlorite? form from the alteration of clay-rich sedimentary rocks and from alteration of pyroxenes, amphiboles and micas. They are also found in some sediments.

Uses Very few industrial uses. Used as a filler and as a constituent of clay.

Color various shades of green, yellow, white, pink, rose-red

Streak greenish to greenish black to white

Luster vitreous to pearly


Cleavage basal, perfect

Hardness 2 - 2.5



color, hardness



silicate


a generalized formula: (Mg,Fe)3(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2.(Mg,Fe)3(OH)6

(Many solid solution possiblities exist with the "chlorite" composition, each producing a specimen with slightly varying properties. Chlorite minerals include clinochlore (most abundant), baileychlore, chamosite, cookeite, donbassite, gonyerite, nimite, odinite, orthochamosite, pennantite, ripidolite, sudoite.

1. Chlorite from Quebec, Canada. This specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

2. A side view of the layering of chlorite from Quebec, Canada. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6

centimeters) across.

Chromite - Mineral Properties and Uses



What is Chromite?

Chromite is an iron chromium oxide mineral and the only ore of chromium metal. It is a mineral found in ultrabaisc rocks such as peridotite. It is also found in serpentines and other metamorphic rocks derived from the alteration of ultrabasic rocks. It is a high temperature mineral often found in the lower parts of magma bodies from the fractional crystallization process.

Uses

Chromite is the only ore of chromium, a metal used to induce hardness, toughness and chemical resistance in steel. The alloy produced is known as "stainless steel". When alloyed with iron and nickel it produces a alloy known as "nichrome" which is resitant to high temperatures and used to make heating units, ovens and other appliances. Thin coatings of chromium alloys are used as platings on auto parts, appliances and other products and given the name "chrome plated".

Color iron black to brownish black

Streak dark brown

Luster metallic to submetallic

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage none

Hardness 5.5 - 6



luster, streak

Crystal System isometric


Chemical Composition iron chromium oxide, FeCr2O4

Chromite from the Transvaal area of South Africa. Chromite from Shurugwi, ZimbabweThis specimen is approximately 3.5 inches (9 centimeters) Specimenis approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across across.

Chrysoberyl - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Chrysoberyl? Chrysoberyl is a rare beryllium aluminum oxide mineral found in granites, pegmatites and mica



schists. It is resistant to abrasion and chemical attack and is often found in the sediments derived from weathering of its source rocks. It is occasionally used as a gemstone.

Uses

Chrysoberyl is used as a gemstone. The typical yellow and green colors are lower-value stones. Sometimes a small amount of aluminum in chrysoberyl is replaced by chromium. This yields stones that are strongly pleochroic and change color from red to green depending upon the angle of viewing. Some also change color depending upon the type of light (natural or incandescent) that illuminates them. These stones change color from red to green and are referred to as "Alexandrite". Some yellow chrysoberyls are translucent and contain aligned inclusions of rutile. This gives them a silky luster and a chatoyance or "cat's eye". These stones are known as "cymophane".

Color various shades of green and yellow

Streak colorless

Luster vitreous


Cleavage poor, prismatic

Hardness 8.5



hardness, color

Crystal System orthorhombic


Chemical Composition beryllium aluminum oxide, BeAl2O4

Chrysoberyl from Lake Alaotra, Madagascar.This specimen is approximately 1/2 inch (1.3 centimeters) across.

Cinnabar - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Cinnabar?

Cinnabar is a mercury sulfide mineral and the most important ore of mercury. It is most often found near recent volcanic activity. It forms at low temperatures in veins and other pore spaces.



Uses

Cinnabar is the primary ore of mercury. Mercury is used instruments, electrical controls and as a fungicide. It was once used to recover gold from stream sediments and crushed ore, however, other methods are now used instead.

Color scarlet red to brownish red

Streak scarlet

Luster adamantine


Cleavage perfect, prismatic

Hardness 2 - 2.5



specific gravity, color, streak, cleavage



Chemical Composition mercury sulfide, HgS

Copper - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Copper? Native copper is an element and a mineral. It is found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits; in hydrothermal veins; in the cavities of basalt that has been in contact with hydrothermal solutions; and as pore fillings and replacements in conglomerates that have been in contact with hydrothermal solutions. It is rarely found in large quantities, thus it is seldom the primary target of a mining operation. Most copper produced


Enstatite - Mineral Properties and Uses

UsesEnstatite uses include: minor gemstone, decorative purposes.

Color grayish white, yellowish, green, brown

Streak white to gray

Luster vitreous

Diaphaneity translucent to opaque

Cleavage good, prismatic

Hardness 5.5 - 6



cleavage, color, luster



is extracted from sulfide deposits.

Uses

Native copper was probably one of the early metals worked by ancient people. Nuggets of the metal could be found in streams in a few areas and its properties allowed it to be easily worked without a required processing step. Today most copper is produced from sulfide ores.

Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity. Most copper mined today is used to conduct electricty - mostly as wiring. It is also an excellent conductor of heat and is used in cooking utensils, heat sinks and heat exchangers. Large amounts are also used to make alloys such as brass (copper and zinc) and bronze (copper, tin and zinc). Copper is also alloyed with precious metals such as gold and silver. Copper has many other uses.

Color copper red on a fresh surface, dull brown on a tarnished surface

Streak metallic copper red

Luster metallic

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage none

Hardness 2.5 - 3



color, luster, specific gravity, malleability, ductility


Chemical Classification element

Chemical Composition copper, Cu

Copper from Bisbee, Arizona.This specimen is approximately 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters) across

Cordierite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Cordierite uses include: gems, ceramics.

Color various shades of blue to bluish gray

Streak colorless

Luster vitreous




Cleavage poor

Hardness 7 - 7.5



resembles quartz


Cordierite from Madagascar. This specimen is approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across

Corundum - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses

Corundum is very hard and is used as an abrasive in the manufacture of sandpaper, polishing compounds and cutting tools. When it occurs as a colorful and clear stone it is used as gem. Rubies are red corundums and corundums of any other color are known as sapphires.

Color Most often gray, but also white, brown, red, blue, yellow, green.



StreakCorundum is harder than the streak plate. It does not leave a streak.

Luster Adamantine to vitreous.

Diaphaneity Transparent to translucent.

CleavageNone. However, corundum does display parting perpendicular to the long axis of its hexagonal crystals (see photo below).

Hardness 9

Specific Gravity

3.9 - 4.1


Hardness, specific gravity, hexagonal crystals with parting, high luster.

Crystal System Hexagonal


Oxide


Aluminum Oxide, Al2O3

1. Common corundum showing parting and hexagonal habit from the Zoutpansberg District, Transvaal, South Africa. Specimen is approximately two inches (5 centimeters) across.

2. Corundum (ruby) in zoisite from Merkestein, Transvaal, South Africa. Specimen is about six inches

(fifteen centimeters) across.

Cuprite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Cuprite?

Cuprite is a supergene copper oxide mineral found in the oxidized zone of copper deposits. It is a minor ore of copper.

Uses Cuprite uses include: ore of copper.

Color various shades of red, sometimes nearly black



Streak brownish red

Luster submetallic to adamantine

Diaphaneity subtranslucent

Cleavage none

Hardness 3.5 - 4

Specific Gravity

5.8 - 6.1


color, streak, luster



oxide


copper oxide, Cu2O

1. Cuprite with chrysocolla from Butte, Montana.This specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

2. Chalcotrichite, a variety of cuprite from Bisbee, Arizona.This specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

Diamond - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses of Diamond Most of the world's diamond production is consumed by industry for use as an abrasive in cutting, grinding, drilling and polishing procedures. The second category of diamond use is as a gemstone. More money is spent on diamonds than all other types of gemstones combined. A small amount of diamond



goes to other use. These include: heat sinks, specialty windows and bearings.

Color

Most industrial grade diamond is black in color, often due to impurities. Gem quality diamonds occur in a range of colors. These include: colorless, yellow, red, orange, green, blue, and brown.

Streak colorless - diamond is much harder than the streak plate

Luster adamantine - the highest luster for a nonmetallic mineral

Diaphaneity transparent

Cleavage perfect, octahedral

Hardness 10



hardness, heat conductivity, crystal form


Chemical Classification element

Chemical Composition Carbon

A natural, uncut octahedral diamond crystal. © iStockphoto / Timo Klein

Diopside - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Diopside uses include: gemstone.

Color grayish white to light green

Streak white to light green



Luster vitreous


Cleavage imperfect, prismatic

Hardness 5.5 - 6



cleavage


Pyroxene, a variety of diopside from Bird Creek, Quebec, Canada.This specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Dolomite - Mineral Properties and Uses

UsesDolomite uses include: building stones, refractory bricks for furnace linings, ornamental stone, ore of metallic magnesium.

Color colorless, white, pink, green, gray, brown, black

Streak white

Luster vitreous


Cleavage perfect, rhombohedral

Hardness 3.5 - 4



cleavage, powdered form effervesces in HCl


1 3



2 4

1. Crystallized dolomite from Penfield, New York.This specimen is approximately 3 inches (6.7 centimeters) across.

2. Crystalline granular dolomite from Thornwood, New York.This specimen is approximately 3 inches (6.7 centimeters) across.

3. Dolomite from Lee, Massachusetts.This specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

4. Crystalline granular dolomite from Thornwood, New York. This specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Epidote from Rockbridge County, Virginia.This specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Epidote - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Epidote uses include: semiprecious gem.

Color pistachio green to yellowish green to black

Streak colorless

Luster vitreous




Cleavage perfect

Hardness 6.0 - 7.0



color, cleavage


Fluorite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Fluorite uses include: flux, drinking water, ornamental stone.

Color colorless, green, blue, purple, yellow, red, black

Streak white

Luster vitreous


Cleavage perfect, octahedral

Hardness 4



cleavage, hardness, luster


This cut gemstone of fluorite is from Afghanistan.The gem is 5.2 carats and approximately 13 millimeters by 10 millimeters.

Galena - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Galena?

Galena is a lead sulfide mineral commonly found in hydrothermal veins; or as fracture filings, cavity fillings and replacements in limestone. Lesser amounts are found in many igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Galena is the primary ore of lead and is often mined for its silver content (silver substitutes for lead within the galena structure). Its perfect cleavage, silver color and very high specific gravity make it very easy to identify.

Uses Galena is the most important ore of lead. Silver is often



produced as a by-product. Most lead is consumed in making batteries, however, significant amounts are also used to make lead sheets, pipe and shot. It is also used to make low-melting-point alloys. Its use as a pigment has declined as has its use in making solder.

Color lead gray

Streak lead gray

Luster metallic

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage perfect, cubic

Hardness 2.5



color, luster, specific gravity, streak



Chemical Composition lead sulfide, PbS

1 2

1. Argentiferous galena from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Specimen is approximately 2-1/2 inches (6.4 centimeters)

across.

2. This is cryolite, siderite and galena from Ivigtut, Greenland. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10


Garnet - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Garnet uses include: gemstone, sand paper.

Color wine red to reddish brown, yellow, green, black

Streak colorless

Luster vitreous




Cleavage none

Hardness 6.5 - 8



hardness, color, specific gravity


1 3

2 4

1. Almandite, a variety of garnet from River Valley, Ontario, Canada. Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5


2. Almandite, a variety of garnet from Lount Township, Ontario, Canada. Specimen is approximately 4-1/2 inches (11.4


3. Grossularite garnet (or Rosolite) with Idocrase, from Xalostoc, Mexico. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10


4. Grossularite garnet (or Essonite) from Eden Mills, Vermont. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters)

across.

Glauconite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Glauconite uses include: fertilizer, soil amendment.

Color green, blue green

Streak dull green

Luster earthy to dull




Cleavage perfect

Hardness 2



color


This is glauconite in sandstone from Afton, Minnesota.Specimen is approximately 3-1/2 inches (8.9 centimeters) across.

Gold - Mineral Properties and UsesWhat is Gold? Native gold is an element and a mineral. It is highly prized by people because

of its attractive color, resistance to tarnish and its many special properties - some of which are unique to gold. Its rarity, usefulness and desirability make it command a high price.

Trace amounts of gold are found almost everywhere but large deposits are



found in only a few locations. Although there are about twenty different gold minerals all of them are quite rare. Therefore, most gold found in nature is in the form of the native metal.

Gold occurs in hydrothermal veins deposited by ascending solutions; as dissiminated particles through some sulfide deposits and in placer deposits.

Uses

Most of the gold that is newly consumed or recycled each year is used in the production of jewelry. About 10% is used in coinage or in the financial stores of governments. The remaining 12% is consumed in a wide range of other uses which include electronics, medicine, dentistry, computers, awards, pigments, guilding, and optics. More information on the uses of gold.

Color gold yellow

Streak gold yellow

Luster metallic

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage none

Hardness 2.5 - 3


Distinguishing Characteristics

color, hardness, streak, specific gravity



element


gold, Au

1. White "vein quartz" with gold from Colorado.This specimen is approximately one inch (2.5 centimeters) across.

2. Vein quartz with gold attached to basalt from California.This specimen is approximately 1 inch (2.4 centimeters) across.

Graphite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Graphite uses include: pencil lead, oil , lubricant .

Color black

Streak black



Luster Dull metallic

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage perfect

Hardness 1.0 – 2.0

Specific Gravity 2.1 – 2.3


Color , streak, feel, specific gravity


1. Graphite from Kropfmuhl, Austria. Specimen is approximately 1-1/2 inches (3.8 centimeters) across.

2. Graphite in schist from Essex County, New York. Specimen is approximately 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) across.

Gypsum - Mineral Properties and UsesWhat is Gypsum? Gypsum is an evaporite mineral most commonly found in

layered sedimentary deposits in association with halite, anhydrite, sulfur, calcite and dolomite. Gypsum (CaSO4

.2H2O) is very similar to Anhydrite (CaSO4). The chemical difference is that gypsum contains two waters and anhydrite is without



water. Gypsum is the most common sulfate mineral.

Uses

Gypsum uses include: manufacture of wallboard, cement, plaster of Paris, soil conditioning, a hardening retarder in Portland cement. Varieties of gypsum known as "satin spar" and "alabaster" are used for a variety of ornamental purposes, however their low hardness limits their durability.

Color clear, colorless, white, gray, yellow, red, brown

Streak white

Luster vitreous


Cleavage perfect

Hardness 2



cleavage, specific gravity, low hardness



sulfate


hydrous calcium sulfate, CaSO4.2H2O

1. Satin spar, a fibrous variety of gypsum from Derbyshire, England. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

2. Gypsum from Grand Rapids, Michigan.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

3. Selenite, a variety of gypsum from Penfield, New York. Specimen is approximately 2-1/2 inches (6.4 centimeters) across.

4. Selenite, a variety of gypsum from Penfield, New York. Specimen is approximately 2-1/2 inches (6.4 centimeters) across.

5. Gypsum from North Holston, Virginia. Specimen is approximately 1-1/2 inches (3.8 centimeters) across.

6. Satin spar, a fibrous variety of gypsum from Derbyshire, England. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

7. Alabaster, a variety of gypsum, from Pomaia, Italy. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

8. The translucent characteristic of alabaster, a variety of gypsum, from Pomaia, Italy. Specimen is

approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

1 2



3

4

5

6

7 8

Halite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Halite uses include: table salt, tanning.

Colorcolorless or white, (yellow, red, blue, purple, orange if impure)

Streak white



Luster vitreous



Hardness 2.5



taste, cleavage


1. Halite from Retsof, New York. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

2. Halite from the Salton Sea, California. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Hornblende - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Hornblende uses include: decoration, dimension stone.

Color dark green to black

Streak gray to greenish gray

Luster vitreous


Hematite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Hematite uses include: ore of iron, pigment.

Color steel gray to black, reddish brown to black

Streak red to reddish brown

Luster metallic, dull

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage none

Hardness 5.0 - 6.0



streak

Crystal System Hexagonal


Diaphaneity translucent to nearly opaque

Cleavage good

Hardness 5.0 - 6.0



cleavage, color


Amphibole, a variety of hornblende from Faraday Township, Ontario, Canada. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

Ilmenite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Ilmenite?

Ilmenite is an iron titanium oxide and the primary ore of titanium. It is a common accessory mineral in igneous rocks such as gabbro, diorite and anorthosite. It is also forms in veins and pegmatites. Most of the commercially produced ilmenite is recovered from sands that have formed from the weathering of ilmenite-bearing rocks. The ilmenite sand is recovered by dredging and processing the alluvial deposits.



Uses

Ilmenite is the primary ore of titanium. It is also used in the manufacture of titanium dioxide for paint pigments. Titanium is used to manufacture a wide variety of metal parts where light weight and very high strength are needed. Examples include: aircraft parts, artificial joints for humans and sporting equipment such as bicycle frames. Titanium is also used in a number of high-performance alloys.

Color black

Streak black

Luster metallic, submetallic

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage none

Hardness 5.5 - 6



streak, weakly magnetic



oxide


iron titanium oxide , FeTiO3, sometimes has significant magnesium and manganese substituting for the iron to yield a composition of (Fe, Mg, Mn)TiO3

1. Ilmenite from St-Urbain, Quebec, Canada. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

2. Ilmenite from Kragero, Norway. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Jadeite - Mineral Properties and Uses

UsesJadeite uses include: jewelry, ornaments, weapons, semi-precious stone.

Color various shades of light and dark green, white

Streak colorless



Luster vitreous

Diaphaneity semi-transparent

Cleavage good, prismatic

Hardness 6.0 - 7.0

Specific Gravity

3.2 - 3.4


color


Kyanite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses

Kyanite is most often used where heat resistance is important. It is used to make high refractory strength porcelain, refractory bricks and mortars, kiln furniture, brake shoes, clutch facings, grinding wheels, cutting disks. It is also used in standard porcelain of dentures, sinks and bathroom fixtures. When kyanite is highly transparent and of attractive color it can be cut into cabochon and faceted gemstones.

Color blue, white, gray, green, colorless

Streak white, colorless

Luster vitreous, pearly


Cleavage perfect in two directions, faces sometimes striated

HardnessKyanite often occurs in long, bladed crystals. These have a hardness of 4.5 to 5 along the length of the crystals and 6.5 to 7 across the width of the crystals.

Specific Gravity

3.5 - 3.7


color, cleavage, bladed crystals

Crystal System

triclinic


Silicate - Nesosilicate


Al2SiO5 (kyanite is polymorphic with sillimanite and andalusite)

1 2



3

4

1. Blue bladed kyanite from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Specimen is approximately two inches (5 centimeters) across.

2. Green kyanite blades in quartzite from Avery County, North Carolina. Specimen is about four inches (ten centimeters) across.

3. Green bladed kyanite (same specimen as above) - looking down the long axis of the blades. Specimen is about 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

4. Sometimes kyanite occurs as radiating masses of crystals such as this specimen from Petaca, New Mexico. Specimen is about 4 inches (ten centimeters) across.

Limonite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Limonite uses include: a minor ore of iron.

Color medium to dark yellowish brown

Streak yellowish brown



Luster dull to earthy

Diaphaneity -

Cleavagebecause limonite is a mixture of other minerals it has no cleavage of its own

Hardness 1.0 - 5.0

Specific Gravity

2.7 - 4.3


variable - can be yellow-brown, brown, redish brown

Crystal System amorphous to cryptocrystalline

1. Limonite from Newport, New York. Specimen is approximately 2-1/2 inches (6.4 centimeters) across.

2. Limonite with goethite from Ironton, Minnesota. Specimen is approximately 2-1/2 inches (6.4 centimeters) across.


Magnesite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Magnesite uses include: refractory bricks, cement,.

Color white, grayish, yellowish, brownish, colorless

Streak white

Luster vitreous


Cleavage perfect

Hardness 3.5 -5.0



dissolves with warm HCl in the powdered form



Magnetite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses of Magnetite

Important ore of iron; heavy media for specific gravity separations; abrasive; toner in electrophotography; micronutrient in fertilizers; pigment in paints; an aggregate for high-density concrete. (More details provided above.)

Color black

Streak black

Luster metallic to submetallic

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage none

Hardness 5.5 - 6.5



strongly magnetic, color, streak, octahedral crystal habit


Chemical Classification Oxide

Chemical Composition Fe3O4



1. Magnesite from Chewelah, Washington. Specimen is approximately 3-1/2 inches (8.9 centimeters) across.2. Magnesite from Riverside County, California. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

1. Typical magnetite. Specimen is approximately four inches (10 centimeters) across.

2. Lodestone: note now the specimen attracts small particles of iron. Specimen is approximately four inches (10 centimeters) across.

Marcasite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Marcasite? Marcasite is an iron sulfide mineral. It has the same chemical composition as pyrite, however these two minerals are in different crystal systems (marcasite is orthorhombic and pyrite is isometric).

Uses Very few commercial uses. Has been used as a source of sulfur and as an ornamental stone (many of the ornamental stones sold under the name of "marcasite" are actually pyrite).

Color pale bronze yellow

Streak grayish black

Luster metallic

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage poor

Hardness 6.0 - 7.5



color



Chemical Composition iron sulfide, FeS2

Molybdenite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Molybdenite?

Molybdenite is a molybdenum sulfide mineral and the leading ore of molybdenum. It occurs as an accessory mineral in some granites and pegmatites. It is also found in some copper porphyry deposits, contact metamorphic rocks and high temperature vein deposits. It is a soft gray mineral that is easily confused with graphite.

UsesMolybdenite is the primary ore of molybdenum. It has also been used as a specialty libricant.



Color lead gray

Streak bluish gray grayish black

Luster metallic

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage perfect

Hardness 1.0 - 2.0



greasy feel, color, streak, specific gravity



sulfide


molybdenum sulfide, MoS2

1. Molybdenite in quartz from Calaveras County, California. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

2. Molybdenite from Whitehall, Montana. Specimens are approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch (1.3 centimeters to 2.5




Monazite - Mineral Properties and Uses

UsesMonazite uses include: primary source for thorium, cerium, and other rare elements.

Color yellowish to reddish brown

Streak white

Luster resinous to waxy

Diaphaneity translucent

Cleavage poor

Hardness 5 - 5.5



specific gravity


Muscovite from Mitchell County, North Carolina.

Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.


Muscovite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Muscovite?

Muscovite is a common rock-forming mineral. It is a mica found in many types of igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is also found in some sediments that have not been significantly weathered and the sedimentary rocks derived from them. It is easily recognized because of its perfect cleavage that allows it to separate into thin, transparent, flexible sheets.

Uses

Muscovite has a high resistance to heat and, split into thin transparent sheets, it has been used as windows on high-temperature furnaces and ovens. It is an insulator and was used in the past to make circuit boards. Historically, it was used as an early window glass.

Color colorless, yellow, brown, green, red

Streak white

Luster vitreous


Cleavage perfect

Hardness 2.5 - 3



cleavage, color



silicate


KAl2(Si3Al)O10(OH,F)2


Sheet of cut muscovite from India. Specimen is approximately 4 inches by 3 inches (10 centimeters by 7.6 centimeters).

1. Nepheline from Dungannon Township, Ontario, Canada. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

2. Nepheline from Bancroft, Ontario, Canada. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

3. Nepheline cancrinite syenite from Litchfield, Maine. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Olivine - Mineral Properties and Uses

UsesOlivine uses include: gemstones, bricks, refractory sand.

Color olive to yellowish green

Streak colorless

Luster vitreous


Cleavage none

Hardness 6.5 - 7





glassy luster, color


1 3

2

1. Basalt and olivine from Arizona. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

2. Olivine from Mitchell County, North Carolina. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

3. Peridot, a variety of olivine, from Arizona. These are approximately 11 millimeters by 7 millimeters each.

Orthoclase - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Orthoclase uses include: gemstones .

Color white, gray, flesh pink, reddish, yellow, green

Streak white

Luster vitreous

Diaphaneity translucent to subtranslucent

Cleavage perfect

Hardness 6 - 6.5





cleavage, color


Plagioclase - Mineral Properties and Uses

UsesPlagioclase uses include: decorative stone, moon stone, buildings.

Color colorless, white, gray, bluish, greenish, yellowish, reddish

Streak white

Luster vitreous


Cleavage perfect

Hardness 6 - 6.5



cleavage

Crystal System triclinic

Prehnite - Mineral Properties and Uses

UsesPrehnite uses include: ornamental material, semiprecious gem.

Color white, green, gray, yellow

Streak white

Luster vitreous


Cleavage basal

Hardness 6 - 6.5





color, cleavage


.

Beads of prehnite. Each bead is approximately 6 millimeter across

Pyrite from Rico, Colorado. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

Pyrite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Pyrite?

Pyrite is an iron sulfide mineral and one of the most ubiquitous minerals of earth's crust. It is found in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and crystallizes at both high and low temperatures. Its yellow color and metallic luster occasionally fool inexperienced people who confuse it with gold - hence the name "fools gold".

Uses The uses of pyrite are declining. The main uses today are the production of sulfur dioxide for the paper industry and sulfuric acid for the chemical industry. Other sources of these substances are replacing what was once produced from pyrite. It is rarely mined for its iron content because the associated sulfur contaminates the iron to render



it brittle and useless for most applications.

Color pale brass yellow

Streak greenish black to brownish black

Luster metallic

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage indistinct

Hardness 6 - 6.5



color, hardness, fool's gold



Chemical Composition iron sulfide, FeS 2

Pyrite with hematite from Rio Marina, Isle of Elba, Italy. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across

Pyrite, crystal in schist from Chester, Vermont. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across



Pyrophyllite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Pyrophyllite uses include: ceramics, refractory materials.

Color white, pale blue, yellow, grayish green, brownish green

Streak white

Luster pearly to greasy


Cleavage perfect

Hardness 1.0 - 2.0



cleavage, greasy feel


Pyrophyllite from Moore County, North Carolina. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across

Pyrrhotite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Pyrrhotite?

Pyrrhotite is an iron sulfide mineral found in basic igneous rocks, pegmatites, vein deposits, and contact metamorphic deposits. It is slighly magnetic.

Uses

Pyrrhotite is mined primarily because it is associated with pentlandite, sulfide mineral that can contain significant amounts of nickel and cobalt.

Color bronze yellow, brownish bronze, reddish bronze

Streak dark grayish black

Luster metallic



Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage none

Hardness 3.5 - 4.5



color, magnetism



Chemical Composition iron sulfide, Fe1-xS

1. Pyrrhotite from Falconbridge, Ontario, Canada. Specimen is approximately 3 , 2,5 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

2. Nickeliferous pyrrhotite from Falconbridge, Ontario, Canada. Specimen is approximately 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) across.

Quartz - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses

Quartz uses are outlined in detail above. They include: glass making, foundry sand, hydrofrac sand, optical materials, components in electronic products, traction sands, sharpening media, polishing compounds, grinding compounds, fillers and extenders.

ColorQuartz occurs in virtually every color. Common colors are clear, white, gray, purple, yellow, brown, black, pink, green, red.

Streak colorless (harder than the streak plate)

Luster vitreous


Cleavage none - typically breaks with a conchoidal fracture.



Hardness 7

Specific Gravity

2.6 - 2.7


conchoidal fracture, glassy luster, hardness



Silicate


Silicon Dioxide, SiO2



1. Translucent pink "rose" quartz in the rough. Specimen is about four inches (ten centimeters) across.2. "Glass sand" is a sandstone that is composed almost entirely of quartz grains. Pictured here is a

specimen of the Oriskany Sandstone from Hancock, West Virginia. In a few locations the Oriskany is over 99% pure quartz. Much of it has been used for container glass but some of it has been selected for use in making lenses for the largest telescopes. Specimen is about four inches (ten centimeters across).

3. Transparent "rock crystal" quartz. This specimen shows the conchoidal fracture (fracture that produces curved surfaces) that is characteristic of the mineral. Specimen is about four inches (ten centimeters) across and is from Minas Gerais, Brazil.

4. Chert is a microcrystaline or cryptocrystalline quartz. It occurs as nodules and concretionary masses and less frequently as a layered deposit. This specimen is about four inches (ten centimeters) across and is from Joplin, Missouri.

5. Silicified "petrified" wood is formed when buried plant debris is infiltrated with mineral-bearing waters which precipitate quartz. This quartz infills the cavities within the wood and often replaces the woody tissues. This specimen is about four inches (ten centimeters) across and is from Yuma County, Arizona

6. A Herkimer "Diamond" quartz crystal in dolostone. This specimen is about six inches (fifteen centimeters) across and is from Middleville, New York.

7. "Novaculite" is a dense, cryptocrystalline variety of quartz with a fine-grained and very uniform texture. As quartz, it has a hardness of 7 (harder than steel) and is used as a "whetstone" for sharpening knives.

8. Aventurine is colorful variety of quartz that contains abundant shiny inclusions of minerals such as mica or hematite. It is often cut and polished for use as an ornamental stone. Common colors for aventurine are green, orange and blue. This specimen is about four inches (ten centimeters) across and is from India.

9. Purple crystalline quartz is known as "amethyst". When transparent and of high quality it is often cut as a gemstone. This specimen is about four inches (ten centimeters) across and is from Guanajuato, Mexico.

10. Flint is a variety of microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline quartz. It occurs as nodules and concretionary masses and less frequently as a layered deposit. It breaks consistently with a conchoidal fracture and was one of the first materials used to make tools by early people. They used it to make cutting tools. After thousands of years, people continue to use it. It is presently used as the cutting edge in some of the finest surgical tools. This specimen is about four inches (ten centimeters) across and is from Dover Cliffs, England.

Rhodochrosite - Mineral Properties and Uses


http://geology.com/articles/herkimer-diamonds.shtml


UsesRhodochrosite uses include: ore of manganese, ornamental use.

Color pink, red, yellow, gray, brown

Streak white

Luster vitreous


Cleavage perfect, rhombohedral

Hardness 3.5 - 4.5



color, cleavage


Rhodochrosite from Catamarca Province, Argentina, South America. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Rhodonite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Rhodonite uses include: decorative stone .

Color pink, rose red, red brown, brown

Streak white

Luster vitreous


Cleavage perfect

Hardness 5.5 - 6


Distinguishing color, cleavage



Characteristics


Rhodonite with sphalerite from Butte, Montana. Specimen is approximately 3-1/2 inches (8.9 centimeters) across.

Rutile - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Rutile?

Rutile is a titanium oxide mineral that is most commonly found in granites, pegmatites and metamorphic rocks. It is also found in sands derived from the weathering of these rocks. Rutile also forms as slender crystals within quartz and micas. It is a common mineral in the alluvial sands that are dredged for magnetite and ilmenite.

Uses

Rutile is used as a coating on welding rods. It is also used as an ore of titanium, a metal used where light weight and high strength are needed. Some rutile used in the production of pigments for paints.



Color red, reddish brown, reddish black

Streak pale brown

Luster adamantine to submetallic

Diaphaneity transparent to subtranslucent

Cleavage good

Hardness 6 - 6.5



luster, color



Chemical Composition titanium oxide, TiO2,

1 3

2

1. Rutile from Oaxaca, Mexico. Specimen is approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across.

2. Ilmenorutile, a variety of rutile from Iveland, Norway. Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.

3. Nigrine, a variety of rutile from Magnet Cove, Arkansas. Specimens are approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch (1.3 centimeters to 2.5 centimeters) across.

Serpentine - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Serpentine? Serpentine uses include: thermal conductivity, industrial mineral, ornamental stone.

Usesvarious shades of green

Colorwhite

Streakgreasy or waxy

Lustertranslucent to opaque



Diaphaneityperfect

Cleavage3.0 - 5.0

Hardness2.5 - 2.6

Specific Gravitycolor, luster


monoclinic

Crystal SystemSerpentine uses include: thermal conductivity, industrial mineral, ornamental stone.

Chemical Classification various shades of green

Chemical Composition white

Serpentine from Warren County, New York. Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.

1 2

3

4



1. Chrysotile, a variety of serpentine from Lowell, Vermont. Specimen is approximately 2-1/2 inches (6.4 centimeters) across.

2. Verde Antique, a variety of serpentine from Rochester, Vermont. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

3. Serpentine from Cornwall, England. Specimen is approximately 2-1/2 inches (6.4 centimeters) across.

4. Serpentine from Easton, Pennsylvania. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

1 3

2


Siderite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Siderite uses include: iron ore, pigments.

Color yellowish, reddish, grayish, brown

Streak white

Luster vitreous


Cleavage perfect

Hardness 3.5 - 4.5



color, specific gravity, dissolves in HCl



1. Siderite from Roxbury, Connecticut. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

2. Siderite from Roxbury, Connecticut. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

3. Siderite from Roxbury, Connecticut. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Sillimanite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Sillimanite uses include: no significant commercial use.

Color colorless, white, yellow, brown, blue, green

Streak colorless

Luster vitreous


Cleavage perfect

Hardness 6.5 - 7.5



slender crystals, fibrous habit


Sillimanite with magnetite from Benson Mines, New York. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.



Sillimanite from Williamstown, South Australia. Sillimanite from Dillon, Montana.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Silver - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Silver uses include: jewelry, tableware, coins, electronics, photographic films, ornaments.

Color silvery white

Streak silvery white

Luster metallic

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage none

Hardness 2.5 - 3



color, specific gravity


Sodalite - Mineral Properties and Uses

UsesSodalite uses include: dimension stone, decorative purposes, ornamental material.

Color blue, white, gray, green, colorless, yellow, red

Streak white, blue

Luster vitreous


Cleavage none

Hardness 5.5 - 6



Specific Gravity

2.2 - 2.3


color


Sodalite from Ice River, British Columbia, Canada. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

Sphalerite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Sphalerite?

Sphalerite is a zince sulfide mineral commonly found in hydrothermal veins; or as fracture filings, cavity fillings and replacements in limestone; and, contact metamorphism deposits. Lesser amounts are found in many igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Sphalerite is the primary ore of zinc and is often mined for its content of cadmium, indium, gallium or germanium (these substitute for zinc within the sphalerite structure). Its six directions of cleavage, resinous to sometimes adamantine luster and sulfur smell upon streak make sphalerite very easy to identify.

Uses Sphalerite uses include: primary ore of zinc, mined because it contains minor amounts of indium, cadmium, germanium or



gallium.

Color pale yellow, light brown, black, red, green, white, colorless

Streak brown to light yellow, white

Luster resinous


Cleavage perfect, dodecahedral

Hardness 3.5 - 4

Specific Gravity

3.9 - 4.1


luster, cleavage, streak



sulfide


zinc sulfide , ZnS

Sphalerite with dolomite from Gilman, Colorado. Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.

Spinel - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Spinel?

Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide accessory mineral in basic igneous rocks such as gabbro and basalt. It is also found in metamorphosed argillaceous rocks and especially in marbles formed as a result of contact metamorphism. It is resistant to chemical weathering and abrasion and is often found in sediments derived from spinel-bearing rocks. Its main use is as a gemstone.

UsesThe primary use of spinel is as a gemstone. There is no industrial use for spinel in large quantities.

Color white, colorless, red, blue, green, brown, black



Streak colorless (harder than the streak plate)

Luster vitreous


Cleavage none

Hardness 7.5 - 8

Specific Gravity

3.5 - 4.1


hardness, color, luster



oxide


magnesium aluminum oxide, MgAl2O4

"Ruby" spinel, from Tanzania, Africa. Each specimen is approximately 1/4 inch (.6 centimeter) across.

Spodumene - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Spodumene uses include: lithium, gemstone.

Color white, grayish white, yellow, green, blue, lilac, pink

Streak colorless

Luster vitreous


Cleavage good

Hardness 6.5 - 7



Specific Gravity

3.0 - 3.2


color, cleavage, hardness


1. Sphalerite, carrying gallium and indium, from Gilman, Colorado. Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.

2. Alabandite and sphalerite from Harshaw, Arizona. Specimens are approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch (1.3 centimeters to 2.5 centimeters) across.

Staurolite - Mineral Properties and Uses

UsesStaurolite uses include: abrasive, jewelry.

Colorreddish, yellowish, brownish black, black, gray

Streakgray

Lustervitreous



Diaphaneitytranslucent to opaque

Cleavagepoor

Hardness7 - 7.5

Specific Gravity

3.7 - 3.8


color, crystal form


Staurolite in schist from Little Falls, Minnesota.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Sulfur - Mineral Properties and Uses

UsesSulfur uses include: sulfuric acid, fertilizers, sulfur compounds.

Color sulfur yellow

Streak white

Luster resinous


Cleavage none



Hardness 1.5 - 2.5

Specific Gravity

2.0 - 2.1


color, hardness


Sylvite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Sylvite uses include: salt substitute, fertilizer.

Color colorless, white, blue, yellow, red, gray

Streak white

Luster vitreous



Hardness 2

Specific Gravity 2


taste


Talc - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Talc uses include: paint, ceramics, rubber, roofing, paper.

Color sea green, white, gray

Streak white to very pale green

Luster pearly


Cleavage perfect

Hardness 1





feel, color, softness, cleavage


1 2

3 4

5

1.Foliated talc from St. Lawrence County, New York. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

2.Foliated talc from Holly Springs, Georgia.Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

3.Green foliated talc from Holly Springs, Georgia. Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.

4.Gray massive talc from Murray County, Georgia. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

5.Soapstone, a variety of talc from Murray County, Georgia. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Titanite - Mineral Properties and Uses

UsesTitanite uses include: ore of titanium.

Colorgray, brown, green, yellow, black, red

Streakwhite

Lusterresinous to adamantine


Cleavage fair, prismatic



Hardness5 - 5.5



luster, color, hardness


Tourmaline - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Tourmaline uses include: gemstone.

Color bluish black, black, yellow, pink, blue, green, colorless, red

Streak colorless, gray

Luster vitreous

Diaphaneity transparent to nearly opaque

Cleavage poor

Hardness 7 - 7.5

Specific Gravity

3.0 - 3.3


lack of cleavage, color


1 2

3 4



1. Tourmaline in granite from Stoneham, Maine. Specimen is approximately 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) across.

2. A close-up of tourmaline from Pierrepont, New York. The overall specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

3. Tourmaline from Pierrepont, New York. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

4. Tourmaline in microcline from Bathurst, Ontario, Canada. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

Turquoise from Manhattan, Nevada.Each specimen is approximately 1/2 inch (1.3 centimeters) across.

Uraninite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Uraninite?

Uraninite is an oxide of uranium. It occurs in granite pegmatites, occasionally in hydrothermal veins, and less often in sandstones. It is the primary ore of uranium. It has a very high specific gravity and is radioactive. Uraninite is also known as "pitchblende".

Uses Uraninite uses include: primary ore of uranium, used to prepare fuel for nuclear reactors.

Color brownish black to black

Streak brownish black, grayish


Turquoise - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Turquoise uses include: decorative stone, gemstone.

Color turquoise green, sky blue, apple green, greenish gray

Streak white, greenish

Luster waxy

Diaphaneity nearly opaque

Cleavage perfect

Hardness 5.0 - 6.0



color



Luster submetallic to pitchlike

Diaphaneity opaque

Cleavage none

Hardness 5.0 - 6.0



radioactivity, color, luster, specific gravity, lack of cleavage



Chemical Composition Uranium Oxide , UO2

Witherite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Witherite uses include: barium.

Color white, colorless, light grayish, yellowish brown

Streak white

Luster vitreous


Cleavage fair, distinct

Hardness 3 - 3.5



specific gravity, effervesces in dilute HCl


Witherite from Hexham, England.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.



Wollastonite - Mineral Properties and Uses

UsesWollastonite uses include: asbestos, siding, roofing tile, ceramics.

Color white, gray, pale green, colorless

Streak white

Luster vitreous

Diaphaneity subtransparent to translucent

Cleavage three directions of cleavage, perfect

Hardness 4.5 - 5.5



color, cleavage


Wollastonite with garnet from Willsboro, New York.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Zircon - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Zircon uses include: metals, gemstone.

Colorcolorless, light brown to reddish brown, grayish, yellowish, reddish, green

Streak colorless

Luster adamantine


Cleavage poor

Hardness 7.5



hardness, color, specific gravity




Cut brown zircon from Cambodia.Gemstone is approximately .90 carats, and 6 millimeters by 5 millimeters.

Zoisite - Mineral Properties and Uses

Uses Zoisite uses include: gemstone.

Color gray, pale green, brown, white, greenish brown, greenish gray, pink

Streak colorless

Luster vitreous

Diaphaneity transparent to subtranslucent

Cleavage perfect

Hardness 6 - 6.7

Specific Gravity

3.2 - 3.4


color, cleavage




Zoisite clinozoisite, with epodite from Sonora, Mexico.Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

Ruby, a variety of corundum in zoisite from Transvaal, South Africa.Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

DAFTAR PUSTAKA

www.geology.com/minerals

http://www.webmineral.com

www.crystalarium.com

padahal awalnya iseng iseng aja cari materi buat baca baca , eh jadi kecanduan nyari materinya , haha.. akhirnya selesai juga perjuangan 8 jam 30 menit , huuuuhh... lega :)

SELAMAT MENIKMATI YA TEMAN TEMAN .. . .. . .


view-source:http://www.webmineral.com/favicon.ico

http://www.geology.com/minerals


Imam F. Arief - 111.080.219 - Krisminer’s 2008


book of mineralogy

Documents

anhydrite mineral properties

apatite mineral properties

anhydrite caso4

caso4 anhydrite

definite chemical composition

evaporite mineral

term apatite

gypsum caso4