18

1. MIN
CALCITE
Calcite is the one of the most common minerals. It

ERA
occurs in a great variety of shapes and colors, and it
constitutes a major portion of many of the earth's
rocks. Calcite belongs to the calcite group of minerals,
a group of related carbonates that are isomorphous

LS
with one another. They are similar in many physical
properties, and may partially or fully replace one another, forming a solid solution series. All members of the calcite
group crystallize in the trigonal system, have perfect rhombohedral cleavage, and exhibit strong double refraction in
transparent rhombohedron. Calcite and Aragonite are polymorphous to each other. Although Calcite and Aragonite
contain the same chemical composition, they differ in crystal structure. Calcite forms trigonal crystals, whereas
Aragonite forms orthorhombic crystals. Sometimes the crystals of Calcite and Aragonite are too small to be detected,
and it is only possible to distinguish these two minerals by complex scientific optical tests. Since the true identity
of microcrystalline forms of Calcite or Aragonite may not known, they may be mislabeled as the wrong mineral.
A microcrystalline type of Calcite in globular form is common in certain regions. This Calcite forms
from precipitating calcium-rich water inside caverns or on limestone cliffs. It exists in the form of
stalagmite, stalactite, flowstone, and strange globular growths. These growths constantly accumulate, forming layers.
They are frequently impure, trapping in organic matter such as leaves, twigs, and moss as they accumulate. Because of
their impure status, they are classified by some as rocks. These calcareous growths have designated names based on
their shape, habit, or formation. Most of these growths are Calcite, but some are crystallized as Aragonite. The
environment of formation, however, can be a key guide to whether the mineral crystallized as Calcite or Aragonite.
Aragonite will generally develop only at hot springs, whereas most other calcareous growths will be Calcite.

2.
FLUORITE
Fluorite is a very popular mineral, and it naturally

occurs in all colors of the spectrum. It is one of the most

varied colored minerals in the mineral kingdom, and the

colors may be very intense and almost electric. Pure

Fluorite is colorless; the color variations are caused by various impurities. Some colors are deeply colored, and are
especially pretty in large well-formed crystals, which Fluorite often forms. Sometimes coloring is caused by
hydrocarbons, which can be removed from a specimen by heating. Some dealers may apply oil treatment upon amateur
Fluorite specimens to enhance luster. Fluorite has interesting cleavage habits. The perfect cleavage parallel to the
octahedral faces can sometimes be peeled off to smooth out a crystal into a perfect octahedron. Many crystals,
especially larger ones, have their edges or sections chipped off because of the cleavage. Fluorite is one of the more
3. TOPAZ
famous fluorescent minerals. Many specimens strongly fluoresce, in a great variation of color. In fact, the word
"fluorescent" is derived from the mineral Fluorite.

Topaz makes an ideal gem. A good hardness and

desirable colors, combined with a relative abundance

and availability makes it one the most popular

gemstones. The most valuable colors of Topaz are the golden orange-yellow type, called Imperial Topaz, and the dark
pinkish-red and orange-red colors. Value increases with a deepness of color in orange and reddish hues. The most
commonly used colors of Topaz in jewelry are the blue types. It was not until this past century that blue Topaz became
widespread on the gem market, since virtually all blue gem Topaz is irradiated and heat treated.

4.
DIAMOND
Diamond has many unequaled qualities and is very

unique among minerals. It is the hardest known

substance, it is the greatest conductor of heat, it

has the highest melting point of any substance

(7362 F or 4090 C), and it has the highest refractive index of any natural mineral. Diamond is number 10 on the Mohs
scale, and is 40 times harder than Corundum, which is number 9 on the Moh's scale. It also has the most dense atomical
configuration of any mineral, and is transparent over the greatest number of wavelengths. Because of heat conduction,
Diamonds are cold to the feel at or below room temperature. When heated, a Diamond will remain hot long after the
heat source is removed. The luster of Diamond is excellent. Diamond exhibits great "fire" and brilliance, which gives it a
shiny, freshly polished look. Rough Diamonds exhibit a greasy luster, but proper cutting give them a powerful adamantine
luster. Only synthetic substances and a few minor gemstones can reach or excel the refractive index of Diamonds. The
hardness and refractive index may slightly vary among Diamond specimens. Bort and Carbonado exhibit a slightly lower
hardness than other Diamonds, and lack cleavage. Lonsdaleite (also known as Hexagonal Diamond), is a type of Diamond
found with meteorites and is of extraterrestrial origin. It is scientifically a different mineral than Diamond, and
believed to have formed when meteoric Graphite fell to earth. When this happened, great heat and stress transformed
the Graphite into Diamond, but it retained Graphite's hexagonal crystal lattice.

5. AMET
HYST
Amethyst is a well known mineral and gemstone. It is

the purple variety of the mineral Quartz, and its most

valuable and prized variety. Its name derives from the

Greek "amethystos", which means "not drunken", as

Amethyst in antiquity was thought to ward off

drunkenness. The color of some Amethyst specimens from certain localities slowly fade upon prolonged exposure to
light. When used as a gemstone, Amethyst is often heat treated to deepen the color, or to transform it into Citrine.

6.
Some varieties may also change to a light green color, which is given the trade name "Prasiolite", or "Green Amethyst",
as it is more commonly known in the gem trade. Amethyst is most prevalent as small stubby pyramidal crystals, although
PYRIT
several localities such as the Mexican occurrences are well-known for producing elegantly tall prismatic crystals, which
are very highly regarded by collectors. Amethyst also forms the internal lining of geodes, some of which can be over 10
E several tons
feet tall and weighing
 Pyrite is sometimes called Fools Gold because of its

similarity in color and shape to Gold. In the old mining

days, Pyrite was sometimes mistaken for Gold, as they

frequently occur together, although Gold and Pyrite can

very easily be distinguished by simple observation and testing of characteristics. Pyrite occurs in numerous shapes and
habits. The smaller crystal aggregates may give off a beautiful glistening effect in light, and the larger crystals may be
perfectly formed, including fascinating cubes, penetration twins, and other interesting crystal forms. The perfect cubes
of Pyrite embedded in a matrix from the famous Spanish mines are especially treasured among collectors. Many of these
specimens have fallen out of the matrix and have been repaired by having them glued back into the matrix. Pyrite has
the same chemical formula as the rarer mineral Marcasite, but it crystallizes in a different crystal system, thereby
classifying it as a separate mineral species. Aggregates of iron sulfide (FeS2) where the crystal structure cannot be
determined without complex analyzing material may be wrongly labeled by dealers. Some Pyrite specimens are labeled as
Marcasite, and some Marcasite specimens as Pyrite.

7.
GRAP
Graphite is a mineral composed exclusively of
HITE
the element carbon. Graphite has the same

chemical composition as Diamond, which is also

pure carbon, but the molecular structure of

Graphite and Diamond is entirely different.

This causes almost opposite characteristics in their physical properties. Graphite is rather common mineral, but fine
crystals are rare. Most Graphite mining areas produce enormous quantities from a single or several large Graphite veins,
but collector specimens in good crystals are not commonly encountered. Much care should be given to Graphite
specimens, especially thin crystals, which are fragile. It may be difficult to wash crystals, as they easily peel off and
get ruined. Graphite will also smudge on its surface, and can get worn out if it is moved around too much. It also smudges
the hand when handled, and will smudge a label or cardboard box if stored in one.

8. GYPSUM
Gypsum has many interesting properties, and has

very unique crystal habits. Many Gypsum crystals

are found perfectly intact without distortions or

parts broken off. Such crystals are found in a clay

beds as floater crystals, where they fully form

without being attached to a matrix. Gypsum crystals are known for their flexibility, and slim crystals can be slightly
bent. It is not recommended to bend good crystals, since they are only slightly flexible, and if flexed just a bit too much
they will break. Gypsum has the same chemical composition as the mineral Anhydrite, but contains water in its structure
whereas Anhydrite does not. Many Anhydrite specimens absorb water, transforming into the more common Gypsum.
Some Gypsum specimens show evidence of this, containing growths of crumpling layers that testify to their expansion
from the addition of water. In a small number of Gypsum specimens, water gets trapped inside a crystal in a hollow
channel while the crystal forms. When such a crystal is rotated, a water "bubble" moves around inside it toward the
lowest point in the channel. Such specimens are considered a mineralogical oddity, and are sought by collectors. These
are called "enhydros".

Gypsum sometimes forms in sandy areas, and crystals may trap sand inside when forming, causing a specimen to become
brown or gray and opaque. These sand inclusions sometimes form hourglass formations in a crystal. They are also present
in the well-known "Desert Rose", which is rosette shaped Gypsum with sand inclusions. (The term "Desert Rose" also
applies to rosette shaped Barite with sand inclusions, and the two should not be confused.) Gypsum specimens should
only be cleaned with water. Soaps and detergents should be avoided, as they can enter cracks and crevices of a crystal
and ruin its luster.

9.
The richOPAL
play of color in some Opals gives them

unsurpassed splendor and mystique. For this reason,

Opal is one of the most fascinating and fabled of

gemstones. Opal, being amorphous, is not truly a

mineral but a mineraloid. One of the scientifically

accepted standards defining a mineral is that a mineral must have a crystal structure, which opal lacks. Despite this,
virtually all scientific references, including the acclaimed Dana's System of Mineralogy, categorize Opal together with
the true minerals.

Many theories attempted to explain the cause of the play of color in Opal. In the 1960's, the reason of the color play
was discovered with the aid of the electron microscope, where it was determined that Opal is composed of tiny silica
spheres that can be arranged in an orderly pattern. This diffracts the light entering the stone into the spectral colors.
10.
A light wave diffracted through the Opal causes a color sheen or scintillation in the stone. The density and pattern of
the aligned silica spheres are responsible for the different colors refracted in the Opal. Common Opal lacks this effect,
ORTH
since its spheres are disordered or too compact to permit the light from refracting. A condition called crazing affects
certain Opals, causing them to form internal and external cracks. Crazing is a particularly interesting phenomenon, since
OCLAS
it lacks consistency and is unpredictable. Although it can occur at random, it usually strikes when an Opal removed from
damp conditions Eis allowed to dry too quickly, or when an opal is exposed to sudden intense light (or a combination of
these factors). Crazing may also take place when an opal is subject to vibration, as during the cutting and polishing of a
specimen. The severity of the crazing and the time it takes to "craze" varies among specimens. The origin of the
specimen is often a determining factor to its resistance to crazing. A very gradual drying process over months or even
years can in some cases effectively stabilize the stone and allow it to be cut and polished with a substantially reduced
risk of crazing. Uncut Opals are often stored in water; this reduces the chance of crazing. Once a specimen is taken out
of the water its susceptibility increases. Opal stored in water should not be taken out of the water for more than
several minutes at a time. Cutting or polishing Opals, especially Opals from localities notorious for crazing, is a risky
process; it is a matter of chance if the Opals will craze or not. To further protect Opals from crazing, they should not
be washed with chemicals or detergents and should not be subject to sudden changes in temperature or lighting.
 Orthoclase is one of the most common minerals,

and occurs in numerous mineral environments. It is

polymorphous with the minerals Microcline and

Sanidine. These three minerals form the Potassium

Feldspar group. They are almost identical in physical

properties, and it is sometimes impossible to distinguish one another without x-ray analysis. The only difference
between them is their crystal structure. Microcline crystallizes in the triclinic system, and Orthoclase and Sanidine
crystallize in the monoclinic system. Sanidine forms at high temperatures and has a disordered monoclinic symmetry,
whereas Orthoclase forms at low temperatures and cools slowly, forming more ordered monoclinic crystals.

11. H
A
Halite, the natural form of salt, is a very common
L It is found in solid masses,
and well-known mineral.

I in the oceans and in salt

and as a dissolved solution

Tthat are rich in salt exist in

lakes. The inland lakes

arid regions, and mayE also be below sea level without an outlet. These lakes evaporate during dry seasons, causing a
recession in the water level and an increase of salinity content. When this happens, salt forms on the evaporated shores
of the lake. This also happens as the tributaries of salt lakes are diverted for human and agricultural use, causing the
lake to dry up with additional salt forming at the evaporating shoreline. Many of these inland lakes have already dried
up, leaving over enormous salt deposits which may be commercially mined. Halite also exists in non-arid regions, in
underground deposits which can reach great depths. Underground Halite deposits are often mined by drilling wells into
the salt layer, and bringing in hot water which quickly dissolves the salt into a brine. The brine is saturated with
dissolved salt and is then pumped out. The brine evaporates and the remainder salt crystallizes and is harvested. Most
commercially T
12. available Rock Salt is regrown from evaporated salt brine and is not the original natural crystals. Halite
also forms from evaporation at salt springs where saline water comes out of the ground in a salt deposit and precipitates
AL
as rounded globular masses. In some underground salt deposits such as Texas and Louisiana, salt is pushed upwards by an

C
underground force through soft ground and forms arched structures known as salt domes. These deposits are also
important sources of salt mining operations and are very unique geological formations. Although the color range of Halite
can be caused by impurities, the deep blue and violet colors are actually caused by defects within the crystal lattice, and
the pink and peach colors of many dry lake Halite specimens are caused by bacteria from various algae. Artificial Halite
can easily be grown as crystals by allowing a saturated saltwater solution to evaporate. Hopper-shaped cubes may result
as the brine evaporates and the crystal grows. A few Halite specimens on the market are actually artificially grown
crystals formed in this manner.

Talc is known for being the softest mineral on

earth. It is number 1 on the Mohs hardness scale,

and can be easily scratched by a fingernail. Talc is

not commonly seen in collections, as it is usually

uninteresting and fairly common, although a few

deeply colored and crystallized examples are known and well sought after. Also very popular are the Talc pseudomorphs.
Talc forms some very interesting pseudomorphs after many different minerals, and certain localities are known for the
specific minerals replaced by Talc. Health concerns including a rare respiratory disease are known to be associated with
Talc in its powder form. Although solid forms of Talc are assumed to be safe, and most concerns are only after
prolonged exposure, it is advisable to wash hands after handling Talc.

13. ZIRCON
Zircon is an important gemstone of many colors, and

is an historical gemstone used for thousands of years.

It is sometimes looked upon as a cheap Diamond simulant,

but in actuality it can be a valuable gem. Its color

diversity is caused by traces of certain impurities, some

of which are radioactive. Zircon gemstones containing

radioactive element traces undergo a process called

metamiction, in which their inner crystal structure becomes destroyed. These radioactive forms of Zircon must be
heated to stabilize them for use as gems. In fact, many of the gem forms of zircon (even those that are not
radioactive) are heat treated to enhance color and increase transparency.

14. FELD
SPAR
Feldspars are a group of rock-forming tectosilicate

minerals that make up as much as 60% of the Earths crust.

Feldspars crystallize from magma as veins in both

intrusive and extrusiveigneous rocks and are also present

in many types of metamorphic rock. Rock formed almost

entirely of calcic plagioclase feldspar is known as anorthosite. Feldspars are also found in many types of sedimentary
rocks.
15.
CORU
NDUM
 Corundum is a rock-forming mineral that is found

in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.

It is an aluminum oxide with a chemical

composition of Al2O3 and a hexagonal crystal

structure. The mineral is widely known for its extreme hardness and for the fact that it is sometimes found as beautiful
transparent crystals in many different colors. The extreme hardness makes corundum an excellent abrasive, and when
that hardness is found in beautiful crystals, you have the perfect material for cutting gemstones.

16.
Quartz is one of the most well-known minerals on earth. It occurs in basically all mineral environments, and is the
QUAR
important constituent of

TZ
many rocks. Quartz is also the most varied of all

minerals, occurring in all different forms, habits,

and colors. There are more variety names given to

Quartz than any other mineral. Although the

Feldspars as a group are more prevalent than

Quartz, as an individual mineral Quartz is the most common mineral. Most mineral reference guides list Chalcedony
as an individual mineral, but in reality it is a variety of Quartz. It is the microcrystalline form of Quartz, forming
only occurs in microscopic, compacted crystals. This page deals only with the crystalline forms of Quartz.
Chalcedony is listed on its own dedicated page in this guide. Other important varieties of Quartz, such as Amethyst,
Citrine, and Agate, also have dedicated pages due to their popularity and varieties.

17. R
U
Ruby is distinguished for its bright red color, being the
B
most famed and fabled red gemstone. Beside for its bright
Y
color, it is a most desirable gem due to its hardness,

durability, luster, and rarity. Transparent rubies of large

sizes are even rarer than Diamonds. Ruby is the red variety

of the mineral Corundum. Sapphire, the other gem variety

of Corundum, encompasses all colors of Corundum aside from red. In essence, Ruby is a red Sapphire, since Ruby and
Sapphire are identical in all properties except for color. However, because of the special allure and historical

18.
significance, Ruby has always been classified as an individual gemstone, and is never identified as a form of Sapphire
(though some purplish-red colors may straddle the line of being classified as either Ruby or Sapphire).
APATI
TE
 Apatite is named for the Greek word apate, which

means "deceit", since Apatite is similar in appearance

to many other minerals. Apatite describes a group of

similar isomorphous hexagonal phosphate minerals.

The primary Apatite group includes Fluorapatite, Chlorapatite, and Hydroxylapatite. The extended Apatite supergroup
describes additional minerals such as Pyromorphite, Mimetite, and Vanadinite, but these are described individually in
this guide. It can be difficult to distinguish between individual members of the primary Apatite group. A designation of
the specific Apatite type is not usually made, being called simply "Apatite" by collectors and dealers. However, most of
the fine crystals and collector specimens are of the Fluorapatite type, which is by far the most common form of
Apatite.