Homework No. 2

SULFATES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
MINERAL CHEMICAL CRYSTAL DISTINGUISHI USES
NAME COMPOSITION SYSTEM COLOR HARDNESS SPECIFIC LUSTER FRACTURE TENACITY STREAK NG FEATURES
GRAVITY
rehydrates to
Colorless, Epsomite in humid Causes
HEXAHYDRITE Mg(SO4)•6(H2O) Monoclinic white, 2 – 2.5 1.72 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle White air, has 6 masonry
greenish molecules of damage
white water
Distinguished by production
habit, taste, and epsom sa
EPSOMITE Colorless, Vitreous, mode of preparation
(Mg,Fe)SO4 · ortho- white, 2 - 2.5 1.67 silky when Conchoidal Brittle White occurrence, pharmaceu
7H2O rhombic yellow, green fibrous although it may products
and pink be confused with production
Melanterite paper an
sugar
Stable only below may repres
Colorless, 2° C. Above that a period
MERIDIANIITE MgSO4•11H2O Triclinic white 2 – 2.5 1.51 Vitreous, dull Conchoidal Brittle White temperature it reservoir
melts water near
incongruently to a Martian sur
slurry
of Epsomite and
water
Found in mines as indicator of
Shades of a post-mining possible
MELANTERITE FeSO4·7H2O Monoclinic green, 2 1.89 – 1.9 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle White formation on mine presence
colorless, walls. sulfuric ac
white May dehydrate
to siderotile.
similar to other primary or
copper minerals, the oxidis
ANTLERITE Cu3(SO4)(OH)4 Ortho- Shades of 3 – 3.5 3.9 Vitreous Uneven Brittle Pale green but can be zones in
rhombic green, black distinguished by several cop
lack of mines acr
effervescence the worl
Indistinguishable
CuSO4(OH)6 Monoclinic Bright green Vitreous to Conchoidal, from Antlerite Minor ore
BROCHANTITE to dark green 3.5 - 4 4 silky uneven, Brittle Pale green without complex Copper
splintery tests
Source of a
Yellow, red, Vitreous, Strongly used as all
ALUNITE KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 Trigonal colorless, 3.5 -4 2.6 – 2.9 pearly, Conchoidal Brittle White pyroelectric tools,equipm
white, gray earthy
1
Easily identified, popular am
Yellow- indistinguishable micromou
brown, from its collector
JAROSITE KFe3+3(SO4)2 Hexagonal brown, 2.5 – 3.5 2.9 – 3.3 Resinous to Conchoidal, Brittle to Light yellow isomorphous which on
(OH)6 orange- Adamantine uneven slightly mineral occurs in s
brown sectile Natrojarosite by crystals
ordinary methods
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
NAME COMPOSITION SYSTEM COLOR HARDNESS SPECIFIC LUSTER FRACTURE TENACITY STREAK NG FEATURES
GRAVITY
Colorless, white color, high Weighing a
Barite BaSO4 Orthorhom white, light 3-3.5 4.3-5 Vitreous, Irregular, Brittle white specific gravity, for drillin
bic blue, yellow, pearly uneven characteristic fluids in oil
grey, brown cleavage and gas
crystals
Colorless, occasional Fireworks
Celestite SrSO4 Orthorhom white, pale 3 - 3.5 3.95 - 3.97 Vitreous, Uneven Brittle White delicate blue color in various m
bic blue, pink, pearly on alloys
pale green, cleavages
pale brown,
black
It contains 74% produced
Anglesite PbSO4 Orthorhom Colorless to 2.5–3.0 6.3 Adamantine conchoidal Brittle White of lead by mass both plat
bic crystals, dull and therefore has during th
white,
when a high specific discharge
commonly massive gravity of 6.3. a lead–ac
tinted earthy battery
Colorless to Some specimens Anhydrite

Anhydrite CaSO4 Orthorhom pale blue or 3.5 2.97 Pearly, Conchoidal Brittle White fluoresce; many common
bic violet if vitreous to more fluoresce associate
transparent; greasy after heating with calcite
white, ite,
mauve, rose, and sulfides
pale brown h
or gray from as galena, c
included opyrite, mo
impurities enite,
and pyrite
vein depos
Colorless to Occurs as short Meditatio
Hanksite Na22K(SO4)9(CO3) Hexagonal pale yellow, 3 - 3.5 2.562 Vitreous to Uneven Brittle White prismatic to
2Cl may be dull tabular hexagonal
grayish crystals
green due to
2
clay
inclusions
Colorless to Gypsum is Constructi

Gypsum CaSO4·2H2O Monoclinic white; may 1.5–2 2.31–2.33 Vitreous to Conchoidal, Flexible, White moderately water- mead mak
be yellow, silky, pearly, splintery inelastic soluble and, in impressio
tan, blue, or waxy parallel contrast to most plaster i
pink, brown, other salts, it dentistry
reddish exhibits a
brown or retrograde
gray due to solubility,
impurities becoming less
soluble at higher
temperatures.
Berlin blue to a richly-colored Holistic he
Chalcanthite CuSO4·5H2O Triclinic sky-blue, 2.5 2.12 - 2.3 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle White blue/green water- applicatio
greenish blue soluble sulfate mi
neral
Colorless, forms in marine Production
Kieserite MgSO4·H2O Monoclinic grayish-white 3.5 2.57 Vitreous to Uneven Fragile White evaporite deposits Epsom Salt
or yellowish dull where sea water as a fertili
has been
concentrated and
exposed to
prolonged
evaporation.
BORATES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
NAME COMPOSITION SYSTEM COLOR HARDNES SPECIFIC LUSTER FRACTURE TENACITY STREAK NG FEATURES
S GRAVITY
Characterized by It is used for
its crystal and test washing and
for boron. Fusible cleansing; as a
Na2B4O7• at 1-1.5 with solvent for
10H2O much swelling and metallic oxides
Borax Monoclinic Colorless or 2-2.5 1.7 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle White gives strong in soldering and
White yellow flame (Na). welding; and as
Moistened with flux in various
sulfuric acid gives smelting and
the bright green laboratory
flame of boron. operations.
3
Readily soluble in
water. Much
water in the
closed tube
It is distinguished
by its long,
splintery cleavage
fragments and
Kernite Na2B4O6(OH)2 • Monoclinic Colorless to 3 1.95 Vitreous to Splintery Brittle White low specific A source of
3H2O white pearly gravity. Before the borax and
blowpipe it swells boron
and then fuses to compounds.
a clear glass.
Slowly soluble in
cold water.
The “soft cotton
balls” with silky
luster are
characteristic of
ulexite. Fusible at
1, with A source of
Ulexite NaCaB5O6(OH)6• Triclinic Colorless, 2.5 1.96 Silky Uneven to Brittle White intumescence to a Borax.
5H2O White, Gray splintery clear blebby glass,
coloring the flame
deep yellow.
When moistened
with sulphuric acid
it gives the green
flame of boron.
Before the
blowpipe it
exfoliates, A source of
Colourless, crumbles, and Borax that, at
white, gives a green the time of
Colemanite CaB3O4(OH)3 Monoclinic yellowish, 4.5 2.42 Vitreous Sub- Brittle White flame. Water in discovery of
•H2O grey; conchoidal the closed tube. kernite, yielded
colourless in Characterized by over half of the
transitted one direction of world’s supply
light highly perfect
cleave and
exfoliation on
heating.
4
One of the borate
minerals that form As a minor
silky, fibrous source of boron
Hydroboracite CaMgB6O11• Monoclinic Colorless, 2-3 2.2 Vitreous to Uneven N/A White crystal clusters; and as mineral
6H2O white to silky Hydroboracite's specimens.
brownish silky luster is quite
attractive.
Slightly soluble in
water and
Colorless, ordinary wear
white, gray, dulls its surface; An ore of boron
brown, include highly for boric acid
orange, modified cubes and borax (a
yellow, pale and octahedrons cleaning agent
Boracite Mg3B7O13Cl Orthorhombic green, dark 7 - 7.5 2.95 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle White which are actually and useful
green, blue- pseudomorphs of industrial
green, or the high chemical) and
blue; temperature as mineral
colorless in isometric phase; specimens.
transmitted also massive,
light fibrous, nodular
and as embedded
grains.
5
Tusionite MnSn(BO3)2 Trigonal Colourless, 5-6 4.73 Vitreous Perfect N/A White
Yellow-
brown Cleavage
It is a late stage
hydrothermal mineral
and occurs rarely in
granite pegmatites in
miarolitic cavities.
Likely formed by
Jimboite Light purple 5.5 3.98 Vitreous Perfect N/A White metasomatic reactions
Mn3B2O6 Orthorombic - brown, (Glassy) between boron-bearing
Dipyramidal Reddish Cleavage
hydrothermal solutions
brown. and rhodochrosite in
banded manganese
deposits.
Katoite Isometric- Colorless, 5-6 - Vitreous None N/A White A hydrothermal mineral
Ca3Al2(SiO4)1.5(OH) Hexoctahedral Milky white. Between 2.76 (Glassy) in cavities in a
6 Apatite and phonolitic lava flow
Orthoclase that erupted through
an argillaceous marl.
6
Brittle -
Uneven - In a vein developed
Takedaite Ca3(BO3)2 Trigonal- White, Pale 4.5 - 3.1 Vitreous Imperfect Very brittle White along the boundary
Hexagonal gray, Between (Glassy) fracture between crystalline
Scalenohedral Colorless Fluorite and Cleavage
producing limestone and
Apatite uneven gehlenite-spurrite
fragments skarn. Ca-analog to
kotoite and jotoite.
PHOSPHATES
Mineral Chemical Crystal Physical Properties Distinguishing Uses

Name Composition System Features
Color Hardness Specific Luster Fracture Tenacity Streak
Gravity
resinous reddish
to yellowish
brown mineral
Clove-brown, White to crystallizing in material for
yellowish brown, Vitreous to uneven to Subchonc grayish the orthorhombic the
Lithiophilit LiMnPO4 Orthorhombic honey-yellow, 4–5 3.445–3.50 subresinous conchoidal oidal to white system often as production
e uneven slender prisms. of lithium-
7
salmon-pink, blue- ion
gray, gray batteries
reddish- useful tool

brown phosphat for radiome
Reddish brown, Resinous, e tric
Monazite (Ce,La)PO4 Monoclinic brown, pale yellow, 5.0 to 5.5 4.6–5.7 vitreous to Conchoidal mineral containin dating geol
pink, green, gray adamantine to uneven White g rare ogical
earth metals events,
such as
crystallizatio
n, heating
or
deformation
of the rock.
Dark grass-green, color of the minor ore
Pyromorp Pb5(PO4)3Cl Hexagonal - green, yellow, yellow- mineral is usually of lead and
hite Dipyramidal orange, reddish some bright mineral
orange, yellow- 3.5-4 7.04 ,7.14 Resinous to Uneven to Brittle White shade of green, specimens
brown, brown, tan, subadamantin sub- yellow or brown,
grayish, may be e conchoidal and the lusteris
colorless resinous
index of a minor ore
refraction is 2.39 of lead and
(typically high mineral
for lead specimens
minerals) and
Vanadinite Pb5(VO4)3Cl hexagonal bright red to orange, 3 approximatel vitreous to conchoidal Brittle yellowish crystal
less commonly gray y 6.6+ adamantine white terminations can
or brown be hollowed out
or pitted but not
as often as
pyromorphite or
mimetite
blades are very a very
Crimson to peach- Subadamantin flexible and minor ore
Erythrite (Ni3(AsO4)2·8H Monoclinic - red, pale rose, or 1.5 - 2.5 3.06 e, pearly on Sectile Pale red to sectile of cobalt
2O) Prismatic pink, may be zoned cleavages pink and mineral
specimens
Amblygonite a source of
Amblygoni (Li, triclinic generally white or 5.5 - 6 2.98 - 3.11 vitreous to uneven to Brittle white forms a series lithium and
te Na)AlPO4(F, creamy, but can also greasy and conchoidal with montebrasit phosphorus
OH) be colorless or pale pearly on e, the low ,as gemston
yellow, green, blue, cleavage fluorine es and as
beige, gray or pink surfaces endmember mineral
specimens
8
blue, phosphate Mineral
mineral containin specimens,
g magnesium, ir ornamental
on, stone and
and aluminium p as a
hosphate. rare gemsto
Lazulite ((Mg,Fe2+)Al2( Monoclinic Azure-blue, sky-blue, 5.5 - 6.0 3.122 – Vitreous Uneven, Brittle white Lazulite forms ne.
PO4)2(OH)2) bluish white, yellow- 3.240 splintery one endmember
green, blue-green, of a solid
rarely green solution series
with the darker
iron
rich scorzalite
occurs as only as
Wavellite Al3(PO4)2(OH, Orthorhombic Green to yellowish- 3.5 - 4 2.36 Vitreous to Uneven to uneven white translucent mineral
F)3·5H2O green and yellow, resinous, subconchoid green radial or specimens
brown, white and pearly al spherical clusters
colorless
an opaque, blue- Ornamental
Turquoise CuAl6(PO4)4(O Triclinic Blue, blue-green, 5–7 2.6–2.9 Waxy to Conchoidal Brittle white with to- stone for
H)8·4H2O green subvitreous a greenish green mineral th carving and
tint at is jewelry
a hydrous phosp
hate of copper a
nd aluminium
9
NITRATES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
NAME COMPOSITIO SYSTEM COLOR HARDNESS SPECIFIC LUSTER FRACTURE TENACITY STREAK NG FEATURES
N GRAVITY
Buttgenbachite, a
rare copper As a very m
nitrate mineral, is ore of cop
Cu19(NO3)2Cl4( hexagonal deep blue 3 3.4 - 3.5 Vitreous Uneven Brittle light blue related to and as a
BUTTGENBACHI
OH)32 . 2H2O the sulfate minera mineral
TE
l Connellite. specime
A rare hydrated
sodium sulfate Rarely avail
nitrate found in
DARPSKITE Na3(SO4)(NO3)• Monoclinic Colorless 2.5 2.202 Vitreous Uneven Brittle White nitrate deposits
(H2O) rich in sulfates.
Solid block of
glassy,
pearlescent,
translucent and
colorless
A rare secondary
mineral in Copper O
GERHARDITE Cu2(NO)3(OH)3 Orthorhom Green, Dark 2 3.4 - 3.43 Vitreous not available Flexible Light green oxidized portions
bic green (Glassy) of copper
deposits.
Insoluble in
water. Soluble in
dilute acids
By the interaction
of solutions of As the hydr
HYDROMBOBO (Ni,Cu)Al4(NO3, Monoclinic Sky blue “Very soft” N.D. Vitreous Friable in N.D Light blue nickel sulfate from equivalent
MKULITE SO4)2(OH)12·14 aggregates weathering Cu–Ni- mbobomku
(H2O) bearing Rarely Avail
sulfides with
aluminosilicate
minerals and
nitrate derived
from bat guano
A rare secondary Copper O

LIKASITE Cu3(NO3)(OH)5 Ortho- Sky-blue N.D. 2.96 - 2.98 Vitreous Uneven N.D. Light blue mineral in the
• 2H2O rhombic oxidized zone of
copper deposits
10
(Ni, A rare product of
Cu)Al4[(NO3)2, Monoclinic Pale blue; oxidation and Rarely avail
MBOBOMKULIT SO4]2(OH)12 • colorless in “Very soft” 2.3 Vitreous N.D. N.D. Light blue leaching of Ni–Cu
E 3H2O transmitted from sulfides in
light the cave roof,
reacting with
aluminum from
phyllosilicates and
nitrate from bat
guano
used to re
Colorless or It occasionally specifically
NITER 𝐾𝑁𝑂3 Orthorhom white, light 2 2.11 Sub-Vitreous Irregular/Unev Brittle White occurs as nitrated sa
bic yellow, very en, Sub- prismatic acicular known a
light gray Conchoidal crystal groups, various typ
and individual of saltpeter
crystals commonly y nitrated s
show twinning. were good
making
gunpowde
importan
Colorless, Generally occurs source o
White, Gray, as anhedral to nitrates f
NITRATINE 𝑁𝑎𝑁𝑂3 Trigonal Yellowish, 1½ - 2 2.24-2.29 Vitreous Conchoidal Sectile White subhedral crystals fertilizer a
Brownish. in matrix. other chem
uses includ
firework
In allusion to the
composition, Used in
NITROBARITE Ba(NO3 )2 Isometric Colorless 3 3.25 Vitreous N/A N/A White being a NITRate explosive
containing
BARIum
Ca(NO ) · 4H O
Uniformly Used in wa
NITROCALCITE 32 2 Monoclinic White, grey, 1-2 1.9 Vitreous Unknown Sectile White indistinguishable water
colorless crystals forming treatmen
large masses. Fertilizer
Concrete
Flocculent to used in
NITROMAGNESI 𝑀𝑔(𝑁𝑂3 )2 . 6𝐻2 𝑂 Monoclinic Colorless, Unknown 1.46 Vitreous Unknown Unknown White earthy the ceramic
TE White efflorescences. inting, chem
Artificial crystals and agricu
long prismatic industrie
[001] with {001}
11
and {110}
dominant.
OXIDES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
CHEMICAL CRYSTAL DISTINGUISHING
NAME SPECIFIC USES
COMPOSITION SYSTEM COLOR HARDNESS LUSTER FRACTURE TENACITY STREAK FEATURES
GRAVITY
X2O and XO Types
Usually
distinguished from
Dark red to Adamantine, Shining
other red minerals Cuprite is an important
cochineal red, Sub- metallic
CUPRITE CU2O Isometric 3.5 - 4 6.1 Conchoidal Brittle by its crystal form, collectors mineral, and is
sometimes Metallic, brownish-
high luster, streak a minor ore of copper.
almost black. Earthy red.
and association with
limonite.
Distinguished chiefly
by its red color,
orange yellow- An ore of zinc, particularly
Red, orange, Sub- Orange-
ZINCITE ZnO Hexagonal 4 5.4 - 5.7 Conchoidal Brittle streak, and the used for the production of
yellow, white Adamantine yellow
association with zinc white (zinc oxide).
franklinite and
willemite.
X2O3 Types
HEMATITE GROUP
Ruby and Sapphire are
the most famous
Immense hardness,
Colourless, gemstones after
Adamantine, Irregular/ high specific gravity,
blue, red, pink, Diamond. Corundum has
CORUNDUM Al2O3 Hexagonal 9 3.9 - 4.1 Vitreous, Uneven, Brittle White crystal shape, high
yellow, grey, some electrical uses, and
Pearly Conchoidal luster and parting.
golden-brown non gem material, such
Infusible.
as Emery, is used as an
abrasive.
12
Reddish brown Most important ore of iron
to black. for steel manufacture.
Metallic, Irregular/ Reddish Reddish streak,
Red ocher - Also used as pigments,
Sub- Uneven, brown hardness, crystal
HEMATITE Fe2O3 Hexagonal Red earthy 5.5 - 6.5 4.9 - 5.3 Brittle red ocher, and as
Metallic, Sub- ("rust- habits, and
Specularite - polishing powder. Black
Dull, Earthy Conchoidal red") paramagnetism
platy and crystals may be cut as
metallic gems.
The major source of
titanium which is used for
aircraft and space vehicle
Dark streak, construction. It is used
Conchoidal, Black to
Iron black or Metallic, hardness, and weak principally in the
ILMENITE FeTiO3 Hexagonal 5.5 - 6 4.1 - 4.8 Sub- Brittle reddish
black Sub-Metallic attraction to manufacture of titanium
Conchoidal brown
magnetic fields. dioxide for paint
pigments, replacing older
pigments, notably lead
compounds.
XO2 Type
RUTILE GROUP
Most of the rutile
produced is used as a
Blood red, coating for welding rods.
Greyish Characterized by its
brownish Irregular Some titanium derived
black, peculiar adamantine
yellow, brown- /Uneven, from rutile is used in
Adamantine, pale luster and red color.
RUTILE TiO2 Tetragonal red, yellow, 6 - 6.5 4.2 - 4.3 Conchoidal, Brittle alloys; for electrodes in
Metallic brown, Lower specifi gravity
greyish-black, Sub- arc lights; to give a yellow
light distinguishes it from
black, brown, Conchoidal color to porcelain and
yellow cassiterite.
bluish or violet false teeth. Manufactured
oxide is used as a paint
pigment.
13
Most important
manganese ore.
Manganese is used with
iron in the manufacture of
spiegeleisen and
ferromanganese,
Characterized by employed in making steel.
and distinguished Used as an oxidizer in the
Black to
Black or very Metallic, from other manufacture of chlorine,
PYROLUSITE MnO2 Tetragonal 6 4.4 - 5.1 Splintery Brittle bluish-
dark grey. Dull, Earthy manganese minerals bromine, and oxygen; as
black.
by its black streak a disinfectant in
and low hardness potassium permanganate;
as a drier in paints; as a
decolorizer of glass; and
in electric dry-cells and
batteries. It is also used
as coloring material in
bricks, pottery and glass.
Principal ore of tin. The
Irregular Brownish Recognized by high
Black, yellow, Adamantine, chief use of tin was in the
/Uneven, white, specific gravity,
CASSITERITE SnO2 Tetragonal brown, red or 6-7 6.95 Greasy, Brittle manufacture of tin plate
Sub- white, adamantine luster,
white. Sub-Metallic and tern plate for food
Conchoidal greyish and light streak.
containers.
Its energy is first
demonstrated in atomic
bomb and is now
Characterized
produced by nuclear-
chiefly by its pitchy
7.5 – 9.7 power reactors for
Submetallic luster, high specific
for crystals; Brownish- generating electricity.
URANINITE UO2 Isometric Black 5.5 to pitchlike, Conchoidal Brittle gravity, color, and
6.5 – 9 for black Various compounds in
dull. streak.
pitchblende; uranium has a limited use
Radioactive—can be
on coloring glass and
detected by Geiger.
porcelain, in photography,
and as a chemical
reagent.
Gemstone—the ordinary
Various shades Characterized by its
Chrysoberyl yellowish-
of green, high hardness, its
green stones are
brown, yellow; yellowish to
CHRYSOBERYL BeAl2O4 Orthorhombic 8.5 3.65 – 3.8 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle White inexpensive; meanwhile
may be red in emerald-green
its variety Alexandrite and
transmitted color, and its twin
cat’s eye are highly prized
light. crystals.
gems.
14
Source of tantalum and
niobium. Tantalum is
used in chemical
Recognized by its
equipment, in surgery for
black color with
skull plates and sutures,
lighter-colored
also in some tool steels
Submetallic streak, and high
and in electronic tubes.
(Fe, Mn) - (Nb, (translucent Sub- Dark red specific gravity.
COLUMBITE Orthorhombic Iron-black 6 5.2 – 7.9 Brittle Niobium has its chief use
Ta)2O6 – conchoidal - black Distinguished from
in alloys in weldable high-
transparent) wolframite by lower
speed steels, stainless
specific gravity and
steels, and alloys resistant
less distinct
to high temperatures,
cleavage.
such as used in gas
turbine of the aircraft
industry.
XY2O4 Type
SPINEL GROUP
Recognized by its
high hardness, its
octahedral crystals, Gemstone—when
and its vitreous transparent and finely
Various—white,
luster. The iron colored, spinnel is used as
red, lavender,
SPINEL MgAl2O4 Isometric 8 3.5 – 4.1 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle White spinel can be a gem. Usually red and
blue, green,
distinguished from brown as ruby spinel or
brown, black
magnetite by its balas ruby. Some stones
nonmagnetic are blue.
character and white
streak.
Characterized by
crystal form
Only as a mineral
GAHNITE ZnAl2O4 Isometric Dark green 7.5 - 8 4.55 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle Grayish (striated
specimen.
octahedrons) and
hardness.
Characterized by its
strong magnetism,
its black color, and
Used as an important iron
MAGNETITE Fe3O4 Isometric Iron-black 6 5.18 Metallic Conchoidal Brittle Black its hardness. Can
ore.
also be
distinguished from
magnetic franklinite.
15
Resembles
magnetite but is Used as an ore of zinc
only slightly and manganese. The zinc
magnetic and has a is converted into zinc
(Zn,Fe,Mn) Reddish - dark brown steak. white and the residue is
FRANKLINITE Isometric Iron-black 6 5.15 Metallic Conchoidal Brittle
(Fe,Mn)2O4 brown Also recognized by smelted to form an alloy
its characteristic of iron and manganese,
association with spiegeleisen, used in the
willemite and manufacture of steel.
zincite.
Chromium is used as
ferroalloy to give steel the
properties of high
hardness, and resistance
to chemical attack; also a
major constituent in
Iron-black to Metallic to Dark Its submetallic stainless steel, and widely
CHROMITE FeCr2O4 Isometric 5.5 4.6 Conchoidal Brittle
brownish-black submetallic brown luster. used in plating plumbing
fixtures and automobile
accessories.Nichrome
(alloy of Ni and Cr) is
used for resistance in
electrical heating
equipment.
HYDROXIDES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
MINERAL CHEMICAL CRYSTAL DISTINGUISHING
USES
NAME COMPOSITION SYSTEM SPECIFIC FEATURES
COLOR HARDNESS LUSTER FRACTURE TENACITY STREAK
GRAVITY
16
Pearly on Recognized by its Raw material for
White, base; foliated nature, light magnesia
Brucite Mg(OH)2 Hexagonal gray, or 2.5 2.39 vitreous to Irregular Sectile White color, and pearly refractories and is a
light green waxy luster on cleavage minor source of
elsewhere face. metallic magnesium
Recognized chiefly
Steel-gray
Dark by its black color Minor ore of
Manganite MnO(OH) Monoclinic to iron- 4 4.3 Metallic Uneven Brittle
brown and prismatic manganese
black
crystals.
Distinguished from
other manganese
oxides by its greater
Brownish
Romanechite BaMn2+Mn84+O16(OH)4 Orthorhombic Black 5-6 3.7-4.7 Submetallic Uneven Brittle hardness and Ore of manganese
-black
bortryoidal form,
and from limonite by
its black streak.
White, Vitreous
Characterized by its
gray, except on
good cleavage, its
Diaspore αAlO(OH) Orthorhombic yellowish, 6.5-7 3.35-3.45 cleavage Conchoidal Very brittle White A refractory material
bladed habit, and its
or face, where
hardness.
greenish it is pearly
Yellowish-
Distinguished from
brown to Adamantine Uneven to Yellowish
Goethite αFeO(OH) Orthorhombic 5-5.5 4.37 Brittle hematite by its Ore of iron
dark to dull splintery -brown
streak.
brown
White, Ore of aluminum;

A mixture of Can usually be
red, Dull to manufacturing of
Bauxite Diaspore, Gibbsite, Amorphous 1-3 2-2.55 Earthy Brittle White recognized by its
yellow, earthy Al2O3, which is used
and Boehmite pisolitic character.
gray as an abrasive
HALIDES
Physical Properties
Chemical Crystal Distinguishing
Mineral Name Specific Uses
Composition System Color Hardness Luster Fracture Tenacity Streak Features
Gravity
17
Predominantly cubes
Colorless when Conchoidal,
and in massive Used both residentially
pure, often perfect
Halite NaCl Isometric 2-2.5 2.16 Vitreous Brittle White sedimentary beds, but and municipally for
splotched blue cubic
also granular, fibrous managing ice
or purple cleavage
and compact
Colorless,
Uneven, Forms very similar like
white, grayish,
perfect Halite but has violet Its principal use is as a
Sylvite KCl Isometric bluish or red 2 1.99 Vitreous Brittle White
cubic frame color and bitter potassium fertilizer
(from included
cleavage taste
Hematite)
Colorless when Typically massive to
pure and fresh; columnar in occurrence
Secondary mineral
usually gray; Uneven to it also has been found
phase in the
Chlorargyrite AgCl Isometric becomes purple 2-3 5.55 Hornlike sub- Sectile White as colorless to variably
oxidation of silver
or violet-brown Conchoidal yellow cubic crystals.
mineral deposits
on exposure to The color changes
light upon exposure to light.
Usually massive,
coarsely granular.
Weakly thermo
luminescent. Small
clear fragments
become nearly invisible Used as an insecticide
Colorless to when placed in water, and also as fireworks.
white, since its refractive Molten Cryolite is used
Vitreous to
Cryolite Na3AlF6 Monoclinic brownish, 2.5 2.95-3 No cleavage Brittle White index is close to that of as a solvent for
greasy
reddish, brick water. May fluoresce aluminum oxide used
red intense yellow under in the refining
SWUV, with yellow of aluminum.
phosphorescence, and
pale yellow
phosphorescence
under LWUV. Not
radioactive.
Well-formed coarse
Numerous uses in the
sized crystals; also
metallurgical, ceramics
nodular, botryoidally,
and chemical
rarely columnar or
Mostly industries. A source of
fibrous; granular,
commonly light Perfect fluorine, hydrofluoric
massive. It is the only
Fluorite CaF2 Isometric green, yellow, 4 3.18 Vitreous octahedral Brittle White acid, metallurgical flux.
common mineral that
bluish-green or cleavage High clarity pieces are
has four directions of
purple used to make lenses
perfect cleavage, often
for microscopes,
breaking into pieces
telescopes and
with the shape of an
cameras.
octahedron.
18
Various bright
Cu2Cl(OH)3 Slender prismatic
green shads; Component of the
One perfect Apple crystals, fibrous,
Atacamite Orthorhombic dark emerald- 3-3.5 3.8 Adamantine Brittle jaws of some Glycera
cleavage Green granular to compact,
green to species
massive
blackish
Used in
certain insecticides an
Colorless, Rarely found in nature, d
Light
white, grayish, One good it is dense white or fungicides. The
Calomel Hg2Cl2 Tetragonal 1.5 7.15 Adamantine Sectile yellowish
yellowish, cleavage yellowish-white, compound is also used
white
brown odorless solid in the construction of
calomel electrodesfor
potentiometric titration
Milk-white; Usually massive to
sometimes fibrous with rare Used on fertilizers.
KMgCl3·6(H2O) Greasy, dull Conchoidal
Carnallite Orthorhombic reddish (from 2.5 1.6 Brittle White pseudo Important source of
to shining fracture
included hexagonal orthorhombi potash
Hematite) c crystals.
Typically forms as Used to clean the
Colorless,
Conchoidal encrustations formed soldering iron in the
Sal ammoniac NH4Cl Isometric white, grayish, 1-2 1.5 Vitreous Sectile White
fracture by sublimation around soldering of stained-
yellow
volcanic vents. glass windows
CARBONATES
19
Physical Properties
Mineral Name Chemical Crystal Distinguishing
Specific Uses
Composition System Color Hardness Luster Fracture Tenacity Streak Features
Gravity
Colorless Twinning in alstonite is
when snow- ubiquitous, forming
Uneven Not widely used, for
Alstonite CaBa(CO3)2 Orthorombic white, 4-4.5 3.7 Vitreous Brittle White pseudohexagonal
fracture collector’s value.
grayish, groups; it is a little
creamy, pink harder than fluorite
Colorless to Rice-shape, acicular, Used to make fashion
One distinct
Aragonite CaCO3 Orthorombic white, 3.5-4 2.9-3 Vitreous Brittle White elongated crystals; high- jewelry for its beautiful
cleavage
variable birefringence colors.
Pale green to Its soft, pale blue-green
Silky to One perfect Light Used as a brass ore.
Aurichalcite (Zn,Cu)5(OH)6(CO3)2 Orthorombic green-blue or 1-2 3.6 Sectile scales, which dissolve so
pearly cleavage Blue
sky blue easily in acid
Azure blue; One perfect
Used as a blue pigment
various but Light Vivid blue color,
Azurite Cu3(OH)2(CO3)2 Monoclinic 3.5-4 3.8 vitreous Brittle for many centuries and
shades of interrupted Blue effervescence in HCl
jewelry.
blue cleavage
As an important ore of
Yellow to
Vitreous to Uneven Soluble in strong, hot cerium and other rare
Bastnaesite CeCO3(OH,F) Hexagonal reddish 4-4.5 4.9-5.2 Brittle White
greasy fracture acids earth metals and as
brown
mineral specimens.
Strawyellow It is often found as
Not widely used, for
Bismutite (BiO)2CO3 Tetragonal to brownish 2.5-3.5 6.7-7.4 Vitreous none Brittle grey pseudomorphic crystals
collector’s value.
yellow after bismuthinite
Double refraction; Used in cements and
effervesces easily with mortars, production of
Colorless dilute acids, and may be lime; glass industry,
Calcite CaCO3 Hexagonal when pure; 3 2.7 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle White fluorescent, ornamental stone,
variable phosphorescent, chemical and optical
thermoluminescent, and uses and as mineral
triboluminescent. specimen.
Very high refractive
Colorless to White or
Cerussite PbCO3 Orthorhombic 3-3.5 6.5-6.6 Adamantine Conchoidal Brittle index; prismatic crystals As an ore of lead.
white colorless
are striated lengthwise.
Rose red, Red or pink and white
altering to banding in massive
Cobaltocalcite CoCO3 Hexagonal 4 4.1 Vitreous Uneven Brittle Pale pink Very minor ore of cobalt.
gray, brown, forms; effervesces easily
black with dilute acids.
Colorless to
Dawsonite NaAlCO3(OH)2 Orthorhombic 3 2.4 Vitreous Uneven Brittle White Birefringence Used as an antacid.
white
The slow effervescence Used as an ornamental
Colorless to
in cold acid distinguishes stone, a concrete
white gray, Vitreous to One perfect
Dolomite CaMg(CO3)2 Hexagonal 3.5-4 2.8-3 Brittle White it from calcite which has aggregate, a source of
greenish, pearly cleavage
rapid effervescence and magnesium oxide and in
pink, brown
magnesite that the pidgeon process for
20
effervesces only in hot the production of
acid. magnesium.
Colorless to With intricately prismatic
white, Very to tabular crystals, but Only as mineral
Gaylussite Na2Ca(CO3)2.5H2O Monoclinic 2.5-3 2 Vitreous Conchoidal White
yellowish or brittle also massive and specimens.
grayish encrusting.
Colorless;
white grayish; Brittle Effervesces easily only in
Magnesite MgCO3 Hexagonal 4 3 Vitreous Conchoidal White An ore of magnesium.
yellowish to hot dilute HCl.
brown
Cut into cabochons.
Bright green Used to produce beads,
Adamantine One perfect, It often forms as a mass
to dark or Light sliced to inlay materials,
Malachite Cu2CO3(OH)2 Monoclinic 3.5-4 4-4.1 silky; dull or one fair Sectile with concentric bands of
blackish green sculpted into ornamental
earthy cleavage light and dark green
green and used to
manufactured stones.
Pink and white banding As a minor ore of
Irregular to
Rose to rose- in massive forms; manganese; an
Rhodochrosite MnCO3 Hexagonal 3.5-4 3.7 Vitreous uneven; Brittle White
red effervesce easily with ornamental and a semi-
conchoidal
dilute acids. precious gemstone.
Yellowish Becomes magnetic when
brown and Irregular to heated; effervesces
Siderite FeCO3 Hexagonal grayish 4 4 Vitreous uneven; Brittle White slightly in contact with A minor ore of iron.
brown to conchoidal strong acids or with
brown warm acids.
Grayish white
to dark gray; Irregular to
Effervesces slightly with
Smithsonite ZnCO3 Hexagonal greenigh, 4-4.5 4,4 Vitreous uneven; sub- Brittle White A minor ore of zinc.
warm HCl.
brownish conchoidal
white
Colorless to
Irregular to Effervesces only in warm
gray; A minor ore of
Strontianite SrCO3 Orthorhombic 3.5 3.7-3.8 Vitreous uneven; sub- Brittle White HCl solutions or when
yellowish, strontium.
conchoidal powdered in cold HCl.
greenish
It is unstable which
Used on microparticles
Sub- transforms into calcite at
CaCO3 Irregular/une for biomedical and
Vaterite Hexagonal Colorless 3 2.6 vitreous; Brittle White low temperatures and
ven, splintery personal care
waxy into aragonite at higher
applications
temperatures.
Fluoresces light blue
Colorless to under both long- and
Irregular to
Witherite BaCO3 Orthorhombic milky white, 3-3.5 4.3 Vitreous Brittle White short-wave UV light; A minor ore of barium.
uneven
or grayish phosphorescent under
short-wave UV light.
Emerald Vitreous to Its bright emerald green Hydrous carbonate of
Zaratite Ni3CO3(OH)4.H2O Isometric 3.5 2.6-2.7 Conchoidal Sectile
green greasy color nickel occurring as an
21
emerald green
incrustation on chromite
ARSENATES
name Composition System Features
Gravity
Shows a radiating
habit that is
intermediate between
Adamite Zn2AsO4 (OH) Orthorhombic Green, 3.5 4.4 Adamantine Conchoidal Brittle White to a simple druse and a Only as mineral
yellow, pale green botryoidal habit which specimens
rarely white gives a nice glimpse
and into how botryoidal
occasionally habits form
purple
apple-green, Distinguished by
yellow- tabular crystals,
Bayldonite PbCu3(AsO4)2(OH)2 Monoclinic green; dark 4.5 5.5 Resinous to Uneven Brittle Green radiating fibrous, Crafted as
green to greasy granular and massive cabochons
black crust
(crystals)
Crystals are
Subadamant transparent to
Annabergite Ni3(AsO4)2·8H2O Monoclinic Apple-green, 1.5-2.5 3 ine, pearly Hackly Sectile Pale green translucent; flattened A very minor ore of
pale pink, on to white striated blades or nickel
white or cleavages; radiating accicular
gray dull or crystals, but large
earthy crystals are extremely
rare
Olive green;
Olivenite Cu2 (AsO4)(OH) Monoclinic brownish- 3 3.9 - 4.4 Resinous to Conchoidal Brittle Olive Soluble in HCl Minor ore of copper
green to adamantine green to
yellow- brown
green
22
Association with other
Adamantine cobalt minerals and its Used by the
Erythrite Co3(AsO4)2·8H2O Monoclinic Crimson to 1.5-2.5 3.06 to vitreous; Splintery Sectile Pale red to pink color are prospector as a
pink pearly on pink sufficient to guide to other cobalt
cleavage distinguish from other minerals and
minerals associated native
silver
Typically
yellow,
Mimetite Pb5(AsO4)3Cl Hexagonal orange or 3.5-4 7.1 Resinous to Subconchoidal Brittle White Best Field The chief use of
brown, less adamantine Indicators are crystal mimetite is as a
commonly habit, high luster, collector's specimen,
green, color, and density. often creating
colorless or attractive botryoidal
gray. crusts on the surface
of the specimen.
Best Field
Blue to Indicators are color,
Mixite BiCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6· Hexagonal emerald 3-4 3.79- Vitreous Uneven Brittle Pale Green crystal habit, density Used only as mineral
3(H2O) Dipyramidal green, pale 3.83 and associations with specimens
green white. bismuth ores.
Best Field
Indicators are color,
Nealite Pb4Fe(AsO4)2Cl4 Trigonal Typically 4 5.88 Vitreous Uneven Very Pale crystal habit, high Used only as mineral
orange, also Brittle orange density, brittleness specimens
yellow yellow and locality
Best Field
Indicators are crystal
Paradamite Zn2AsO4(OH) Triclinic pale yellow 3.5 4.5-4.6 Vitreous Uneven Brittle White habit, color, density, Used only as mineral
fluorescence and specimens
associations.
greenish Best Field
blue, Indicators are color,
Parasimples Fe3(AsO4)2 - Monoclinic greenish 2 3.01-3.1 Vitreous Uneven Brittle White crystal habit, cleavage, Used only as mineral
yte 8H2O gray or softness and specimens
green associations.
23
TUNGSTATES
Mineral Chemical Crystal PHYSICAL PROPERTIES Distinguising Uses

Name Composition System Feautures
Gravity
Ferberite FeWO4 Monoclinic Black,Dark 4.0-4.5 7.58 Submetallic Uneven Brittle Brownish
(Prismatic) Brown to Black Has a darker color, Ferberite is an
Adamantine
less transparent, important ore of
slightly heavier in tungsten. Good
weight. specimens are not
common, and are
highly desired by
mineral collectors.
Hubnerite MnWO4 Monoclinic(Pris Yellowish,Br 4.0-4.5 7.12- Metallic to Uneven Brittle Yellow,Bro Hubnerite tends to be A minor ore of
matic) own, 7.18 Adamantine wn, Gray light in color, with a tungsten (an
Reddish lighter streak, more important industrial
transparent and less element) and as a
dense mieral specimen
Pinalite Orthorhombic Bright 6.0 7.78 Adamantine Uneven Brittle White Pinalite forms in
Yellow, Pale It is therefore oxidized base-metal
Pb3WO5Cl2 important in seeing
Yellow deposits as a late-
how the structures in stage secondary
new mineral.
lead oxyhalides (contai
ning square pyramids
incorporated into
sheets) are arranged
24
Raspite PbWO4 Monoclinic Brittle White Crystals typically Raspite is a very
Yellow, 2.5 - 3 8.4 - 8.5 Adamantine, Subconchoidal rare and valuable
tabular, flattened on
{100}, which is collectors mineral.
orange, resinous to uneven
striated parallel [010],
brown and somewhat
elongated parallel
[010]; also elongated
[100] or thin tabular
{101}.
Russelite Bi2WO6 Orthorhombic Brittle White It typically occurs It occurs as a

Yellow- 3.5 7.33- Metallic Cubconcoidal associated with native secondary alteration
bismuth, bismuthinite, of other bismuth
Green,Yello 3.37
bismite, wolframite, bearing minerals in
w ferberite, scheelite, tin - tungsten
ferritungstite, hydrothermal ore
anthoinite, mpororoite, deposits, pegmatites
koechlinite, cassiterite, and greisens
topaz, muscovite,
tourmaline and quartz
Scheelite Tetragonal White Recognized by its high
Colorless, 4.5-5.0 specific gravity, crystal the material
CaWO4 5.9–6.1 Vitreous to Subconchoidal Brittle produced may be
form, and fluorescence
White,Gray, used to imitate
adamantine to uneven in UV light.
diamond, as
Brown
a scintillator, or as
a solid state lasing
medium.
Stolzite Tetragonal Brittle White Stolzite can Stolzite is a rare and

Reddish 2.5-3.0 8.34 fluorescence a bright desirable collectors
PbWO4 Resinous, Conchoidal to
red to orange under mineral. It is a minor
Brown,
subadamanti uneven long-wave ultraviolet ore of tungsten in
Yellow, Red and a bright lemony tungsten deposits
ne yellow under short-
wave UV light.
Wolframite (Fn,Mn) WO4 Monoclinicl Brittle Reddish The dark color, onde
Gray, 4.0-4.5 7.0-7.5 Brown direction of perfect a strong and quite
Submetallic Uneven to dense material with
Brownish cleavage and high
specific gravity a high melting
to resinous rough temperature used
Black
for electric
filaments and armor-
piercing ammunition
25
CHROMATES
CHEMICAL CRYSTAL Distinguishing

MINERAL NAME PHYSICAL PROPERTIES USES
COMPOSITION SYSTEM Features
SPECIFIC
GRAVITY
Bright
Can
crimson-
synthesized to
Pb5 (AsO4,CrO4, red, Transparent and
Bellite Monoclinic 2.5 5.5 Resinous Conchoidal Brittle Red chromium
SiO2)3Cl bright Translucent
dominant
yellow to
mimetite
orange
Orange, Well-developed
Yellowish source of
Crocoite PbCrO4 Monoclinic red, 2.5-3 5.9-6.1 Adamantine Conchoidal Sectile prismatic
orange chromium
yellow crystals
Deep Resinous, Irregular/uneven,

Olive
Fornacite Pb2Cu(CrO4)(AsO4)(Oh) Monoclinic olive- 2-3 6.27 waxy, conchoidal, Brittle Soluble in HCL Lead Ore
Green
green greasy Sub-conchoidal
Lead
Orange- Pale Soft, brittle
Georgerobinsonite Pb4(CrO4)2(OH)2FCl Orthorhombic 2.5-3 6.23 Adamantine None Brittle Chromate
red orange mineral
Mineral
26
Bright Associated
orange, secondary Lead Zinc
henna- Saffron- minerals Chromite
Hemihedrite Pb10Zn(CrO4)2(F,OH)2 Triclinic 3 6.42 Vitreous None Brittle
brown to yellow include galena, Silicate
almost sphalerite and Mineral
black pyrite
National
Orange- Light Museum of
Lopezite K2Cr2O7 Triclinic 2.5 2.69 Vitreous None Brittle Soluble in water
red, red yellow Natural
History
Dark red, Contains

Phoenicochroite Pb2O(CrO4) Monoclinic 2.5 5.57 Translucent None Brittle Brick-red Soluble in HCL
bright red Chromate
Bright
yellow, Contains
Tarapacaite K2(CrO4) Orthorhombic 2.5 2.74 Translucent None Brittle Yellow Soluble in water
yellow- Chromate
orange
Olive-
green,
apple- Greenish
Adamantine, Partially soluble Copper and
Vauquelinite CuPb2(CrO4)(PO4)(OH) Monoclinic green, 2.5-3 6.16 Irregular Brittle or
resinous in HNO3 lead ore
brown to brownish
nearly
black
27
MOLYBDATES
CHEMICAL CRYSTAL Distinguishing

MINERAL NAME PHYSICAL PROPERTIES USES
COMPOSITION SYSTEM Features
SPECIFIC
GRAVITY
A rare
secondary
Tabular to mineral
Green to platey crystals, occurring in
Cu3(MoO4)2(OH)2 Pale
Lindgrenite Monoclinic yellowish 4.5 4.2 Greasy Micaceous Brittle may be acicular, the oxidised
Green
green massive or crust zones of
forming molybdenum-
bearing copper
deposits.
Straw-
yellow,
greenish Flat tabular
It occurs in
yellow, crystals often
hydrothermal
yellow- paper-thin on
ore deposits of
brown, Light {001}, may be
Powellite CaMoO4 Tetragonal 3.5 – 4.0 4.25 Adamantine Conchoidal Brittle molybdenum
brown, Yellow crusty to
within the near
colorless, pulverulent or
surface
may show massive
oxidized zones.
blue to
black
zones
28
It is also a
secondary ore
Deep
Adamantine, Irregular to sub- Thin tabular to of
Wulfenite PbMoO4 Tetragonal olive- 2.75 – 3.0 6.5 – 7.0 Brittle White
Resinous conchoidal pyramidal molybdenum,
green
and is sought
by collectors.
VANADATES
name Composition System Features
Color Hardness Specific Luster Fracture/ Tenacity Streak
Gravity Cleavage
K2(UO2)2(VO4)2·3H2 monoclinic bright dull or 4–5 dull or Micaceous Fragile yellow powder of Industrial use: Uranium
O yellow to earthy earthy microscopic platy or ore
lemon or lathlike crystals
Carnotite greenish
yellow
(Pb,Zn)2VO4OH orthorhombic brownish 3–3½ 5.9–6.2 greasy Irregular, Brittle Orange crusts of intergrown As a minor ore of lead
Descloizite red to sub- to crystals; rounded and zinc and as mineral
blackish conchoidal brownish fibrous masses specimens
brown; red
various
shades from
orange-red
to black and
green
Ca(UO2)2V2O8·(5- orthorhombic canary about 2 variable waxy; also one sectile yellow compact to A very minor ore of
Tyuyamunite 8)H2O yellow; with pearly perfect, cryptocrystalline uranium and as mineral
lemon to water mica like massive; scales and specimens.
greenish content cleavage lathlike crystals;
yellow radiating crystal
aggregates
Pb5(VO4)3Cl Hexagonal canary about 3 6.5–7.1 subresinous uneven to Brittle brownish Vanadinite is also
Vanadinite yellow; to conchoidal yellow hair like or barrel- occasionally used as a
lemon to sub fracture shaped (frequently source of lead.
adamantine
29
greenish hollow) prismatic
yellow crystals
Mottramite orthorhombic Grass-green, 3 - 3½ 5.9 Greasy Irregular/u Brittle Yellowish typically tiny druzy Readily soluble in acids.
PbCu(VO4)(OH) olive-green, neven, green crusts, radiating and
yellow- sub- stalactitic masses.
green, conchoidal
siskin-green,
blackish
brown,
nearly black
Francevillite (Ba,Pb)(UO2)2V2O8· Orthorhombic Lemon- 3 4.55 Adamantine brittle Light Aggregates and
5(H2O) yellow, - pearly On {001}, yellow incrustations of Francevillite is a strongly
yellow- perfect crystals, also radioactive mineral. It
orange, massive, in veinlets forms a series with
orange, and as curienite.
greenish impregnations
yellow;
green,
brown
Volborthite Cu3V2O7(OH)2·2H2 Monoclinic Olive-green, 3½ 3.5 - 3.8 Vitreous, Perfect brittle light Only as mineral
O yellow- waxy, cleavage green specimens.
green; greasy, Aggregates of scaly
green to pearly crystals, rosettes
yellow-
green in
transmitted
light
Margaritasite (Cs, K, monoclinic. Yellow 2 5.4 pearly none brittle light Tabular,microscopic, yellow, caesium-bearing
H3O)2(UO2)2V2O8 yellow granular-fine or mineral in the carnotite
·H2O aggregates group.
30
Wakefieldite Wakefieldite Tetragonal Canary- 4-5 4.25 adamantine Good on Very brittle Rusty Prismatic crystals, As an absorbent for
yellow, pale {100} brown pulverulent masses desiccant air conditioning
tan; Dark
red to coal-
black, pale
yellow to
bluish gray
(; Light
pink, brown
(Wakefieldit
e-(La)
Tokyoite Ba2(Mn3+,Fe3+)OH( Monoclinic Reddish 4.5 - 5 4.62 Vitreous None brittle Deep Occurs as splotchy, It occurs in low-
VO4)2 black observed brownish anhedral crystals grade metamorphosed se
cleavage red forming inclusions dimentary
manganese ore deposits
Lyonsite Cu3Fe+34(VO4)6 Orthorhombic Black; 3.5 4.215 Metallic Good on brittle Metallic As euhedral Occurs as a sublimate in
creamy {001} flattened lath volcanic fumaroles. It is
white in shaped crystals often associated with
reﬂected howardevansite and
light in thenardite.
polished
section
Ziesite β-Cu2V2O7 Monoclinic Black; 0 3.86 Metallic none brittle Red Anhedral crystals Transparent material is
reddish brown and incrustations fashioned into gemstones
brown to while translucent-to-
dark reddish opaque material is
brown in usually carved.
transmitted
light; white
in reflected
light
31
Blossite Cu2+2V5+2O7 Orthorhombic Black, white 3 3.95 - Metallic none brittle Red Anhedral crystals Only as mineral
in reflected 3.97 brown and intergrowths specimens.
light, red-
brown
internal
reflections
NATIVE ELEMENTS
MINERAL CHEMICAL CRYSTAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES DISTINGUISHING USES

NAME COMPOSITION SYSTEM COLOR HARDNESS SPECIFIC LUSTER FRACTURE TENACITY STREAK FEATURES
GRAVITY
Gold Au Isometric Various 1 19.3 when Metallic Hackly Very malleable Yellow Gold is distinguished Most of the
2 -3
shades of 2 pure. The and ductile. from the yellow existing gold is
yellow, presence of sulfides pyrite and owned by
depending other chalcopyrite and various countries
on the metals from yellow flakes of as bullion and is
purity, decreases altered micas by its used for
becoming the specific sectility and high international
paler with gravity, specific gravity. settlements. An
increase of which may increasing
silver. be as low amount in the
as 15. form of
medallions and
small bars are
utilized for
investment
purposes. Other
uses include
jewelry, scientific
instruments,
electroplating,
gold leaf and
dental
appliances.
32
Silver Ag Isometric Silver-white, 1 10.5 when Metallic Hackly Malleable and Silver- Silver can be Includes
2 -3
often 2 pure, 10-12 ductile. white, often distinguished by its photographic film
tarnished to when tarnished to malleability, color on emulsions,
brown or impure. brown or a fresh surface, and plating, brazing
gray-black. gray-black. high specific gravity. alloys, tableware,
and electronic
equipment.
Copper Cu Isometric Copper-red 1 8.9 Metallic Hackly Highly ductile Rose Native copper can Copper sulfides
2 -3
on fresh 2 and malleable. be recognized by its are today’s
surface, red color on fresh principal ores of
usually dark surfaces, hackly the metal. Other
with dull fracture, high uses include
luster specific gravity and electrical
because of malleability. purposes (as
tarnish. wire), alloys such
as brass, bronze
and German
silver.
Platinum Pt Isometric Steel-gray 1 21.45 when Metallic Hackly Malleable and Grayish Determined by its Uses include as
4-4
2 pure, 14-19 ductile. white high specific gravity, catalysts to
when malleability and control
native. steel-gray color. automobile
Magnetic when rich exhaust
in iron. emissions, and in
the chemical and
petroleum
industries. It is
also utilized in
dentistry,
surgical
instruments,
jewelry and
electrical
equipment.
Iron Fe Isometric Steel-gray to 1 7.3-7.9 Metallic Hackly Malleable Gray Iron can be It is commonly
4
black 2 recognized by its used in
strong magnetism, manufacturing
its malleability and machine tools,
the oxide coating automobiles,
usually on its hulls of large
surface. ships, machine
parts, and even
building parts.
Iron is also
common in many
different tools,
surgical
equipment, and
33
appliances.
Stainless steel is
a common type
of steel used in a
host of different
products. It is
created when
iron is combined
with other
metals.
Iron-nickel in all
forms is valued
as a rare
collector’s item,
and meteorites
are especially
popular among
collectors. There
are collectors
that specialize
Alloy of iron and
just in meteorites
nickel, with a
alone. Some
Iron black, varying percentage
Kamacite Alpha-(Fe, Ni) Isometric 4 7.9 Metallic Hackly Malleable Gray meteorites are
steel gray of both elements, in
made into slabs
a high crystallization
or polished to
form.
display the
etched
Widmanstatten
patterns.
Meteorites are
also used in
scientific studies
related to both
geology and
astronomy.
Taenite Fe, Ni Isometric Metallic 5 – 5.5 8.06 Metallic Uneven Malleable, Light grey Magnetic; Found Alloy of iron and
grayish - flexible mostly in iron nickel
white meteorites; Opaque
Arsenic As Trigonal Tin-white 3.5 - 4 5.4 - 5.9 Metallic, Uneven Brittle Black Metalloid; Can exist Used for
tarnishing to dull in various allotropes; strengthening
black Has a perfect alloys of copper;
cleavage; Opaque; Wood
Poisonous preservative;
Medicines
(arsphenamine);
Alloying with
Lead; Used in
the military after
34
World War I;
Bronzing and
pyrotechnics;
Taxonomic
sample
preservation;
Bismuth Bi Trigonal Reddish 2 – 2.5 9.7 - 9.8 Metallic Uneven Brittle Grey Has a perfect Used in
silver white, cleavage; Opaque; medicines;
tarnishes Resembles arsenic Cosmetics and
and antimony; pigments; Metal
Naturally and alloys(such
diamagnetic; Has as solders); as
one of the lowest Lead
values of thermal replacement
conductivity among
metals; decays via
alpha decay with a
half-life more than a
billion times the
estimated age of the
universe
Sulfur S Orthorhombic Yellow, 2 2.0 – 2.1 Adamantine Irregular/ Brittle, Colourless Distinct, brightly Precursor to
brownish , resinous, uneven, somewhat coloured polyhedron other chemicals;
with greenish greasy Conchoidal sectile shapes; Smells like a Fertilizer;
tinge rotten egg; Fungicide and
Translucent Pesticide;
Bactericide in
winemaking and
food preservation
Diamond C Cubic Colorless, all 10 3.47 – 3.55 Adamantine Irregular/ Brittle White Less stable than Jewelleries;
colors, also uneven graphite; Cutting and
black Transparent to polishing tools;
opaque; Splintery; Diamond knives;
Perfect cleavage Diamond Anvil
(perfect octahedral) Cells
35
Graphite C Hexagonal Dark to pale 1 2.1 – 2.3 Metallic, Micaceous Flexible Grey to Has perfect Used in
gray, black dull black cleavage; Opaque; Refractories
Polymorph of (graphite
chaotite, diamond, crucible);
and lonsdaleite; Batteries
usually occurs in (lithium-ion
flakes in battery);
metamorphosed Steelmaking;
rocks rich in carbon, Brake linings;
but can also be Foundry facings
found in veins and and lubricants;
in pegmatites Pencils
SULFIDES

GRAVITY
Acanthite Ag2S Monoclinic black 2-2 ½ 7.3 metallic uneven sectile black, Can be distinguished An important ore
(Argentite) shining by its color, sectility of sliver
and high specific
gravity
Chalcocite Cu2S Monoclinic shining lead- 2½-3 5.5-5.8 metallic conchoidal brittle to grayish- Is distinguished by An important
gray, sectile black its lead-gray color copper ore
tarnishing to and sectility
dull black on
exposure
Bornite Cu5FeS4 Tetragonal brownish- 3 5.06-5.08 metallic uneven to brittlle grayish- It is distinguished by An ore of copper
bronze on subconchoidal black its characteristic
fresh bronze color on the
fracture to fresh fracture and
almost black by the purple tarnish
on exposure
Galena PbS Isometric lead gray 2½ 7.4-7.6 bright subonchoidal brittle lead gray It can be easily The only source
metallic recognized by its of lead and an
good cleavage, high important ore of
specific gravity, silver
softness and lead-
gray streak
Sphalerite ZnS Isometric colorless 3½-4 3.9-4.1 nonmetallic conchoidal brittle white to It can be recognized The most
when pure, and yellow to by its striking important ore of
and green resinous to brown zinc
36
when nearly submetallic, resinous luster and
so also perfect cleavage
adamantine
Chalcopyrite CuFeS2 Tetragonal brass-yellow 3½-4 4.1-4.3 metallic uneven brittle Greenish- It is recognized by Important ore of
to bronze black its brass-yellow color copper
and greenish-black
streak. Distinguished
from pyrite by being
softer than steel and
from gold by being
brittle. Known as
“fools gold”.
Pyrrhotite Fe1-xS Moniclinic Brownish- 4 4.58-4.65 Metallic Sub- Brittle Black Recognized usually It is mined for its
bronze conchoidal to by its massive associated nickel,
uneven nature, bronze color, copper, and
and magnetism. platinum. At
Sudbury,
Ontario, it is also
a source of sulfur
and an ore of
iron.
Nickeline NiAs Hexagonal Pale copper- 5-5½ 7.78 Metallic Conchoidal Brittle Brownish- Characterized by its A minor ore of
red (hence black copper-red color. nickel.
called copper Gives nickel test
nickel), with with
gray to dimethylglyoxime.
blackish
tarnish
Millerite NiS Hexagonal Pale brass- 3–3½ 5.5 ± 0.2 Metallic Irregular/unev Brittle Black, Characterized by its A subordinate
yellow en somewhat capillary crystals and ore of nickel.
greenish distinguished from
minerals of similar
color by nickel tests.
Pentlandite (Fe,Ni)9S8 Isometric Yellowish- 3½-4 4.6 – 5.0 Metallic Conchoidal Brittle Light Closely resembles The principal ore
bronze bronze- pyrrhotite in of nickel.
brown appearance but can
be distinguished
from it by octahedral
parting and lack of
magnetism. Gives
nickel test with
dimethyglyoxime.
Covellite CuS Hexagonal Indigo-blue 1½-2 4.6 – 4.76 Metallic Irregular/Unev Flexible Lead-gray Characterized by the A minor ore of
or darker en, Hackly to black indigp-blue color, copper.
micaceous cleavage
yielding flexible
plates, and
association with
37
other copper
sulfides.
Cinnabar HgS Hexagonal Vermillion- 2½ 8.10 Adamantine Irregular/Unev Sectile Scarlet Recognized by its The only
red when when pure en, Sub- red color and scarlet important source
pure to to dull Conchoidal streak, high specific of mercury.
brownish-red earthy gravity, and
when impure when cleavage.
impure
Realgar AsS Monoclinic Red to 1 3.48 Resinous Conchoidal Slightly sectile Red to Distinguished by its Fireworks to give
1 −2
orange 2 orange red color, resinous a brilliant white
luster, orange-red light when mixed
streak, and almost with saltpeter
invariable and ignited.
association with
orpiment.
Orpiment As2S3 Monoclinic Lemon- 1 3.49 Resinous, Uneven Sectile and Pale-yellow Characterized by its Used in dyeing
1 −2
yellow 2 pearly on slightly flexible yellow color and and in a
cleavage in thin flakes. foliated structure. preparation for
face Distinguished from the removal of
sulfur by its perfect hair from skins.
cleavage.
Stibnite Sb2S3 Orthorhom Lead-gray to 2 4.52-4.62 Metallic, Uneven Brittle; very Lead-gray Characterized by its Chief ore of
bic black splendent slightly sectile to black easy fusibility, Antimony; used
on cleavage bladed habit, perfect as pigment and
surfaces cleavage in one for making glass
direction, lead-gray
color, and soft black
streak. Fusible in a
candle flame.
Pyrite FeS2 Isometric Pale brass- 1 5.02 Metallic, Conchoidal Brittle Greenish or Distinguished from Source of sulfur
6−6
yellow 2 splendent brownish chalcopyrite by its for sulphuric acid
black paler color and and copperas;
greater hardness, may be cut into a
from gold by its gemstone.
brittleness and Copperas is used
hardness, and from dyeing, inks, as a
marcasite by its perservative of
deeper color and wood and
crystal form disinfectant.
Marcasite FeS2 Orthorhom Pale bronze- 1 4.89 Metallic Conchoidal Brittle Grayish- Usually recognized Used to a slight
6−6
bic yellow to 2 black and distinguished extent as a
almost white from pyrite by its source of sulfur.
on fresh pale color, its
fractures. crystals or its fibrous
habit.
Molybdenite MoS2 Hexagonal Lead-gray 1 4.62-4.73 Metallic Uneven Sectile and Grayish- Resembles graphite Principle ore of
1−1
2 flexible black but is distinguished Molybdenum.
from it by higher
38
specific gravity; by a
blue tone to its
color, whereas
graphite has a
brown tinge. On
glazed porcelain, it
gives a greenish
streak graphite a
black streak.
Cobaltite (Co, Fe)AsS Orthorhom Silver-white 5½ 6.33 Metallic Irregular Brittle Grayish- Although in crystal An ore of cobalt.
bic black form cobaltite
resembles pyrite, it
can be distinguished
by its silver color
and cleavage.
Arsenopyrite FeAsS Monoclinic Silver-white 5½-6 6.07 Metallic Irregular Brittle Black Distinguished from The principal
marcasite by its source of
silver-white color. arsenic.
Its crystal form
distinguishes it from
skutterudite.
Skutterudite (Co, Ni) As3 Isometric Tin-white to 5½-6 6.5 ± 0.4 Metallic Irregular Brittle Black Tin-white to silver- An ore of cobalt
silver-gray gray color. Chemical and nickel.
tests may be
necessary for
identification.
SULFOSALTS

GRAVITY
Enargite Cu3 AsS4 Orthorhom Grayish-black 3 4.45 Metallic Irregular Brittle Grayish- Characterized by its An ore of copper.
bic to iron-black black to color and cleavage.
iron-black Distinguised from
stibnite by a test for
Cu.
Pyrargyrite Ag3 SbS3 Trigonal Deep red to 2½ 5.8 Adamantine Irregular Brittle Purplish red Deep red color and An ore of silver
red-gray streak, deeper in and as mineral
color and less specimens
translucent that
proustite.
Proustite Ag3 AsS3 Trigonal Scarlet, 2-2½ 5.6 Adamantine Irregular, Brittle Vermilion Color, vermilion A minor ore of
vermilion or Conchoidal red streak; lighter in silver, as a
reddish gray color than mineral specimen
pyrargyrite or as a rare
gemstone
39
Tetrahedrite Cu12 Sb4 S13 Isometric Steel to iron- 3½-4 4.8 Metallic Sub- Brittle Black, Tetrahedral crystals; Ore of copper
gray conchoidal brown to fracture; lack of and as a minor
dark red cleavage ore of silver.
Tennantite Cu12 As4 S13 Isometric Grey-black, 3–4½ 4.6 Metallic Sub- Brittle Reddish Similar to Ore of copper
steel-gray, conchoidal grey, black, tetrahedrite but is and a minor ore
iron-gray, red-brown darker, has a redder of silver and
black streak and a arsenic.
translucent red color
that can be seen in
thin splinters when
they are held up to
a strong light.
NESOSILICATES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
MINERAL CHEMICAL CRYSTAL DISTINGUISHING
SPECIFIC USE
NAME COMPOSITION SYSTEM COLOR HARDNESS LUSTER FRACTURE TENACITY STREAK FEATURES
GRAVITY
ZIRCON GROUP
Zircon ZrSiO4 Usually recognized When
Reddish by its characteristic transparen
brown, crystals, color, serves as
Tetragonal 7.5 4.6–4. Vitreous to Conchoidal to Brittle White
luster, hardness, and stone; ser
adamantine uneven
yellow, high specific gravity. a source o
; greasy
zirconium
green, blue, when meta
mict
gray,
colorless; in
thin section,
colorless to
pale brown.
ALUMINUM SILICATES
40
Pink, violet, Characterized by the Used in th
yellow, nearly square prism manufactu
green, white, and hardness. spark plug
Andalusite Al2SiO5 gray; in thin Chiastolite is readily other porc
Orthorhombic section, 3.17 Vitreous uneven to - White recognized by the of high
colorless to 6.5 - 7.5 subconchoidal symmetrically refractory
pink or green arranged inclusions. nature.
Silimanite Colourless or Vitreous to Characterized by Used in th

Al2SiO5 Orthorhombic white to subadaman Splintery Tough White slender crystals with manufactu
grey, also 3.24 tine, silky one direction of high- grad
7
brown, cleavage. porcelain.
yellow,
yellow-green,
grey-green,
blue-green,
blue
Characterized by its Used prim

Kyanite Al2SiO5 Triclinic Blue, white, 4.5-5 parallel 3.53 - Vitreous to Splintery Brittle White bladed crystals, refractory
rarely green, to one axis 3.65 pearly good cleavage, blue ceramic
gray, yellow, 6.5-7 measured; color, and different products,
pink, orange, perpendicula 3.67 hardness in different including
and black, r to that axis calculated directions. porcelain
can be zoned plumbing
and dishw
also used
electronics
rical
insulators
rasives.
Topaz Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 Orthorhombic Colorless (if 8 3.49–3.57 Vitreous - White Recognized chiefly Used a
no by its crystals, basal gemsto
Subconchoidal
impurities), cleavage, hardness,
blue, brown, to uneven and high specific
orange, gray, gravity.
yellow,
green, pink
and reddish
pink
41
Staurolite Fe2Al9O6(SiO4)4(O,OH Monoclinic Dark reddish 7 - 7.5 3.74 - Subvitreous Subconchoidal Brittle White to Recognized by its Staurolite
)2 brown to 3.83 to resinous grayis characteristic of the i
blackish meas. crystals and twins. minerals t
brown, 3.686 calc. Distinguished from used to e
yellowish andalusite by its the tempe
brown, rarely obtuse prism. depth,
blue; pale pressu
golden which a
yellow in thin underg
section metamor
HUMITE GROUP
Chondrodite Mg5(SiO4)2F2 Monoclinic Yellow, 6 - 6.5 3.1 - 3.26 Vitreous to Conchoidal to Brittle Grey or Characterized by its a fairly
orange, red Greasy Uneven Yellow light yellow to red mine
or brown, color and its mineral
rarely associations in
colorless crystalline limestone.
Datolite CaBSiO4(OH) Monoclinic Colorless or 5 - 5.5 2.96 – 3.0 Vitreous, Conchoidal to Brittle - Characterized by its -
white; may rarely uneven glassy luster, pale
be grayish, subresinous green color, and its
yellow, on fracture crystals with many
green, red, surface faces.
pink
Titanite CaTiSiO5 Monoclinic Reddish 5 - 5.5 3.48 - Subadaman Sub- - Reddish Characterized by its
brown, gray, 3.60 tine tending conchoidal white wedge-shaped Jewelry us
yellow, to slightly crystals and high titanite is
green, or red resinous luster. both beca
stone is
uncommo
gem quali
is relativel
Titanite ca
be used a
Pbgeochro
er, specifi
metamorp
terranes.
Chloritoid (Fe,Mg,Mn)2Al4Si2O10 Monoclinic Dark gray, 6.5 3.46 – pearly on - Brittle White, Often difficult to -
(OH)4 Triclinic greenish 3.80 cleavage grayish, distinguish from
gray, surfaces or very chlorite. Optical
study is necessary
42
greenish slightly for unambiguous
black greenish identification.
SOROSILICATES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
MINERAL NAME SPECIFIC USE
GRAVITY
An ore of
Colorless, Uneven or Some specimens
Vitreous to White to beryllium
Bertrandite Be4Si2O7(OH)2 Orthorhombic white and 6-7 3.3 - 3.5 conchoidal Brittle have fluoresced gree
pearly gray mineral
pale yellow fracture n under UV light,
specimens
Almost
always clear
or white, but Crystal habit, poor
Uneven to White or
Danburite CaB2Si2O8 Orthorhombic also can be 7 - 7.5 3.0 Vitreous Brittle cleavage, hardness Mineral sp
conchoidal colorless
shades of and associations
yellow, pink
and brown
White to less Fluoresces a dark A very min
commonly Vitreous to Perfect violet to blue color of zinc an
Hardystonite Ca2ZnSi2O7 Tetragonal 3-4 3.4 Brittle White
pale pink or dull cleavage under short-wave UV mineral
brown light and no specimens
43
fluorescence under
long-wave UV light
Vitreous in
Blue-green,
large
green, white,
crystals to Conchoidal to Strongly pyroelectric
Hemimorphite Zn4Si2O7(OH)2 · H2O Orthorhombic colorless, 5 3.4 Brittle White Minor ore
dull in more subconchoidal and piezoelectric
brown and
compact
yellow
forms
Normally
black, but
also Submetallic Brownish Crystals are usually
Ilvaite CaFe3OSi2O7(OH) Orthorhombic 5.5 – 6 3.8 - 4.1 Conchoidal Brittle Mineral sp
brownish or resinous black striated lengthwise
black to dark
gray.
Light blue,
light pink,
light purple, used
gray, tan, or in geologi
white. May Localities, dies to
CaAl2Si2O7(OH)2 · also be Perfect perfect cleavage, determine
Lawsonite Orthorhombic 7.5 3.1 Vitreous Brittle White
H2O multicolored cleavage color, and hardness formation
with color and metam
zoning of sm of cert
light blue, rock form
light pink, or
light purple.
White to Very mino
Crystal habit, color,
(Na, Ca, yellowish, Perfect source of
Leucophanite Triclinic 4 3.0 Vitreous Brittle White associations, locality
Ce)2BeSi2(O, OH, F)7 yellow and cleavage and as mi
and cleavage
green specimen
Lavender to
sky blue, Vitreous to
Suolunite Ca2Si2O5(OH)2 · H2O Triclinic 3.5 2.7 No cleavage Brittle White hardness, cleavage Mineral sp
white or adamantine
and localities
colorless
Brown, An import
green, collectors
yellow. Less mineral, a
commonly crystals ca
Crystal habits, very valua
pink, purple, localities, and
Vitreous, so The mass
Ca10Mg2Al4(SiO4)5(Si2 orange, Conchoidal to frequent association
Vesuvianite Tetragonal 6.5 3.3 - 3.5 metimes res Brittle White compact
O7)2(OH)4 maroon, red, uneven with Grossular Garne
inous variety Ca
and blue. t e is occas
Multicolored used as an
shades of ornamenta
green or stone simi
pink/purple to Jade.
44
and green
are rare
EPIDOTE GROUP
Commonly
black but can As a sourc
(Ca, Ce, La, Y)2(Al, be brown to Vitreous to rare earth
Allanite Monoclinic 5.5 3.0 - 4.2 Conchoidal Brittle Black radioactivity, luster
Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH) brownish greasy and miner
and hardness
violet if specimen
translucent
Most form
Brown, Clinozoisit
brownish- ugly and d
green, olive- have muc
green, Color, cleavage, The rare
3.2 - 3.4
Clinozoisite Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH) Monoclinic greenish 7 Vitreous Uneven Brittle White and environment transparen
yellow, dark forms, esp
yellow, gray, from Pakis
beige. Rarely make a va
pink or white collectors
mineral.
Good Epid
crystals,
especially
outstandin
forms from
Austria, A
Light to and Pakist
dark-green, highly valu
olive-green, among
brownish- Greenish color and collectors.
Ca2(Al,Fe)2(SiO4)3(O
Epidote Monoclinic green, 6-7 3.3 - 3.6 Vitreous Uneven Brittle White common crystal are consid
H)
yellowish- habits mineral cl
green, and are w
yellow, represente
brown, black many of t
finest colle
Epidote is
occasiona
ted as a
collector's
gemstone
Gray, beige,
Mineral
yellow, Vitreous. Pe specimen,
brown, arly on clea Conchoidal to Cleavage habit and
Zoisite Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH) Orthorhombic 6 - 6.5 3.2 - 3.4 Brittle White ornamenta
green, blue, vage uneven crystal forms.
stone and
purple, pink, surfaces.
gemstone
red.
45
CYCLOSILICATES
MINERAL NAME PHYSICAL PROPERTIES USE
46
COMPOSITION SYSTEM SPECIFIC FEATURES
GRAVITY
Clover Characterized by the A minor g

brown, triclinic crystals with
violet, gray, very acute angles
Axinite (Ca,Fe2+,Mn)3Al2BSi4 Triclinic 6.5-7 3.27-3.35 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle White
green, yellow
O15(OH)
Recognized usually As a gems

by its hexagonal Emerald, r
Commonly crystal form and as one of
bluish-green color. Distinguished most valu
or light from apatite by stones, an
yellow, may 7.5-8 greater hardness have a gre
Be3Al2(Si6O18) be deep 2.65-2.8 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle White and from quartz by value than
Beryl Hexagonal emerald- higher specific diamond.
green, gold- gravity. also the p
yellow, pink, source of
white, or beryllium,
colorless lightweigh
similar to
aluminum
many of it
properties
Usually recognized Used as a
by the characteristic gemstone
(Mg,Fe)2Al4Si5 Orthorhombic Shades of 2.60 - Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle White rounded triangular
Cordierite 7-7.5
O18•nH2O blue o bluish 2.66 (Glassy) cross section of the
-gray crystals and
conchoidal fracture.
Distinguished from
hornblende by
absence of cleavage.
Usually recognized
Tourmaline (Na,Ca)(Li,Mg,Al)3(Al Hexagonal Black, 7 – 7.5 3.0 – 3.25 Vitreous - Conchoidal Brittle White by the characteristic Gemsto
,Fe,Mn)6(BO3)3(Si6O1 brown, Resinous rounded triangular
8) green, red, cross section of the
(OH)4 pink, blue, crystals and
and gray. conchoidal fracture.
White, Distinguished from
colorless, hornblende by
yellow, absence of cleavage
orange, and
purple colors
are less
common
47
INOSILICATES
PYROXENE GROUP
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
MINERAL NAME USE
COMPOSITION SYSTEM SPECIFIC FEATURES
GRAVITY
CLINOPYROXENE
Colourless,
As minera
greenish 3.2 - 3.6, Columnar,crystalline
specimens
CLINOENSTATIT MgSiO yellow, Average = and granular
Monoclinic 5-6 Vitreous Brittle Brittle White some vari
E 3 yellowish 3.4 Cleavage:
are cut
brown, Distinct/Good
as gemsto
green-brown
CLINOHYPERSTH
(Mg, Fe)SiO3 Monoclinic - - - - - - - - -
ENE
high
temperatu
brown, Cleavage:
CLINOFERROSIL 2+
Vitreous Brittle morph of
Fe SiO Monoclinic colourless, 5-6 4.068 Brittle White Distinct/Good
ITE 3 (Glassy) Ferrosillite
green
only
in meteori
Brown- The calciu
Two cleavage
Brown- green, content of
directions
green, black, Irregular/Unev black, has been
3+ 2+
3.31 Vitreous, intersecting at
(Na,Ca)(Fe ,Fe ,M green-black, en, Sub- green- to be of lim
AUGITE Monoclinic 5½ - 6 g/cm3 (C Resinous, Brittle slightly less than 90
g,Al)Si O brown, Conchoidal black, use in stu
2 6 alculated) Dull degrees. Green to
purplish brown, the tempe
black color. Specific
brown purplish history of
gravity.
brown igneous ro
Unusually steep
The
Dark green Irregular/Unev crystals and
Vitreous, steep, pris
to greenish en Light environment
3+
3.5 - 3.6 Slightly Brittle well-shape
AEGIRINE NaFe Si O Monoclinic black, 6 gray Cleavage:Distinct/Go
2 6 resinous specimens
reddish od valued by
brown, black Good on {110 collectors.
48
Dark green,
Brittle -
Black, Green,
3+ 2+ Splintery -
Pale greenish 3.4 - 3.6,
AEGIRINE- (Na,Ca)(Fe ,Fe ,M Vitreous Brittle fracture Cleavage: {110}Very valued by
Monoclinic yellow, 6 Average = Brittle Grey
AUGITE g,Al)Si O (Glassy) leaving good collectors.
2 6 Greenish 3.5 splintery
gray. fragments.
apple-green, Color, toughness,

greenish hardness, specific Jewelry,
3+
white, Vitreous to Splintery, gravity, grain size ornaments
JADEITE Na(Al,Fe )Si O Monoclinic 6 3.3 to 3.5 Brittle White
2 6 purplish sugary. uneven and habit. Cleavage: tools, wea
blue, blue- Distinct/Good gemstone
green
Prismatic crystals, to limited us

2+ 2 3.17 -
(Mg,Fe ,Ca)(Mg,Fe black, brown, Brittle - 1 cm; granular, studies of
3.46 Vitreous, greyish
PIGEONITE + Monoclinic greenish 6 Conchoidal Brittle massive. temperatu
)Si O measured Dull white
2 6
brown Cleavage: history of
Distinct/Good igneous ro
Large
Hedenber
crystals ar
3.65 Irregular/Unev Cleavage: uncommo
2+
brownish Vitreous, white,
HEDENBERGITE CaFe Si O Monoclinic 5½ - 6½ g/cm3 (Cal en, Conchoidal Brittle Distinct/Good of interest
2 6 green, black Dull grey
culated) Good on {110} mineral
collectors.
Colourless,
yellow, light
Prismatic crystals An ore of
green,
3.1 - 3.2 Uneven to with strong striations lithium.
LiAlSi O emerald- Vitreous,
SPODUMENE Monoclinic 6½ - 7 g/cm3 (Me subconchoidal Brittle White parallel to their Gemstone
2 6 green, pink Dull
asured) principal axis. (kunzite,
to violet,
Perfect cleavage. hiddenite)
purple,
white, gray
Color, cleavage Gemstone
light to dark
diamond
green, blue, Irregular/Unev angles, and localities
3.278 indicator
CaMgSi O brown, Vitreous, en, Conchoidal Cleavage:Distinct/Go
DIOPSIDE Monoclinic 5½ - 6½ g/cm3(Calc Brittle White mineral,
2 6 colourless, Dull od
ulated) potential
snow white, on {110} industrial
grey
ceramics..
ORTHOPYROXENE
49
Low birefringence,
first order colors.
Parallel extinction in
White,
longitudinal sections,
yellowish
pale pink to green
green, minor gem
3.189 pleochroism.
MgSiO brown, Vitreous, Irregular/Unev Grey to decorative
ENSTATITE Orthorhombic 5-6 g/cm3(Calc Brittle Approximatly 90º
3 greenish Pearly en white purposes
ulated) cleavage planes.
white or
grey, olive-
green Cleavage:Distinct/Go
od
Good on {210}
Grayish
white,
Greenish
white,
Yellowish 3.2 - 3.9, grayish
5.5-6 Vitreous - Uneven Crystalline, massive, Iron-rich v
HYPERSTHENE (Mg,Fe)SiO3 Orthorhombic white, Average = Brittle greenish
Silky granular of Enstatit
Bronzy 3.55 white
brown,
Grayish
black.
Scientific a
Dark brown Light Stubby prismatic
FERROHYPERST (Mg,Fe)2Si2O6 Semi- mineral co
- to black 5 3.2 Uneven - brown crystals
HENE metallic interest.
Low birefringence,
first order colors.
Parallel extinction in
longitudinal sections,
As minera
Vitreous, pale pink to green
Dark brown 4.00 specimens
FeSiO Sub- Irregular/Unev Pale gray pleochroism.
FERROSILITE Orthorhombic to black 5-6 g/cm3(Calc Brittle some vari
3 Vitreous, en, Splintery brown Approximatly 90º
ulated) are cut
Greasy cleavage planes.
as gemsto
Cleavage:
Very Good
{210}
50
AMPHIBOLE GROUP
CHEMICAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
CRYSTAL DISTINGUISHING
MINERAL NAME COMPOSITION SPECIFIC USE
SYSTEM COLOR HARDNESS LUSTER FRACTURE TENACITY STREAK FEATURES
GRAVITY
Gray to Characterized by its
various clove-brown color
shades of 2.85-3.2 White to but unless in crystals
Anthophyllite (Mg,Fe)7Si8O22(OH)2 Orthorhombic 5.5-6 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle —
green and gray cannot be
brown and distinguished from
beige other amphiboles.
Pale Crystal form and
Various cleavage angles
gray-
shades of 3.0-3.4 Vitreous; Rock-form
Hornblende X2-3Y5Z8O22(OH)2 Monoclinic 5-6 Uneven Brittle green, serve to distinguish
dark green to fibrous mineral
gray- hornblende from
black
white dark pyroxenes.
Cummingtonite Series
Pale- Characterized by Amosite, a
Cummingtonite Fe2Mg5Si8O22(OH)2 Various light brown color
3.1-3.6 Silky; gray, rare asbes
Grunerite Fe7Si8O22(OH)2 Monoclinic shades of 5.5-6 Splintery Brittle and needlelike, often
fibrous gray- variety of
light brown
white radiating habit. grunerite.
Tremolite Series
Characterized by
slender prisms and
Vitreous; good prismatic The comp
Ca2Mg5Si8O22(OH)2 cleavage.
Tremolite Varying from often with variety, N
Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(O 3.0-3.3
Actinolite Monoclinic white to 5-6 silky sheen Splintery Brittle White Distinguished from is used as
H)2 green in the ornamenta
pyroxenes by the
prism zone cleavage angle from gem mate
hornblende by
lighter color.
Sodium Amphibole Group
Crocidolite
Glaucophane and asbestifor
Na2Mg3Al2Si8O22(OH)
riebeckite are variety of
Glaucophane 2 Blue to
3.1-4 White to characterized by riebeckite,
Riebeckite Na2Fe32+Fe23+Si8O22( Monoclinic lavender- 6 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle
blue their generally widely use
OH)2 blue to black
fibrous habit and jewellery
the name
blue color
tiger’s eye
51
PHYLLOSILICATES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
MINERAL NAME SPECIFIC USE
GRAVITY
Serpentine (Asbestos) Group
Recognized by its Sometime
Green, Gray, variegated green as an
Antigorite Mg3Si2O5(OH)4 2.5 - 2.6 Vitreous - Brittle. greenish
Monoclinic Bluish gray, 3.5-4 conchoidal color and its greasy ornamenta
Greasy Fibrous white
Brown, Black luster or by its stone inst
fibrous nature. jade.
Characterized by Used for
fibres which have fireproof f
Chrysotile Mg3Si2O5(OH)4 Green 2.2-2.6 considerable tensile and brake
Monoclinic 2.5 Silky splintery Flexible white
strength, and may cancer ris
be spun into thread made the
asbestos r
52
and woven into
cloth.
It forms extremely
fine-grained scales
Green, Green Lizardite is
Lizardite Mg3Si2O5(OH)4 2.55 - 2.6 Crystals are and massive
Hexagonal blue, Yellow, 2.5 Waxy conchoidal white for ornam
easily bent. aggregates, very
White carvings.
rarely crystals up to
2 mm.
Clay Mineral Group
In many parts of the
world it is colored Used in th
White, pink-orange-red by production
Yellowish iron oxide, giving it a paper; its
Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 2.6 Earthy
Triclinic white, 1.5-2 Uneven Sectile white ensures th
(Dull) distinct rust hue.
Grayish gloss on s
green grades of
paper.
Light to dark Talc has a low

green, reactivity. It is also Used in th
brown, not flammable. Talc manufactu
Talc Mg3Si4O10(OH)2 2.7-2.8 Pearly,
Monoclinic white; 1 Uneven Sectile White does not react with plastics. It
greasy, dull
colorless in water or air. mainly use
thin filler.
section
When heated, the
mineral exfoliates Has been
Brown green, and swells up to used in th
Brownish many times its
2.65 – manufactu
Pyrophyllite Al2Si4O10(OH)2 yellow, Flexible but
Triclinic 1.5-2 2.85 Pearly Flexible White original volume, ceramics,
Greenish, inelastic.
hence the name. ceramic ti
Gray green,
Gray white and refrac
Mica Group
Tiny flakes of Used in th
muscovite manufactu
White, sometimes survive paint, join
often
Muscovite KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH) White to 2.8 to 2.9 Pearly to long enough to be compound
Monoclinic 2.5 to 3 Micaceous Elastic sheds
colorless vitreous incorporated into plastics ru
tiny
sediments and asphalt ro
flakes
immature cosmetics
sedimentary rocks drilling mu
53
Usually distinguished Used toda
by its brownish-red mostly as
Brown, Gray, color. It comes in mineral
Thin
Green, very large crystal Specimen
2.7 - 2.9 Vitreous - laminae
Plogopite KMg3AlSi3O10F(OH) Monoclinic Yellow, 2-2.5 Uneven white sheets. Thin sheets was mined
Pearly °exible and
Reddish can be peeled off as good heat
elastic
brown electrical
layers.
insulating
properties
Resembles extensivel
muscovite but has constrain
smaller 2V and rocks, by
darker color. Mottled potassium
"birds-eye" dating or
Dark brown, extinction helps argon dat
greenish- Because a
distinguish from
K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10( brown, 2.7 to 3.4 Brittle - White - escapes re
Biotite Monoclinic 2.5 to 3 Vitreous Uneven similar minerals
OH)2 blackish- Flexible Gray from
brown, outside the mica the biotite
yellow, white family. Has structure
moderate to high temperatu
relief in thin section. these met
Has micaceous habit may provi
and dark color. minimum
for many
Its colors can be
confusing, a melting
and flame test is The lithium
desirable if there is content in
any reason such as Lepidolite
the presence of vary great
colored tourmalines however a
or other lithium lithium Le
minerals for is nearly u
suspecting a mica to as an ore
Pink to Sectile, Elas
K(Li,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(F, 2.5 - 3 2.8 - 2.9 Pearly White lithium. U
Lepidolite Monoclinic purple. Uneven tic he Lepidolite, rather
OH)2 an orname
than the commoner
stone and
muscovite. The heat insul
fluorescence and industrial
flame tests will also purposes.
distinguish some of course it i
the more intensely used as a
colored chromium mineral
chiorites, specimen.
dumortierite, and
similar
54
hydroussilicates.
Low to moderate
birefringence. The
more commonly
encountered
colourless micaceous
minerals all have
CaAl2(Al2Si2)O1 White, Gray, 3.04 Laminae,Bri high birefringence.
Margarite Monocliic 4 Pearly Perfect White -
0(OH)2 Pink ttle About the only
micaceous mineral
with a similar
birefringence to
Margarite is near
Mg-end member
chlorite.
Chlorite Group
Green und
plane pola
Various light, pleo
(Mg,Fe,Li)6AlSi shades of 2.6–3.3 Flexible
2–2.5 Vitreous, anomalou
Chlorite Chlorite 3O10(OH)8. Monoclinic green; rarely Lamellar but not White
Pearly, Dull interferen
yellow, red, elastic
colors, we
or white.
birefringen
micaceous
55
TECTOSILICATES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
CHEMICAL CRYSTAL DISTINGUISHI
MINERAL NAME SPECIFIC USES
COMPOSITION SYSTEM COLOR HARDNESS LUSTER FRACTURE TENACITY STREAK NG FEATURES
GRAVITY
SiO2 Group
Glassy luster,
Made into l
Colorless or conchoidal
and prism
Quartz SiO2 Hexagonal white 7 2.65 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle White fracture, and
optical instru
crystal form
Impossible to Productio
Monoclinic or
Colorless to identify without refracto
Tridyimte SiO2 Orthorhombic; 7 2.26 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle White
white the aid of ceramics
Hexagonal
microscope scientific s
Occurs in small
lava cavities as
spherical
Scientific s
aggregates,
Tetragonal; provide
Cristobalite SiO2 Colorless 6.5 2.32 Vitreous Conchoidal Brittle White cannot be
Isometric information
determined
crystals are
without optical or
X-ray
measurements
Distinguished
Colorless,
from
white, pale
microcrystalline
shades of
Conchoidal to varieties of quartz
Opal SiO2·nH2O Amorphous yellow, red, 5-6 2.0-2.25 Vitreous Brittle White As a ge
uneven by lesser hardness
brown,
and specific
green, gray,
gravity and by the
and blue
presence of water
Feldspar Group
White to pale Determined by
yellow, more presence of Manufact
Microline KAlSi3O8 Triclinic rarely red or 6 2.54-2.57 Vitreous Uneven Brittle White microcline (“tartan”) porce
green twinning
56
Manufact
Colorless, some gl
Right angle cleavage
white, gray, and so
and lack of twin
Orthoclase KAlSi3O8 Monoclinic flesh-red, 6 2.57 Vitreous Uneven Brittle White ceramics
striations on the best
rarely yellow porcelain
cleavage surface
or green constitu
scouring p
Can be characterized
Colorless, with confidence only
Sanidine (K,Na)AlSi3O8 Monoclinic commonly 6 2.56-2.62 Vitreous Uneven Brittle White by optical or C-ray Gemst
transparent techniques
White to
gray, blueish,
Uneven to Presence of albite
Albite NaAlSi3O8 Triclinic greenish, 6.6.5 2.60-2.65 Vitreous Brittle White Gemst
conchoidal twin striations
reddish, may
be chatoyant
White, Rich in dark minerals
Uneven to
Anorthite CaAl2Si2O8 Triclinic grayish, 6 2.72-2.75 Vitreous Brittle White and in druses of Used in ce
conchoidal
reddish volcanic blocks
Feldspathoid Group
Fertilizer
Trapezohedral
potass
Tetragonal, White to Vitreous to formed, embedded
content,
Leucite KAlSi2O6 isometric gray 5.5-6 2.47 dull Conchoidal Brittle White in a fine-grained
of comm
matrix
alum
Occurring typically in mineral

massive form specimens
ornamenta
Sodalite Na8(Al6Si6O24)C Isometric
Rich royal found as vein fillings stone
l2
blue, green, in plutonic igneous
yellow, 5.5-6 2.27-2.33 Dull Conchoidal to Brittle White rocks such as
violet, white vitreous to uneven nephelinesyenites.
veining greasy
common associated with
other minerals
typical of
undersaturated
environments
57
Isotropic; mineral
anomalously specimens
anisotropic jewelry, a
ornamenta
Soluble in HCl stones
Deep blue, 5–5.5
(Na,Ca)8[(S,Cl,S azure, violet- 2.38–2.45 Vitreous Uneven Brittle bright
Lazurite O4,OH)2|(Al6Si6 Isometric blue, blue
O24)] greenish blue
Occurs in lithium- an import

bearing pegmatites of lithium
LiAlSi4O10 Monoclinic Colorless, 2.4 Vitreous, Subconchoidal Brittle Colorless with spodumene,
Petalite 6 - 6.5
grey, yellow, pearly on lepidolite, and The colorl
pink, to cleavages tourmaline varieties a
white often used
gemstone
Scapolite Series
occurs in regional
Marialite Na4Al3Si9O24Cl Tetragonal Colorless, 5½–6 2.55–2.74 Vitreous, Uneven to and contact Gemsto
white, grey; pearly, conchoidal Brittle White metamorphism:
pink, violet, resinous marble, calcareous
blue, yellow, gneiss, granulite and
brown, greenschist
orange-
brown, pale
green or
reddish
Meionite Ca4Al6Si6O24CO Tetragonal Colorless, 5-6 2.74 - Vitreous, Irregular/unev Brittle White Some samples may
3 white, grey, 2.78 resinous, en, conchoidal also contain a
pink, violet, pearly sulfate group
blue, yellow,
orange-
brown,
brown
Analcime NaAlSi2O6·H2O Orthorhombic White, 5 - 5.5 2.24 - Vitreous Uneven to Brittle White Isotropic; a gre
colorless, 2.29 subconchoidal anomalously biaxial meditatin
gray, pink, electrostatic when It incre
greenish, rubbed or heated. clarity
yellowish stimulate
heart ch
Zeolite Group
58
Natrolite Na2Al2Si3O10 · Orthorhombic White, 5-6 2.25 Vitreous, Irregular, Brittle White perfect cleavages used in
2H2O colorless, Silky, Pearly uneven parallel to the faces purifiers
sometimes of the prism chemical
pink readily distinguished
from other fibrous
zeolites by its optical
characteristics.
Chabazite (Ca,Na2,K2,Mg)A Trigonal Colorless, 4-5 2.05 - 2.2 vitreous irregular/unev Brittle white Localities: India, Mineral sp
l2Si4O12·6H2O white, en Iceland, the Faroe and che
yellow, pink, Islands, the Giants filte
red Causeway in
Northern Ireland,
Bohemia, Italy,
Germany, along the
Bay of Fundy in
Nova Scotia,
Oregon, Arizona,
and New Jersey.
Heulandite (Ca,Na)2- Monoclinic colourless, 3.5-4 2.2 pearly, perfect basal Brittle white coffin-shaped habit, excell
3Al3(Al,Si)2Si13 yellow, vitreous but may also form emotiona
O36·12H2O green, white, simple rhombic for dealin
pale pink prisms loss of all
especiall
Stilbite NaCa4(Si27Al9)O Monoclinic Usually 3½ to 4 2.12 to Vitreous Conchoidal or Brittle White Easily fused by the op
72·28(H2O) colorless, 2.22 uneven blowpipe channels
white or pink Decomposes in HCl stilbite str
act lik
molecular
enabling
separ
hydrocarb
the proc
petrole
refinin
ANNEX
NESOSILICATES
MINERAL DIAPHANEITY CRYSTAL HABITS CLEAVAGE PLEOCHROISM FUSIBILITY SOLUBILITY OCCURRENCE IMAGE
PHENACITE
59
PHENACITE Transparent to Granular, Massive {1120} Distinct Dichroism in 7 - Phenacite occurs as
subtranslucent observed in strongly isolated crystals, which
colored stones. are rhombohedral with
parallel-faced
hemihedrism, and are
either lenticular or
prismatic in habit: the
lenticular habit is
determined by the
development of faces of
several obtuse
rhombohedra and the
absence of prism faces.
WILLEMITE Transparent to Massive, Granular {0001} Poor, Dichroism variable 3-4 - Willemite is usually
translucent to {1120} Poor formed as an alteration
opaque of previously existing
sphalerite ore bodies,
and is usually associated
with limestone. It is also
found in marble and
may be the result of a
metamorphism of earlier
hemimorphite or
smithsonite
OLIVINE GROUP
FORSTERITE Transparent to Crystalline-Fine, {001} Good, Colorless - - olivine crystals are the
translucent Tabular {010} Distinct first minerals to
precipitate from a
magmatic melt in a
cumulate process, often
with orthopyroxenes.
Forsterite-rich olivine is
a common crystallization
product of mantle-
derived magma. Olivine
60
in mafic and ultramafic
rocks typically is rich in
the forsterite end-
member.Forsterite also
occurs in dolomitic
marble which results
from the metamorphism
of high magnesium
limestones and
dolostones.[9] Nearly
pure forsterite occurs in
some metamorphosed
serpentinites. Nearly
pure fayalite is a minor
constituent in some
granite-like rocks, and it
is a major constituent of
some metamorphic
banded iron formations.
FAYALITE Transparent to Granular, Massive- {010} Indistinct Faint - Soluble in Its main occurrence is in
Translucent Granular Hydrochloric ultramafic volcanic and
Acid plutonic rocks and less
commonly in felsic
plutonic rocks and rarely
in granite pegmatite. It
also occurs in
lithophysae in obsidian.
It also occurs in
medium-grade
thermally
metamorphosed iron-
rich sediments and in
impure carbonate rocks.
GARNET GROUP
PYROPE Transparent to Crystalline-Fine, None None 5 Insoluble in The origin of most
translucent Granular water, weakly pyrope is in ultramafic
soluble in HF rocks, typically peridotite
from the Earth's mantle.
Pyrope also occurs in
ultrahigh-pressure (UHP)
metamorphic rocks, as
in the Dora-Maira massif
in the western Alps. In
that massif, nearly pure
pyrope occurs in crystals
61
to almost 12 cm in
diameter; some of that
pyrope has inclusions of
coesite, and some has
inclusions of enstatite
and sapphirine.
ALMANDINE Transparent to Granular, Massive- None None 4 - Almandine occurs

subtransparent to Lamellar rather abundantly in
translucent the gem-gravels of
Sri Lanka, whence it
has sometimes been
called Ceylon-ruby.
When the color
inclines to a violet
tint, the stone is
often called Syriam
garnet, a name said
to be taken from
Syriam, an ancient town
of Pegu (now part of
Myanmar). Large
deposits of fine
almandine-garnets were
found, some years ago,
in the Northern Territory
of Australia, and were at
first taken for rubies and
thus they were known in
trade for some time
afterwards as Australian
rubies.
SPESSARTINE Transparent, Crystalline-Fine, {???} Distinct None - Insouble in occurs most often in
translucent Lamellar, Massive water, weakly granite
soluble in HF pegmatite and allied
rock types and in certain
low-grade metamorphic
phyllites.
62
UVAVORITE Transparent, Crystalline-Fine, None None 3 - Uvarovite is one of the
translucent Lamellar rarest of the garnet
group minerals, and is
the only consistently
green garnet species,
with an
emerald-green color. It
occurs as well-formed
fine-sized crystals.It is
found associated with
chromium ores in Spain,
Russia, and Quebec in
Canada. It also occurs in
Finland, Norway, and
South Africa.
GROSSULAR Transparent to Crystalline-Fine, {???} Distinct None-pleochroic - - Grossular is found in
subtranslucent Euhedral Crystals, contact metamorphosed
Massive limestones with
vesuvianite, diopside,
wollastonite and
wernerite.A highly
sought after variety of
gem garnet is the fine
green Grossular garnet
from Kenya and
Tanzania called
tsavorite.
This garnet was
discovered in
the 1960s in the Tsavo
area of Kenya, from
which the gem takes its
name.
ANDRADITE Transparent, Crystalline-Coarse, None None-pleochroic - - It occurs in skarns
translucent Euhedral Crystals, developed
Massive in contact
metamorphosed impure
limestones or calcic
igneous rocks; in
chlorite schists and
serpentinites and
in alkalic igneous rocks
(typically titaniferous).
63
SOROSILICATES
MINERAL DIAPHANEITY CRYSTAL HABITS OCCURRENCE IMAGE
Bertrandite transparent to tabular to platy crystals and some include the type locality of Petit-Port and Barbin,
translucent. prismatic forms Nantes, Loire-Atlantique, France aa well as Akca Tau
and Kara-Oba, Kazakhstan; Zabytoe, Primorie,
Russia; Spor Mountain and the Brush Beryllium
Mine, Juab County, Utah; Harding Mine, New
Mexico; Texas and Pala District, San Diego County,
California, USA; China;Cornwall, England; Mongolia;
Norway and Mexico.
64
Danburite transparent to Prismatic, almost acicular include Danbury, Connecticut and Russell, New York,
translucent. USA; Charcas, San Luis Potosi, Mexico; Kyushu Is.,
Japan; Mogok, Burma and Uri, Switzerland.
Hardystonite translucent to opaque, massive and granular limited to its type locality: North Hill Mine, Franklin,
rarely transparent Sussex County, New Jersey, USA.
Hemimorphite transparent to bladed crystal form and the include Santa Eulalia and Mapimi, Mexico; New
translucent. botryoidal form as the most Mexico and New Jersey, USA: England and Zambia.
common
Ilvaite opaque include elongated crystals with an Rio Marina, Elba, Italy; Serifos, Greece; Idaho and
overall diamond-shaped cross- Greenland.
section and wedge-shaped
terminations. Also as platy
crystals and in massive, compact
and columnar specimens.
65
Lawsonite Transparent to usually prismatic or tabular, also
translucent be granular and massive In metamorphosed blue schists, as well
as altered gabbros and basalt.
Leucophanite translucent to pseudotetragonal and includes the type locality of Langesundsfjord district,
transparent. pseudocubic forming rectangular Norway as well as Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec,
box or cube shaped crystals Canada and Kola Peninsula, Russia.
Suolunite transparent to bladed crystals and stellate limited to the type locality from where it gets its
translucent. aggregates and columnar name, Suolun, Inner Mongolia, China as well as
specimens. Black Lake Mine, Coleraine Township, Quebec and
Lac de Gras, Northwest Territories, Canada; Kulaski,
Bosnia-Herzegovina and Al Khawd, near Masqat,
Oman.
Vesuvianite Transparent to prismatic, Most often in metamorphic rocks especially

opaque Also columnar, radiating, acicular, in metamorphosed limestones, hornfels, skarns,
grainy, compact, massive, and Serpentines. Less commonly in igneous rocks
and encrusting. Crystals are in pegmatites.
sometimes striated.
EPIDOTE GROUP
66
Allanite commonly opaque but prismatic or tabular widespread and include the Ural Mountains of
can be found Russia; Falun, Ytterby and Sheppsholm, Sweden;
translucent Trimouns, France; Madagascar; the Eifel District of
Germany; Spain; Otter Lake, Quebec and
Madawaska, Ontario, Canada and Amelia Court
House, Virginia; Barringer Hill, Texas; California;
Franklin, New Jersey; Edenville and even New York,
New York and New Mexico, USA.
Clinozoisite Transparent to In prismatic or elongated crystals

translucent , in columnar groups, and in In hornfels and skarns in contact metamorphic
short stubby crystals and crystal rocks, as well as in metamorphosed limestones. Also
groups. Crystals may in schists in regional metamorphic rock.
be striated lengthwise.
Also reticulated, radiating, acicula
r, in veins, and massive.
Epidote Transparent to nearly Usually in long It is found in hornfels and skarns in

opaque slender prismatic crystals; also in contact metamorphic rocks, and
thick tabular crystals. in metamorphosed limestone and in schists in
regional metamorphic rock. It is also found
in igneous rock in basalt and diabase, and is
occasionally found in granite pegmatites.
Zoisite transparent to prismatic or tabular Most often in contact metamorphic rock such
translucent. as hornfels and gneiss, and in
regional metamorphicschists. Occasionally also
in granite pegmatites.
67
CYCLOSILICATES
Mineral Diaphaneity Crystal Habit Cleavage Luminescence Environment Image
Axinite Transparent to Lamellar - Thin laminae {100} Distinct, {001} Non-fluorescent Contact metamorphic,
subtranslucent producing a lamellar Poor, {110} Poor hydrothermal, and
structure. alpine vein rocks
Massive - Granular -
Common texture observed
in granite and other
igneous rock.
Beryl Transparent to Columnar - Forms columns {0001} Imperfect Non-fluorescent Mainly granitic
subtranslucent Crystalline - Coarse - pegmatites
Occurs as well-formed
coarse sized crystals.
Prismatic - Crystals Shaped
like Slender Prisms (e.g.
tourmaline).
Cordierite Transparent to Massive - Granular - {010} Poor Non-fluorescent Magmatic,

translucent Common texture observed metamorphic, and
in granite and other pegmatitic rocks
igneous rock
Prismatic - Crystals Shaped
like Slender Prisms (e.g.
tourmaline)
Tourmaline Transparent to Usually as elongated Indistinct Non-fluorescent Elbaite, Schorl, and

opaque prismatic crystals that are Liddicoatite are
heavily striated. Also as almost exclusively
short, stubby, prismatic from granite
crystals. Most Tourmaline pegmatites, while
crystals have a rounded, Dravite and Uvite or
triangular cross-section. mostly from
Seldom in tabular crystals. metamorphic
Aggregates include environments such as
columnar, radiating, marbles. Buergerite is
botryoidal, stalactitic, in from igneous rhyolite
dense groups of tiny, deposits.
elongated needles, and in
compact masses.
68
INOSILICATES
PYROXENE GROUP
MINERAL DIAPHENITY CRYSTAL HABITS OCCURENCE IMAGE
CLINOENSTATITE Transparent to translucent Columnar,crystalline and granular Common in enstatite grains in

to opaque the high-grade ultramafic
hornfelses around the Mount
Stuart Batholith in the Central
Cascades of Washington.
CLINOHYPERSTHENE - - Occur in both iron and stony -

meteorites.
common in certain basaltic
rocks.
Orthopyroxenes commonly
CLINOFERROSILITE Transparent As acicular crystals lacking coexists with clinopyroxenes
terminal faces
69
AUGITE Translucent, Opaque Short prismatic crystals. In thin found in both plutonic and
section: elongate on c- axis, with volcanic igneous rocks, as well
4 or 8- sided cross sections; as high grade meta-igneous
Grains often anhedral; May be rocks like gneisses and
granular, massive, columnar or granulites.
lamellar
AEGIRINE Opaque. Translucent in As long, thin, prismatic or found in alkalic igneous rocks
thin splinters. bladed crystals, usually with a associated with sodic
pointed pyramid on top amphiboles, alkali feldspars, and
(clinopinacoidal), and very often nepheline. The mineral is
embedded in common in alkali granites,
a matrix. Fibrous masses, quartz syenites, and
radiating acicular nephelinesyenites (all alkalic
sprays, and interlocking thin plutonic rocks), and are also
prismatic crystals are also found in sodic volcanic rocks like
common. May also be peralkaline rhyolites.
in reticulated masses and
in grainy aggregates embedded in
a matrix. Crystals are
often striated lengthwise,
and doubly terminated crystals
are occasionally found.
70
AUGITE-AEGIRINE Translucent to opaque anhedral grains, fibrous Occur in igneous rocks with
substantial amounts of Na.
JADEITE Translucent ommonly massive, or fibrous, sodium aluminum pyroxene that

granular; prismatic crystals rare is characterized by its presence
in metamorphic rocks formed at
relatively high pressure.
71
PIGEONITE Semitransparent Prismatic crystals, to 1 cm; generally only found in volcanic
granular, massive. igneous rocks, although it can
occur as exsolution lamellae in
augites of more slowly cooled
igneous rocks.
HEDENBERGITE Transparent, opaque Granular, Crystalline - Fine, most commonly found in syenite
Lamellar and alkali granites. They also
occur in Fe-rich metamorphic
rocks.
SPODUMENE Transparent, Translucent prismatic, generally flattened and Type Locality:

elongated, striated parallel to Utö Mines, Utö, Södermanland,
{100}, commonly massive Sweden
72
DIOPSIE Transparent, Opaque Short prismatic crystals common, most time, exploited only
may be granular, columnar, from Russia, with the majority
massive of deposits mined specifically
from Inaglie, a remote area in
Eastern Siberia. However, more
recently, small deposits have
been found in other localities
and Pakistan is now one of the
most significant suppliers.
HYPERSTHENE Translucent to Crystalline,massive,granular commonly found in both

transparent plutonic and volcanic igneous
rocks and in meta-igneous rocks
as well.
73
ENSTATITE translucent to opaque Massive, irregular, stubby Orthopyroxene high in Mg is
prismatic. Longitudial sections common in gabbro and
typically rectangular. peridotite groups.
- - It is found in ultra basic

FERROHYPERSTHENE (pyroxenites and peridotites)
and basic rocks (andesites and
basalts) low in the element
calcium. It may also form in
high grade metamorphic rocks.
A rock rich in hypersthene is
called charnockite.
(Ferro Hypersthene 17.64cts Oval Cabochon 21.50 x 16.00mm

ov4728)
74
FERROSILITE Translucent to Opaque. Massive, irregular, stubby Fe-rich orthopyroxene is
prismatic. Longitudial sections typically found in diorite, syenite
typically rectangular. and granite. With Ca-
clinopyroxene, plagioclase and
olivine in mafic and ultramafic
igneous rocks.
AMPHIBOLE GROUP
MINERAL DIAPHENITY CRYSTAL HABITS OCCURENCE IMAGE
Anthophyllite Transparent to Commonly lamellar or fibrous Anthophyllite is a metamorphic
translucent product of Mg-rich rocks such as
ultrabasic igneous rocks and
impure dolomitic shales.
Cummingtonite Translucent Commonly fibrous or lamellar, Cummingtonite is a constituent

often radiated of regionally metamorphosed
rocks and occurs in
amphibolites.
75
Grunerite Translucent Commonly fibrous or lamellar, Grunerites are characteristic of
often radiated metamorphosed iron-formations
in the Lake Superior region and
the Labrador Trough.
Tremolite Transparent to Often bladed and frequently in Frequently found in

Translucent radiating columnar aggregates metamorphosed dolomitic
limestones.
Actinolite Transparent to Bladed, fibrous, radial A characteristic mineral of the

Translucent greenschistfacies of
metamorphism. It occurs also in
glaucophaneschists in
coexistence with quartz,
epidote, glaucophane,
pumpellyite, and lawsonite
Hornblende Translucent May be columnar or Hornblende is an important and

fibrous;coarse-to fine-grained widely distributed rock-forming
mineral, occurring in both
igneous and metamorphic rocks.
76
Glaucophane Translucent Slender, long prisms; massive Glaucophane is found only in
granular to columnar metamorphic rocks such as
schists.
Riebeckite Translucent Slender acicular crystals; Riebeckite occurs mostly in

frequently aggregated igneous rocks.
PHYLLOSILICATES
MINERAL DIAPHENITY CRYSTAL OCCURENCE IMAGE
HABITS
Antigorite Translucent to As thick lamellar Commonly replaces ultramafic rocks,

Subopaque masses, fibrous pervasively or in crosscutting veinlets. As
or massive a replacement of siliceous dolostone
along contacts with diabase sills.
77
Acicular - Occurs
Chrysotile Translucent as needle-like Chrysotile formation arises through
crystals. serpentinization of ultramafics and
silicified dolomitic limestones.
Lizardite Translucent Commonly as Typically a product of retrograde

extremely fine- metamorphism, replacing olivine,
grained scales orthopyroxene, or other minerals in
and massive ultramafic igneous rocks.
aggregates.
Kaolinite Transparent Earthy - Dull, Kaolinite clay occurs in abundance in

to translucent clay-like texture soils that have formed from the chemical
with no visible weathering of rocks in hot, moist
crystalline climates—for example in tropical
affinities rainforest areas.
Talc Transparent, Commonly formed by thermal low-temperature

Translucent fibrous, foliated, metamorphism of siliceous dolostones.
and massive.
78
Earthy - Dull,
Pyrophyllite Translucent to clay-like texture Somewhat uncommon, found both in
opaque with no visible hydrothermal veins
crystalline and in bedded deposits
affinities in schistose metamorphic rocks.
Formed from other minerals under

Muscovite Transparent Often massive hydrothermal conditions; may
to translucent and lamellar be detrital or authigenic.
Phlogopite Transparent Commonly In metamorphosed dolostones and

to translucent lamellar, magnesium-rich limestones; in ultrama¯c
micaceous, and rocks
scaly. as kimberlites, peridotites, lamproites,
and serpentinites.
79
TECTOSILICATES
MINERAL CRYSTAL
CLEAVAGE DIAPHANEITY PLEOCHROISM IMAGE
NAME HABIT
Drusy, fine-grained to Transparent to nearly

Quartz Indistinct None
microcrystalline, massive opaque
Tridyimte Platy Indistinct, imperfect Transparent, translucent Colorless
Cristobalite Octahedra or spherulites None Transparent None
80
Amorphous, massive, Opaque, translucent,
Opal None None
botryoidal, stalactititc transparent
Translucent to
Microline Anhedral or euhedral Perfect N/A
transparent
Transparent to
Orthoclase Anhedral or euhedral Perfect – good – imperfect None
translucent
Transparent to
Sanidine Tabular, may be acicular Perfect – good Colorless in thin section
translucent
81
Perfect – very good – Transparent to
Albite Tabular, granular, massive None
imperfect translucent
Transparent to
Anorthite Anhedral to subhedral Perfect – good – poor None
translucent
Commonly euhedral; rarely Transparent to

Leucite Common and repeated None
granular, massive translucent
82
Massive granular to Transparent to
Nepheline Poor None
prismatic translucent
Sodalite Massive; rarely as Poor Transparent to None

dodecahedra translucent
Lazurite Crystals occur as Imperfect on {110} Translucent to opaque Distinct; purplish – red,
dodecahedra, or rarely orange-red
cubes; granular,
disseminated, or massive
Petalite Tabular prismatic crystals Perfect on {001}, poor on Transparent to None

and columnar masses {201} with 38.5° angle translucent
between the two
83
Marialite Typically flat, pyramidal Distinct on {100} and {110} Transparent to opaque None
striated crystals; massive,
granular
Meionite Crystals prismatic, typically Distinct/good Transparent, opaque None

with flat pyramidal
terminations, granular,
massive
Analcime Typically in crystals, usually Very poor Transparent, Translucent None

trapezohedrons, also
massive to granular.
84
Natrolite Acicular Perfect, parallel to the faces Transparent to None
of the prism translucent
Chabazite Nearly cubic in aspect; distinct/good transparent, translucent None

tabular, complex to rounded
twinning forms; anhedral,
granular or massive
Heulandite tabular, parallel aggregates Perfect, parallel to the plane Transparent to None
of symmetry translucent
85
Stilbite Thin tabular, aggregates Perfect on {010} Transparent to None
sheaf-like or in bow-ties, translucent
also fibrous and globular.
86

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SULFATES

Colorless to Some specimens Anhydrite

Colorless to Gypsum is Constructi

Mineral Chemical Crystal Physical Properties Distinguishing Uses

reddish- useful tool

A rare secondary Copper O

White, Ore of aluminum;

Mineral Chemical Crystal PHYSICAL PROPERTIES Distinguising Uses

slightly heavier in tungsten. Good

weight. specimens are not

common, and are

Russelite Bi2WO6 Orthorhombic Brittle White It typically occurs It occurs as a

Stolzite Tetragonal Brittle White Stolzite can Stolzite is a rare and

CHEMICAL CRYSTAL Distinguishing

Deep Resinous, Irregular/uneven,

Dark red, Contains

CHEMICAL CRYSTAL Distinguishing

MINERAL CHEMICAL CRYSTAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES DISTINGUISHING USES

MINERAL CHEMICAL CRYSTAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES DISTINGUISHING USES

MINERAL CHEMICAL CRYSTAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES DISTINGUISHING USES

Silimanite Colourless or Vitreous to Characterized by Used in th

Characterized by its Used prim

Clover Characterized by the A minor g

Recognized usually As a gems

apple-green, Color, toughness,

Prismatic crystals, to limited us

Light to dark Talc has a low

Occurring typically in mineral

Occurs in lithium- an import

ALMANDINE Transparent to Granular, Massive- None None 4 - Almandine occurs

Vesuvianite Transparent to prismatic, Most often in metamorphic rocks especially

Clinozoisite Transparent to In prismatic or elongated crystals

Epidote Transparent to nearly Usually in long It is found in hornfels and skarns in

Cordierite Transparent to Massive - Granular - {010} Poor Non-fluorescent Magmatic,

Tourmaline Transparent to Usually as elongated Indistinct Non-fluorescent Elbaite, Schorl, and

CLINOENSTATITE Transparent to translucent Columnar,crystalline and granular Common in enstatite grains in

CLINOHYPERSTHENE - - Occur in both iron and stony -

JADEITE Translucent ommonly massive, or fibrous, sodium aluminum pyroxene that

SPODUMENE Transparent, Translucent prismatic, generally flattened and Type Locality:

HYPERSTHENE Translucent to Crystalline,massive,granular commonly found in both

- - It is found in ultra basic

(Ferro Hypersthene 17.64cts Oval Cabochon 21.50 x 16.00mm

Cummingtonite Translucent Commonly fibrous or lamellar, Cummingtonite is a constituent

Tremolite Transparent to Often bladed and frequently in Frequently found in

Actinolite Transparent to Bladed, fibrous, radial A characteristic mineral of the

Hornblende Translucent May be columnar or Hornblende is an important and

Riebeckite Translucent Slender acicular crystals; Riebeckite occurs mostly in

Antigorite Translucent to As thick lamellar Commonly replaces ultramafic rocks,

Lizardite Translucent Commonly as Typically a product of retrograde

Kaolinite Transparent Earthy - Dull, Kaolinite clay occurs in abundance in

Talc Transparent, Commonly formed by thermal low-temperature

Formed from other minerals under

Phlogopite Transparent Commonly In metamorphosed dolostones and

Drusy, fine-grained to Transparent to nearly

Tridyimte Platy Indistinct, imperfect Transparent, translucent Colorless

Cristobalite Octahedra or spherulites None Transparent None

Commonly euhedral; rarely Transparent to

Sodalite Massive; rarely as Poor Transparent to None

Petalite Tabular prismatic crystals Perfect on {001}, poor on Transparent to None

Meionite Crystals prismatic, typically Distinct/good Transparent, opaque None

Analcime Typically in crystals, usually Very poor Transparent, Translucent None

Chabazite Nearly cubic in aspect; distinct/good transparent, translucent None

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