No. Mineral Class Formula Low
H
High
H
Low
SG
High
SG
Crystal Habit Cleavage Fracture Transparency Color Luster Streak Rarity Field Marks TextSearch
2
1 actinolite Silicates Ca2 (Mg,Fe)5
Si8 O22
(OH)2
5 6 2,9 3,2 monoclinic prismatic,
radiating,
fibrous
2: perfect uneven transparent,
translucent
green,
white, gray
vitreous white Very
Common
toughness, typical
green color, cleavage
toughness (nephrite
jade), fibrosity
(asbestos), crystal
habit and hardness.
Nephrite, if finely colored and
translucent, can be used for
carvings. Jade is used as a
gemstone. Asbestos is an
excellent insulator but causes
cancer.Albite, Barite, Chlorite,
Epidote, Muscovite, Serpentine,
(Marble)Contains both iron and
magnesium an
2 adamite Phosphates,
Arsenates,
Vanadates
Zn2 (AsO4)
(OH)
3,5 3,5 4,3 4,5 orthorhombic small, many
faceted prisms
2: 1 good,
1 poor
uneven transparent,
translucent
colorless,
white,
yellow,
green
vitreous white Very Rare wedge shaped drusy
crystals, brilliant
green fluorescence
Used as an ore of zinc.Limonite,
Aurichalcite, Austinite,
Mimetite, Wulfenite,
Hemimorphite, Legrandite,
ParadamiteAdamite crystals are
usually embedded in Limonite
which is rusty and crumbly and
stains the hands. A variety
containing copper is called Cu
4 albite Silicates Na Al Si3 O8 6 6,5 2,6 2,6 triclinic tabular, often
massive
3: 2 good,
1 poor
uneven transparent,
translucent,
opaque
white, gray,
colorless
vitreous,
pearly
white Very
Common
Occurence, crystal
habit, hardness,
striations
A cleavage fragment of the
plagioclase feldspar Albite
showing its characteristic
twinning striations.Albite is used
in the manufacture of ceramics.
Forms excellent crystal
specimens.
Quartz, Muscovite, Biotite,
Potassium Feldspar, Tourmaline,
Hornblende
5 allanite Silicates (Ce,Ca,Y)2
(Al,Fe)3
(SiO4)3 (OH)
5,5 6 3,5 4,2 monoclinic tabular,
prismatic
none uneven opaque black,
brown
vitreous gray,
green ,bro
wn
Very Rare Crystal habit, color,
radioactivity, luster
and hardness.
As a source of rare earth
metalsquartz, feldspars, biotite,
thorite, monazite and
epidoteAllanite, is known as
"orthite" in Europe and is one of
the most common rare earth
minerals. Often slightly
radioactive.Crystal habit, color,
radioactivity, luster a
6 alunite Sulfates K Al3 (SO4)2
(OH)6
3,5 4 2,6 2,8 hexagonal rhombohedral,
massive,
earthy
basal,
good
conchoidal opaque white,
gray, red
vitreous white Rare rhombohedral, massive, earthy
7 amblygonite Phosphates, (Li,Na) Al 5,5 6 3,1 3,1 triclinic rough crystals; 4: 3 good, uneven transparent, colorless, vitreous, white Common Very similar to Used as a source of lithium and
3
Arsenates,
Vanadates
(PO4) (F,OH) compact or
cleavable
masses
1 perfect translucent white,
yellow,
pink, green,
blue
pearly orthoclase; lithium
flame test numerous
cleavage angles
phosphorous and crystals as
gemstones.lepidolite, quartz,
albite, topaz, cassiterite,
apatiteName comes from the
Greek words for "blunt angles"
in allusion to its angled four
cleavages.Very similar to
orthoclase; lithium fl
8 analcime Silicates Na Al Si2 O6
· 2H2O
5 5,5 2,2 2,3 isometric crystals
usually well-
formed
trapezohedron
s or cubes,
massive
none uneven transparent,
translucent
colorless,
white, pink,
yellow
vitreous white Very
Common
occurs as shiny,
glass-clear crystals
lining cavities
quartz, calcite, serandite,
apophyllite, natrolite, stilbite,
heulandite and other
zeolites.occurs as shiny, glass-
clear crystals lining
cavitiescrystals usually well-
formed trapezohedrons or cubes,
massive
9 anatase Simple
Oxides
Ti O2 5,5 6 3,8 3,9 tetragonal pyramids or
tabular
perfect
basal
uneven transparent,
translucent,
opaque
brown,
black, blue,
red
adamant
ine
White ,yel
low
Very Rare Crystal habit, luster,
cleavage, density,
streak, associations
and locality
A very minor ore of
titanium.brookite, rutile, quartz,
feldspars, apatite, hematite,
chlorite, micas, calcite,
sphene.Anatase is a polymorph
with the minerals rutile and
brookite and is the rarer of the
three.Crystal habit, luster,
cleavage, density, stre
10 andalusite Silicates Al2 Si O5 7 7,5 3,1 3,3 orthorhombic granular,massi
ve,usually
square cross
section
2 good at
90°
uneven opaque,
translucent
white, pink,
brown,
gray
vitreous white Common hardness, squarish
shape in cross
section, good
cleavage
cordierite, biotite, feldspars,
quartz, kyanite and
sillimaniteAndalusite is a
polymorph with kyanite and
sillimanite. A polymorph is a
mineral that shares the same
chemistry but has a different
crystal structure.hardness,
squarish shape in cross section,
11 andesine Silicates Na Al Si3 O8 6 6,5 2,6 2,7 triclinic commonly
massive
3: 2 good
at 90°, 1
poor
uneven opaque white,
colorless,
gray
vitreous,
pearly
white Common Occurence, twinning
striations, density
and index of
refraction
Quartz, Muscovite, Biotite,
HornblendeBelongs to the
Plagioclase Feldspar group
along with Anorthite and
Albite.Occurence, twinning
striations, density and index of
4
refractioncommonly massive
12 anglesite Sulfates Pb S O4 2,5 3 6,4 6,4 orthorhombic prismatic,
tabular,
massive
2 good conchoidal transparent,
translucent
colorless,
white
adamant
ine
white Rare high gravity, luster,
untwinned crystals
An ore of lead. Crystals are
highly collectable.Galena,
Cerussite, Phosgenite,
Smithsonite, Hemimorphite,
Sphalerite, Azurite, Malachite,
Sulfur, PyromorphiteA
secondary lead mineral that
always forms through the
alteration of lead sulfides,
mostly Galen
13 anhydrite Sulfates Ca S O4 3 4 2,9 3 orthorhombic crystalline or
massive
3 good uneven transparent,
translucent
colorless,
white, blue,
gray, red
vitreous white,
yellow-
green
Rare rectangular cleavage
fragments, low
gravity
Used for the production of
sulfuric acid and as a filler in
paper. Fine specimens are very
collectable.Gypsum, Halite,
Calcite, BruciteAnhydrite is a
rare mineral as most specimens
alter to the much more common
Gypsum with the addition of
water.rectangul
14 anorthite Silicates (Na,Ca) Al Si3
O8
6 6,5 2,7 2,7 triclinic prismatic or
massive
3: 2 good
at 90°,
1poor
uneven transparent,
translucent,
opaque
colorless,
white, gray,
green
vitreous white Very
Common
Occurence, hardness,
striations on
cleavage surfaces
Of interest to collectors.Quartz,
Muscovite, Biotite, Hornblende,
AugiteBelongs to the
Plagioclase Feldspar group
along with Albite. Albite
contains sodium and no calcium.
Anorthite is the
reverse.Occurence, hardness,
striations on cleavage
surfacespris
15 anthophyllite Silicates (Mg,Fe)7 Si8
O22 (OH)2
5,5 6 2,8 3,5 orthorhombic lamellar,fibrou
s needles,
felted
aggregates
3: 1
perfect, 2
good
uneven translucent gray, light
green, light
brown
vitreous white Rare Cubelike crystals Has some asbestos uses.talc,
cordierite and
phlogopiteAnthophyllite is a
common component of some
metamorphic and metasomatic
rocks. Its name comes from the
Latin word for
clove - an allusion to its typical
and distinctive clove-brown
color.Cubelike crys
17 apatite Phosphates, Ca5 (F,Cl,OH) 5 5 3,2 3,2 hexagonal crystalline, 1 poor conchoidal transparent, green, blue vitreous white Very crystal shape, Essential in the manufacture of
5
Arsenates,
Vanadates
(PO4)3 massive translucent,
opaque
green,
yellow,
blue, pink
Common hardness, greasy
luster
phosphate fertilizers, and is also
very important in the chemical
and pharmaceutical industries.
Popular with collectors.
Quartz, Feldspar, Rutile,
Magnetite, Nepheline, Leucite,
Aegirine, Phlogopite,
Cassiterite, Anatase
18 apophyllite Silicates K Ca4 Si8
O2O (F, OH) ·
8H2O
4,5 5 2,3 2,5 tetragonal pseudocubic,
prismatic,
foliated,
massive
2: 1
perfect, 1
imperfect
uneven transparent,
translucent
white,
colorless,
greenish,
reddish
vitreous,
pearly
white Rare Crystal habit,
cleavage,
associations and
enviroment
Of interest to collectors.prehnite,
quartz, calcite, gyrolite,
heulandite, stilbite, natroliteA
popular mineral among
collectors that may have a
beautiful green color.Crystal
habit, cleavage, associations and
enviromentpseudocubic,
prismatic, foliated, ma
19 aragonite Carbonates Ca C O3 3,5 4 2,9 2,9 orthorhombic elongate,
concretionary,
stalactitic,fibro
us,radiating
3: 1 good,
2 poor
uneven transparent,
translucent
colorless,
white,
yellow, red
vitreous white Common twin crystal forms,
single plane of
cleavage, reaction to
acid
Not much commercial value but
interesting pieces are
collectable.Quartz, Calcite,
Gypsum, Albite, Cuprite,
Azurite, Chalcopyrite,
BorniteForms in many
environments; as staligmites in
caves and is also the main
component of pearl and coral.
The iridescent
21 argentite Sulfides Ag2 S 2 2,5 7 7,3 isometric distorted,
cubic,
octahedral,
massive
2 poor conchoidal opaque lead grey,
blackish
metallic,
dull
metallic
black,
black
Rare associated with
native silver, silver
sulfosalts and galena
One of the most signicant ores
of silver.Barite, Bornite, Galena,
Gold, Pyrargyrite, Pyrite,
SilverA metallic
mineral.associated with native
silver, silver sulfosalts and
galenadistorted, cubic,
octahedral, massive
23 arsenopyrite Sulfides Fe As S 5,5 6 5,9 6,2 monoclinic prismatic or
massive
1 good uneven opaque silver, gray metallic gray,
black
Rare crystal shape, smell
when struck
A major ore of arsenic and a
minor ore of gold. Fine crystal
specimens are very
collectable.Quartz, Pyrite,
Chalcopyrite, Pyrrhotite, Gold,
Silver, Siderite, Garnet,
6
Muscovite, OrthoclaseIron
arsenic sulfidecrystal shape,
smell when struckprismatic or m
24 atacamite Halides Cu2 Cl (OH)3 3 3,5 3,8 3,8 orthorhombic prismatic,
tabular,
massive
1 perfect conchoidal transparent,
translucent
green,
green black
adamant
ine,vitre
ous
green Rare crystal habit, color,
associations and
localities
A minor ore of copper.limonite,
chyrsocolla, cuprite,
malachiteAtacamite is a deep
green, and is often found with
other colorful minerals such as
chrysocolla, cuprite and
malachite.crystal habit, color,
associations and
localitiesprismatic, tabular, mass
25 augite Silicates (Ca,Na)
(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)
(Si,Al)2 O6
5 6 3,3 3,5 monoclinic usually
prismatic
2 good at
90°
uneven opaque black,
green-black
vitreous white,
gray
Very
Common
nearly right angle
cleavages
A collection of short, prismatic,
greenish Augite crystals.A large
broken crystalline mass of
Augite.Of interest to
collectors.olivine, biotite,
nepheline, albite, apatite,
serpentine, leucite,
hornblendeAugite is an
important rock-forming mineral
in many
26 autunite Phosphates,
Arsenates,
Vanadates
Ca (UO2)2
(PO4)2 · 10-
12H2O
2 2,5 3 3,2 tetragonal pseudo
tetragonal
plates,
tabular,aggreg
ate
1 perfect uneven transparent,
translucent
yellow,
yellow-
green
pearly yellow Rare vivid lemon yellow
color, yellow streak,
flat crystals, strong
fluorescence,
radioactive
A minor ore of uranium.Other
uranium mineralsAutunite is an
attractive and popular
radioactive mineral.vivid lemon
yellow color, yellow streak, flat
crystals, strong fluorescence,
radioactivepseudo tetragonal
plates, tabular,aggregate
27 axinite Silicates Ca2 (Fe,Mn)
Al2 (B O3)
(Si4 O12)
(OH)
6,5 7 3,2 3,3 triclinic sharp blades
or massive
1 good conchoidal transparent,
translucent
brown,
gray, blue,
green,
orange,
yellow
vitreous uncolored Common clove brown color,
knife edged tabular
crystals, striations on
crystals
Collector interestdiopside,
andradite, quartz, calcite,
epidote, scheelite, prehniteFine
crystal specimens are popular
with collectors.clove brown
color, knife edged tabular
crystals, striations on
crystalssharp blades or massive
28 azurite Carbonates Cu3 (C O3)2
(O H)2
3,5 4 3,7 3,9 monoclinic prismatic,
tabular,
2 good conchoidal translucent,
opaque
blue vitreous pale blue Common intense azure-blue
color, association
An encrusting mass of Azurite
on Limonite (brown) with
associated Malachite
7
massive with malachite (green).Spherical rosetts of
Azurite on light bluish gray
Calcalumite.An ore of copper.
Fine blue pieces are cut into
cabochons and beads, and larger
pieces are sometimes cut int
29 barite Sulfates Ba S O4 2,5 3 4,5 4,5 orthorhombic platy,tabular,
massive,earthy
,stalactic
masses
3: 2 good,
1 poor
uneven transparent,
translucent
colorless,
white,
yellow, red,
green
vitreous white Common high density for a
light colored
mineral, commonly
occurs as "desert
roses" with sand
incusions
Barite is the main ore of barium.
It is also important in the
manufacture of paper, glass,
rubber. A rich, white pigment is
made from crushed Barite.
Barite is also used in radiology
for x-rays of the digestive
system. Popular with collectors
also.
Calc
30 beryl Silicates Be3 Al2 Si16
O18
7,5 8 2,6 2,8 hexagonal 6 or 12 sided
prisms,
massive
1 perfect conchoidal transparent,
translucent
blue,yellow
green, pink,
white,
colorless
vitreous white Common six-sided outline,
hardness
Beryl is the main source of the
element beryllium (formerly
known as glucinium).
Beryllium is a very tough metal,
and is used in alloys to
strengthen the metal. Emerald
and Aquamarine are two beyrl
gemstones.Quartz, Feldspars,
Calcite, Muscovite, Pyrite
31 biotite Silicates K (Mg,Fe)2
(Al,Fe) Si3
O10 (OH,F)2
2,5 3 2,7 3,1 monoclinic tabular,
foliated
1 perfect uneven transparent,
translucent,
opaque
brown,
black,
green
vitreous white Very
Common
dark color Common black Biotite mica
with obvious cleavage
laminations showing on the front
of this specimen.As a heat
insulatorquartz, feldspars,
apatite, calcite, hornblende,
garnetsBiotite is a common rock
forming mineral.dark
colortabular, foliated
35 borax Borates Na2 B4 O7 ·
10H2O
2 2,5 1,7 1,7 monoclinic prismatic or
massive
2: 1 poor,
1 good
conchoidal transparent colorless,
white
vitreous white Rare disolves in water,
sweetish taste
Borax has numerous industrial
uses. It is dissolved in water to
form an alkaline antiseptic
solution that is used as a
disinfectant, detergent, and
water softener. Also used as a
welding flux.Kernite, Ulexite,
8
Halite, ThenarditeBorax occurs
in arid regio
36 bornite Sulfides Cu5 Fe S4 3 3 4,9 5,3 isometric usually
massive
none conchoidal opaque brown-
bronze,
blue, violet
metallic gray,black Rare occurs with copper,
colorful tarnish
(peacock)
Bornite is a common copper
bearing mineral, and is
sometimes used as an ore of
copper.Pyrite, Calcite, Barite,
Galena, Chalcopyrite,
Chalcocite, MagnetiteTarnishes
to an iridescent purple, blue, and
redoccurs with copper, colorful
tarnish (peacock)usually
37 bournonite Sulfosalts Pb Cu Sb S3 2,5 3 5,5 5,9 orthorhombic often twins,
crystals or
massive
3: 1 good,
2 poor
conchoidal opaque silver gray,
black
metallic gray,black Rare crystal habit
(especially twinning)
A minor ore of lead and
coppersiderite, fluorite, galena,
sphalerite, calcite, pyritecrystal
habit (especially twinning)often
twins, crystals or massive
38 brookite Simple
Oxides
Ti O2 5,5 6 4,2 4,9 orthorhombic tabular,crystal
s
3: 2 good,
1 poor
uneven transparent,
translucent
yellow-
brown, red,
black
adamant
ine,meta
llic
white,yell
ow,brown
Very Rare crystal habit, luster,
density, streak,
associations and
locality
A very minor ore of
titaniumanatase, rutile, quartz,
feldspars, chalcopyrite, hematite
and spheneHas the same
chemistry as rutile and
anatase.crystal habit, luster,
density, streak, associations and
localitytabular,crystals
39 brucite Hydroxides Mg (OH)2 2,5 2,5 2,4 2,4 hexagonal crystals,massi
ve,fibrous
1 perfect uneven translucent white, blue,
green, gray
vitreous,
pearly
white Rare hardness, pearly
cleavage on face,
lack of greasy feel,
inelastic
A minor source of metallic
magnesium, a source of
magnesia and as a refractory
additive.calcite, wollastonite,
nepheline, talc, aragonite,
serpentine, chromite, dolomite,
magnesiteNot of much interest
to collectors but has commercial
valuehardness, pearly
40 calcite Carbonates Ca C O3 3 3 2,6 2,7 hexagonal rhombohedra,
prisms,
massive
3 perfect conchoidal transparent,
translucent,
opaque
colorless,
white
vitreous white Very
Common
reaction to acid,
abundance, hardness,
double refraction,
cleavage
Microscopic crystals of Calcite
make up this specimen of the
sedimentary rock travertine, a
type of limestone. Various iron
oxides give the Calcite shades of
brown and yellow.Dog tooth
Calcite crystals associated with
Dolomite.Calcite is the primary
9
ore
41 carnallite Halides K Mg Cl3 ·
6H2O
2,5 3 1,6 1,6 orthorhombic usually
massive or
granular
none conchoidal transparent,
translucent
white, pink vitreous white Rare occurs chiefly as a
component of large,
thick sedimentary
saline deposits
occurs chiefly as a component of
large, thick sedimentary saline
depositsusually massive or
granular
42 carnotite Vandium
Oxysalts
K2 (UO2)2
(VO4)2 ·
3H2O
1 1 4,7 5 monoclinic earthy or
powdery
aggregates
1 perfect earthy opaque yellow earthy pale
yellow
Rare bright yellow color,
lack of any
fluorescence,
radioactivity
An important ore of uranium
and vanadium.Other uranium
and vanadium minerals in
sandstones and limestonesA rare
mineral and important
commercially.bright yellow
color, lack of any fluorescence,
radioactivityearthy or powdery
aggregates
43 cassiterite Simple
Oxides
Sn O2 6 7 6,8 7,1 tetragonal crystals,
fibrous,
massive
2 good conchoidal transparent,
translucent,
opaque
red-brown,
black
adamant
ine
white,yell
ow,light
brown
Rare light brown streak,
high gravity,
hardness
A major ore of tin.tourmalines,
molybdenite, bismuthinite,
topaz, fluorite, arsenopyrite,
wolframite.Nice crystals are
ornately faceted specimens with
high luster.light brown streak,
high gravity, hardnesscrystals,
fibrous, massive
44 celestite Sulfates Sr S O4 3 3,5 4 4 orthorhombic tabular,
fibrous,
granular
3: 1
perfect, 2
good
conchoidal transparent,
translucent
white,
colorless,
blue-tint,
reddish
vitreous,
pearly
white Common light blue color tint
to only part of a
crystal, flame test
(red)
Celestite is the most common
mineral containing the element
strontium, and is its primary ore.
Fine specimens are in high
demand by collectors.Calcite,
Barite, Fluorite, Gypsum,
Dolomite, Galena, Sphalerite,
Strontianite, Pyrite, Colemanite,
Halite, Sulfu
45 cerrusite Carbonates Pb C O3 3 3,5 6,5 6,5 orthorhombic prismatic,
granular,
massive
2 good conchoidal transparent,
translucent
white, gray adamant
ine,vitre
ous
white Rare high gravity, high
refraction and luster.
An ore of lead. Cerussite from
certain locations is rich in silver
and is thus used as a silver
ore.Anglesite, Galena,
Phosgenite, Azurite, Malachite,
Barite, Pyromorphite,
Sphalerite, SmithsoniteCerussite
is easily identifiable by its
weight, brilliant
10
46 chabazite Silicates Ca (Al2 Si4)
O12 · 6H2O
4 5 2,1 2,2 hexagonal rhombohedral
or massive
3 poor uneven transparent,
translucent
colorless,
white, pink,
yellow,
brown
vitreous white Common rhombohedral
crystals, lack of
pearly luster, lack of
reaction to acids
Of interest to collectors.quartz,
calcite, scolecite, apophyllite,
natrolite, heulandite, stilbite and
other zeolitesOne of the lesser
known zeolites but popular with
collectors. Chabazite forms in
the petrified bubbles (called
vesicles) of volcanic rocks
47 chalcanthite Sulfates Cu S O4 ·
5H2O
2,5 2,5 2,1 2,3 triclinic flat crystals,
also massive
none conchoidal translucent dark blue vitreous pale blue Common disolves in water,
taste (sweet,
metallic) and color
Chalcanthite is an ore of copper
in areas where it occurs in
relative abundance, such as in
Chile and Spain. Synthetic
crystal specimens are
common.Brochantite, Malachite,
Calcite, Aragonite,
ChalcopyriteChalcanthite is a
secondary copper mineral
formed
48 chalcocite Sulfides Cu2 S 2,5 3 5,7 5,8 orthorhombic massive 1 poor conchoidal opaque gray, black metallic shiny
black,
dark gray
Rare gray color,
associated with
copper, very brittle
An important copper ore but
rare.bornite, covellite,
chalcopyrite, pyrite, enargite,
millerite, galena, sphalerite.Has
been mined for centuries and is
one of the most profitable
copper ores due to its high
copper contentgray color,
associated with copper,
49 chalcopyrite Sulfides Cu Fe S2 3,5 4 4,1 4,3 tetragonal massive 1 poor conchoidal opaque brassy
yellow
metallic green-
black
Very
Common
hardness, color,
brittleness
Massive, golden yellow
Chalcopyrite associated with
white Quartz.Massive weathered
Chalcopyrite showing discolored
weathered surface. Note the
fresh brassy yellow surface on
lower right of specimen.The
chief ore of Copper.Pyrite,
Sphalerite, Bornite, Cha
50 chlorite Silicates (Mg,Fe)6
(AlSi3) O10
(OH)8
2 2,5 2,6 3,3 monoclinic 6 sided
crystals,foliate
d,scales,comp
act,granular
1 perfect earthy transparent,
translucent
green,
black
vitreous,
pearly
colorless Very
Common
green color,
hardness, lack of
elasticity
garnets, biotite, quartz,
magnetite, talc, serpentine,
danburite, topaz, calciteMost
often known to mineral
collectors usually as deep green
11
inclusions in or as coatings on
quartz, danburite, topaz, calcite
and many other minerals.green
color, hardness, l
51 chondrodite Silicates (Mg,Fe)3
(SiO4)
(OH,F)2
6 6,5 3,1 3,1 monoclinic usually round
grains,
massive
aggregates
1 poor uneven translucent yellow,
red-brown
vitreous,
resinous
white Common hardness, low
gravity, good one-
directional cleavage
magnetite, diopside, spinel ,
pyrrhotite, graphite , humite,
wollastonite and othersNot a
very common mineral and is
never seen in
abundancehardness, low gravity,
good one-directional
cleavageusually round grains,
massive aggregates
52 chromite Multiple
Oxides
Fe Cr2 O4 5,5 5,5 4,5 4,8 isometric octahedral,
usually
massive
none uneven opaque black,
brown
metallic brown Common dark streak, weak
magnetism
Chromite is the main ore of
chromium.Serpentine,
Uvarovite, Chlorite, Olivine,
Magnetite, PlatinumCommonly
occurs grainy, massive, in veins,
as rounded pebbles, in rounded
grains, and in nodular blobs
embedded in rock.dark streak,
weak magnetismoctahedral
53 chrysoberyl Multiple
Oxides
Be Al2 O4 8,5 8,5 3,7 3,7 orthorhombic prismatic,
tabular,
stellate
3: 1 good,
2 poor
conchoidal transparent,
translucent
colorless,
green,
yellow,
brown
vitreous white Rare great hardness,
gravity
Chrysoberyl makes a fine
gemstone. The Alexandrite and
Cat's Eye varieties are very
expensive. A minor ore of
beryllium.Beryl, Tourmaline,
Microcline, Albite, Quartz,
GarnetChrysoberyl is a rare
gemstone. The attractive
properties of Alexandrite and
Chr
54 chrysocolla Silicates (Cu,Al)2 H2
Si2 O5 (OH)4
· nH2O
2 4 2 2,2 monoclinic botryoidal or
earthy
none conchoidal translucent,
opaque
blue green,
blue, green
vitreous,
earthy
white,gree
n-white
Common bright blue or green
color, softness,
brittleness, lack of
crystals
Bands of blue to bluish-green
Chrysocolla as a vein filling
material.Blue Chrysocolla
covered by white translucent
Quartz.Silica rich Chrysocolla as
a pore filling material in this
breccia, with white pockets of
Quartz.Drusy Quartz coating
12
blue Chrysocoll
55 cinnabar Sulfides Hg S 2 2,5 8 8,2 hexagonal rhombohedra,
tabular,
massive
3 perfect uneven translucent,
opaque
red, gray,
brown
adamant
ine,meta
llic
brownish-
red
Rare bright red color,
softness, heaviness
An ore mercury and as a
pigment.realgar, pyrite,
dolomite, quartz,
stibniteCinnabar was mined by
the Roman Empire for its
mercury content and has been
the main ore of mercury for
centuries.bright red color,
softness, heavinessrhombohedra,
tabular, massive
56 clinozoisite Silicates Ca2 Al3 Si3
O12 (OH)
6,5 6,5 3,3 3,5 monoclinic elongated
crystals,striate
d;rodlike
aggregates
1 perfect uneven transparent,
translucent
brown,
green-gray,
pale green
vitreous white,
gray-
white
Common brownish color, good
cleavage lengthwise
brownish color, good cleavage
lengthwiseelongated
crystals,striated;rodlike
aggregates
58 colemanite Borates Ca2 B6 O11 ·
5H2O
4 4,5 2,4 2,4 monoclinic clear prismatic
crystals; also
granular or
massive
2: 1
perfect, 1
good
uneven transparent,
translucent
white, pink,
red
adamant
ine,vitre
ous
white Rare shape of crystals,
cleavage, hardness
Colemanite has many important
uses. It is one of the most
significant ores of boron. It is
also used in the manufacture of
heat resistant glass, and has
other industrial, medicinal, and
cosmetical uses.Ulexite, Borax,
Realgar, CelestiteColemanite
forms i
59 columbite Multiple
Oxides
(Fe,Mn)
(Nb,Ta)2 O6
6 6 5,3 8,1 orthorhombic prismatic or
tabular
crystals;twins;
massive
1 good uneven opaque dark
brown,
dark black
metallic black,
brown
Rare iridescent (bluish)
fracture surfaces
An ore of niobium and
tantalumalbite, spodumene,
cassiterite, microcline,
lepidolite, apatite, beryl,
microlite, tourmalines,
amblygoniteHas known
superconductive properties and
is being studied with other
metals for a possible new
alloy.iridescent (blui
60 copper Native
Elements
Cu 2,5 3 8,5 9 isometric octahedra,
massive,
arborescent
none hackly opaque red, brown
tarnish
metallic red Very Rare color, malleability A sheet of native Copper that
was produced by secondary
mineralization of an ore body.
The Copper filled the joints in
the host rock.A native Copper
nugget shown its water-worn
13
surface.Copper ranks second for
the most-used metal in the
world. The main u
61 cordierite Silicates Mg2 Al4 Si5
O18
7 7,5 2,6 2,7 orthorhombic pseudohexago
nal, massive,
granular
1 poor uneven transparent,
translucent
blue, violet,
gray,
brown,
black
vitreous,
dull
white Rare blue color, dichroic
(color changes based
on viewing angle)
As a gemstone.almandine,
corundum, andalusite, biotite
and feldsparsHas strong
pleochroism, or color changing
ability. Sometimes called "water
saphire".blue color, dichroic
(color changes based on viewing
angle)pseudohexagonal,
massive, granular
62 corundum Simple
Oxides
Al2 O3 9 9 3,9 4,1 hexagonal rhombohedral,
also
massive,crude
6-sided
crystals
none conchoidal transparent,
translucent,
opaque
brown,
pink, blue,
white,
green, red,
colorless
adamant
ine,vitre
ous
white Common extreme hardness,
gravity, striations on
parting faces
Massivie corrundum (ruby) in
green zoisite.A hexagonal cross
section produced along a parting
plane of a Corundum
crystal.Hexagonal prisms of
Corundum (variety ruby) in
granite.Fine specimens are used
as gemstones. Used extensively
as an abrasive.Albite,
63 covellite Sulfides Cu S 1,5 2 4,6 4,6 hexagonal hex plates,
usually
massive
1 perfect uneven opaque deep indigo
metallic
blue
resinous black Rare platy characteristics,
blue color,
associated with other
copper minerals
A minor ore of copperpyrite,
chalcocite, chalcopyrite, cuprite,
borniteplaty characteristics, blue
color, associated with other
copper mineralshex plates,
usually massive
64 cristobalite Silicates Si O2 6 7 2,3 2,3 tetragonal octahedral,mas
sive
none conchoidal translucent white,
colorless
vitreous white,
colorless
Very Rare crystal habit,
environment of
formation (usually in
the crevices of
volcanic rocks),
color and index of
refraction
Of scientific interest.Tridymite,
Feldspar, Olivine,
HornblendeWhen heated to
350ºF (180ºC), Cristobalite
becomes clear and transparent.
However, when it cools down
afterwards, it returns to its
translucent state and becomes
whitish again.crystal habit,
65 crocoite Chromates Pb Cr O4 2,5 3 5,9 6,1 monoclinic prismatic,
granular
3: 1 good,
2 poor
conchoidal translucent red, orange vitreous orange
yellow
Very Rare bright orange-red
color, high luster
Crocoite was at one time a main
ore of chromium, but it is now
too rare to be used. Crystals are
highly sought after by mineral
collectors because of its
14
attractive color.Wulfenite,
Cerussite, Vanadinite,
Pyromorphite, GalenaBecause
of its beauty, Crocoit
66 cryolite Halides Na3 Al F 2,5 3 2,9 2,9 monoclinic cuboidal
crystals,
usually
massive
none uneven translucent colorless,
white
vitreous,
pearly
white Very Rare lack of salty taste,
usually encloses
brown siderite and
gray galena
Use in aluminum
processingsiderite, quartz, topaz,
fluorite, chalcopyrite, galena,
cassiterite, molybdenite,
columbiteOnly found in large
quantities on the west coast of
Greenlandlack of salty taste,
usually encloses brown siderite
and gray galenacuboida
67 cuprite Simple
Oxides
Cu2 O 3,5 4 5,8 6,1 isometric octahedral,
massive, or
earthy
none conchoidal translucent,
opaque
red, red-
black
adamant
ine
red-
brown,shi
ny,yellow
Rare color, crystal form
and softness
Ore of copper.limonite, copper,
chrysocolla, malachiteMined in
many places around the
worldcolor, crystal form and
softnessoctahedral, massive, or
earthy
68 danburite Silicates Ca B2 Si2 O8 7 7,3 2,9 3 orthorhombic clear prismatic
crystals with
wedge shaped
ends
1 poor uneven transparent usually
colorless,
pale yellow
vitreous white Rare crystal habit, poor
cleavage, hardness
and associations
Of interest to collectors.quartz,
feldspars, cassiterite, dolomite,
corundumcrystal habit, poor
cleavage, hardness and
associationsclear prismatic
crystals with wedge shaped ends
69 datolite Complex
Silicates
Ca B Si O4
(OH)
5 5,5 2,9 3,2 monoclinic prismatic,
massive,
granular
none conchoidal transparent,
translucent
colorless,
white,
greenish
vitreous white Rare glassy, pale-green
color, wedge-shaped
crystals
Of interest to collectors.prehnite,
danburite, babingtonite, epidote,
copper, calcite, quartzDatolite is
often found in basalt vesicles
with calcite and zeolites.glassy,
pale-green color, wedge-shaped
crystalsprismatic, massive,
granular
70 diamond Native
Elements
C 10 10 3,5 3,5 isometric cubes,
octahedra,
pebbles
4 perfect conchoidal transparent,
translucent
colorless,
pale
yellow,
pale brown
adamant
ine
white,
gray
Very Rare extreme hardness With it's unique properties
Diamond is used as a gem; an
abrasive; in electronics; as
thermal insulators; as
impenetrators; and in
optics.Olivine, Magnetite,
Pyrope, Phologopite,
(Kimberlite)Diamond has many
15
unique qualities. It is the hardest
known subst
72 diopside Silicates Ca Mg Si2 O6 5 6 3,2 3,4 monoclinic prismatic,
massive,
granular
2 good
(87° and
93°)
uneven transparent,
translucent
colorless,
green,
black, gray,
yellow
vitreous white,gray Very
Common
light green color,
cleavage angles
A minor gemstone.fluorite,
dolomite, chlorite, vesuvianite,
phlogopite, actinolite, olivine,
calcite.Diopside is an important
rock forming mineral in several
metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Also found in meteorites.light
green color, cleavage
anglesprisma
73 dioptase Silicates Cu Si O2
(OH)2
5 5 3,2 3,3 hexagonal rhombohedral,
also massive
3 perfect conchoidal transparent,
translucent
deep green vitreous green Rare emerald green color
and hardness
A very minor ore of
copper.dolomite, calcite,
cerussite, limonite,
chrysocollaCan form beautiful
deep green crystals.emerald
green color and
hardnessrhombohedral, also
massive
74 dolomite Carbonates Ca Mg
(CO3)2
3,5 4 2,8 2,9 hexagonal rhombohedral,
massive,
granular
3 perfect conchoidal transparent,
translucent
white, pink,
colorless
vitreous,
pearly
white,
gray
Very
Common
pink color, curved
faces, reaction to
acid and luster
Light pinkish tan to flesh
colored curved Dolomite
crystals.Dolomite is used to
make magnesia, which has
important medicinal
applications. Dolomite Rock is
used as an ornamental and
structural stone, and for
extracting certain metals from
their ores. Use
76 enargite Sulfosalts Cu3 As S4 3 3,5 4,4 4,4 orthorhombic usually
massive or
granular
3: 2 good,
1 poor
uneven opaque gray, black metallic black Rare tabular or prismatic
crystal shape
A very minor ore of
copper.quartz, bornite, galena,
sphalerite, tennantite, chalcocite,
chalcopyrite, covellite, pyriteA
somewhat rare copper mineral
that does not often form well
shaped crystals.tabular or
prismatic crystal shapeusually
massive or granul
78 epidote Silicates Ca2 (Al,Fe)3
Si3 O12 (OH)
6 7 3,3 3,5 monoclinic elongated
crystals,
1 perfect uneven translucent,
opaque
yellow-
green,
vitreous gray Common color, slender
grooved crystals
calcite, biotite, hornblende,
actinolite, andradite
garnetDoesn't often form fine
16
granular black-green crystals. Has a color often
described as "pistachio".color,
slender grooved
crystalselongated crystals,
granular
83 fluorite Halides Ca F2 4 4 3 3,3 isometric cubes etc, also
granular
4 perfect conchoidal transparent,
translucent
intense
purple,
colorless,
green,
yellow,
blue, pink,
reddish
orange
vitreous white Very
Common
hardness,
fluorescence,
banding of colors
and cleavage
Purple cube of Fluorite showing
offsets on crystal faces;
associated with Calcite.Various
colors of fluorite cleavage
fragments.Cubic intergrowth of
reddish purple Fluorite.Fluorite
is the only mineral for which
significant quantities of the
important el
84 franklinite Multiple
Oxides
(Zn,Mn,Fe)
(Fe,Mn)2 O4
6 6,5 5 5,2 isometric octahedral,
granular,
massive
none uneven opaque dark black metallic black,bro
wn,red
brown
Very Rare crystal habit, streak,
associations with
other zinc minerals,
weak magnetism
Franklinite was a very important
ore of zinc, together with the
other zinc minerals at the
Franklin and Sterling Hill mines
until they were depleted.Calcite,
Willemite, Zincite, Rhodonite,
Andradite, MagnetiteFranklinite
is named after the locality of Fra
85 galena Sulfides Pb S 2,5 2,5 7,2 7,6 isometric cube,
octahedra,
massive
3 perfect
at 90°
conchoidal opaque lead-gray metallic lead-gray Very
Common
cubic cleavage,
color, high gravity
Galena cube modified by
octahedral faces.Galena is by far
the greatest ore of lead. Galena
is the most common mineral
containing lead, and contains
mostly lead. In some locations
it can contain impurities of up to
20% silver.Quartz, Sphalerite,
Chalcopyr
86 garnet Silicates (M1)3 (M2)2
(Si O4)3
6 8 3,4 4,2 isometric various
beads,massive,
crystals w/12
diamond faces
none uneven transparent,
translucent,
opaque
violet, red,
yellow,
green,
black,
brown
resinous
,vitreous
white Rare hardness, colors vary
on mineral type
within the group
Red, blocky Garnet crystals with
Calcite.Cinnamon brown garnet
crystals.Green dodecahedrons of
Garnet.Garnets have many
practical uses. Transparent
varieties of cuttable size are
faceted for jewelry. Dark red
Garnet is the most popular form.
Harder garne
88 glauberite Sulfates Na2 Ca (S 2,5 3 2,8 2,8 monoclinic tabular,prismat 1 perfect uneven transparent, usually vitreous, white Very Rare bitter, salty taste, Glauberite is used for the
17
O4)2 ic;compact
masses and
crusts
translucent white,
yellowish,
gray,
colorless
greasy disolves slowly in
water
extraction of glaubers salt. It is
popular among mineral
collectors specializing in
crystals.Glauberite is now a rare
mineral, but was once more
prevalent. Forms in evaporite
and clay deposits and without
dampness it gradually
91 goethite Hydroxides Fe O (OH) 5 5,5 4 4,4 orthorhombic prisms,
tabular,
massive,
fibrous, earthy
1 perfect uneven translucent,
opaque
brown,
black,
yellow, red,
(irridescent
tarnish)
adamant
ine
brown,yel
low
Common crystal habit, streak
and tarnish.
An important ore of ironvery
many mineralscrystal habit,
streak and tarnish.prisms,
tabular, massive, fibrous, earthy
92 gold Native
Elements
Au 2,5 3 15,3 19,3 isometric cubes, usually
massive,
arborescent
none hackly opaque gold,yellow
-gold
metallic yellow Very Rare color, high gravity,
hardness,
malleability
Primarily used as jewelry. Also
as coinage and as a store of
value. It is also used for
photography, dentistry, and
coloring.Quartz, Pyrite,
Arsenopyrite, SilverThe mineral
Gold is almost always mixed
with a small amount of silver,
and
sometimes contai
93 graphite Native
Elements
C 1 2 2,1 2,3 hexagonal usually scaly,
massive,
granular,
earthy
1 perfect uneven opaque black metallic,
dull
black-
gray
Rare softness, luster,
density, streak,
perfect cleavage
Massive, sub-metallic Graphite
showing how easily it marks
paper.The "lead" in pencils is
not lead, but graphite mixed
with clay. Much mined Graphite
is used as pencil fillings. Its
main function, however, is as a
lubricant. It's the only non-metal
that's
95 gypsum Sulfates Ca S
O4·2H2O
1,5 2 2,3 2,3 monoclinic prisms,
stellate,
granular,
fibrous
3: 1
perfect, 2
good
conchoidal transparent,
translucent
usually
white,
colorless,
gray,
yellow
pearly white Very
Common
softness, flat
crystals, flexibilty
Clear bladed crystals of Gypsum
of the variety Selenite.A
cleavage fragment of gypsum
with associated
dolomite.Gypsum is an
industrially important mineral.
Used as plaster-of-paris, in
sheetrock and in the production
of cement.Halite, Dolomite,
18
Barite, A
96 halite Halides Na Cl 2 2,5 2,2 2,2 isometric cubes,
octahedra,
massive,
granular
3 perfect
at right
angles
conchoidal transparent,
translucent
colorless,
white
vitreous white Very
Common
salty taste, cubic
crystals
Pink, cubic crystals of Halite.A
cubic cleavage fragment of
Halite.Halite is the source of
common salt. Enormous Halite
deposits are worked for salt.
Halite is the greatest ore of both
Sodium and Bromine.Anhydrite,
Gypsum, Dolomite, Thenardite,
Glauberit
100 hematite Simple
Oxides
Fe2 O3 5,5 6,5 5,2 5,3 hexagonal massive,earthy
,rhombohdded
ral,scaly or
fibrous
none uneven opaque silver gray-
black, red-
brown in
earthy
forms
metallic,
earthy
red,red-
brown
Very
Common
crystal habit, streak
and hardness
A botryoidal mass of Hematite
composed of fine radiating
acicular crystals.Specular
Hematite - Many small
micaceous crystals having a
metallic luster make up this
specimen.A Hematite "rose"
where each flat, bladed, metallic
crystal represents a petal of t
101 hemimorphit
e
Silicates Zn4 Si2 O7
(OH)2 · H2O
4,5 5 3,3 3,5 orthorhombic hemimorphic,
massive,
granular crusts
1 perfect uneven transparent,
translucent,
opaque
white,
yellow,
brown,
green
vitreous white Rare bladed crystals,
radiating aggregates
A minor ore of zinc.limonite,
aurichalcite, calcite,
smithsonitebladed crystals,
radiating
aggregateshemimorphic,
massive, granular crusts
102 heulandite Silicates (Ca,Na2) Al2
Si7 O18 -
6H2O
3,5 4 2,2 2,2 monoclinic tabular,
globular
masses
1 perfect uneven transparent,
translucent
colorless,
white, pink,
yellow,
brown
vitreous,
pearly
white Common crystal habit, density
and associations.
Of interest to collectors.quartz,
calcite, apophyllite, natrolite,
stilbitecrystal habit, density and
associations.tabular, globular
masses
103 hornblende Silicates (Ca,Na)2-3
(Mg,Fe,Al)5
(Al,Si)8 O22
(OH)2 *
5 6 2,9 3,4 monoclinic prismatic,
bladed,
fibrous,
massive,
granular
2 perfect
(56° &
124°)
uneven opaque black, dark
green
vitreous gray,
brown
Very
Common
greenish-black color,
cleavage angles
A portion of a hornblende
crystal showing cleavage
faces.A portion of a hornblende
crystal showing cleavage
faces.greenish-black color,
cleavage anglesprismatic,
bladed, fibrous, massive,
granular
104 hydrozincite Carbonates Zn5 (CO3)2
(OH)6
2 2,5 3,6 3,8 monoclinic usually
massive,
1 perfect uneven opaque colorless,
white, pale
dull,silk
y
white Very Rare fluorescense (blue),
crystal habits, single
Hydrozincite is popular among
fluorescent mineral collectors
19
fibrous, crusts yellow plane of cleavage,
localities, and
reaction to acid.
due to its strong fluorescence. It
is used as an ore of zinc if found
in areas where an abundance of
zinc minerals are
present.Smithsonite,
Hemimorphite, Limonite,
Calcite, (Limestone)fluorescen
105 ilmenite Simple
Oxides
Fe Ti O3 5 6 4,5 5 hexagonal very
flat,tabular
crystals;compa
ct,granular
aggrg.
none conchoidal opaque black, dark
brown
sub
metallic
black,bro
wn-red
Very Rare black streak,
hardness, weak
magnetism
black streak, hardness, weak
magnetismvery flat,tabular
crystals;compact,granular aggrg.
107 jadeite Silicates Na Al Si2 O6 6,5 7 3,2 3,5 monoclinic usually
massive (jade)
2 good
(87° and
93°)
splintery translucent,
opaque
green,
white, pale
violet
vitreous,
pearly
white Very Rare toughness, typical
green color, density,
flame test (yellow)
and hardness.
Used as an ornamental stone and
in jewelry.quartz, serpentine,
lawsaonite, aragoniteJadeite is
one of the two minerals called
jade. The other is the nephrite
variety of actinolite.toughness,
typical green color, density,
flame test (yellow) and
hardness.u
109 kaolinite Silicates Al2 Si2 O5
(OH)4
2 2,5 2,6 2,6 triclinic earthy 1 perfect conchoidal opaque white, gray,
yellow
dull white Very
Common
claylike masses claylike massesearthy
110 kernite Borates Na2 B4 O7 ·
4H2O
2,5 2,5 1,9 1,9 monoclinic elongated,stria
ted
crystals;cleava
ble masses
3: 2
perfect, 1
good
splintery translucent,
opaque
colorless,
white
vitreous,
pearly
white Common hardness, cleavage The most significant ore of the
chemical borax.Occurs at the
bottom of borate deposits,
together with other borates such
as Borax, Colemanite, and
Ulexite.Kernite crystals do not
keep well in collections, for it is
efflorescent, meaning it loses the
water
111 kyanite Silicates Al2 Si O5 5 7 3,5 3,7 triclinic prismatic,
bladed
2: 1
perfect, 1
good
splintery transparent,
translucent,
opaque
blue, white pearly white Common different hardness in
two directions,
bladed crystals
Used in the manufacture of
spark plugs.biotite, staurolite,
garnets, quartz,
andalusiteKyanite has a
hardness of about 4.5 when
scratched parallel to the long
axis of the crystal and
approximately 6.5 when
scratched perpendicular to or
20
across the long axi
112 labradorite Silicates (Na,Ca) Al Si3
O8
6 6 2,7 2,7 triclinic tabular,
usually
massive
3: 2 good,
1 poor
conchoidal translucent,
opaque
gray,
smoky
black
vitreous white Very
Common
occurence, twinning
striations and
labradorescence
(iridescent)
A polished surface of
Labradorite orientated in the
light to show its
irridescence.Labradorite is a
very popular mineral, and it
makes a unique gemstone. It is
faceted into cabochons and
beads.Quartz, Muscovite,
Biotite, Hornblende,
AugitePlagioclase-Feld
114 lazulite Phosphates,
Arsenates,
Vanadates
Mg Al2 (P
O4)2 (OH)2
5 6 3 3,1 monoclinic pyramidal,
massive,
granular
1 good uneven translucent,
opaque
azure blue,
indigo blue
vitreous white,
pale blue
Very Rare light to dark blue
color, bipyramidal
crystals
quartz, rutile, kyanite,
andalusite, garnets, muscovite,
corundum, wardite,
brazilianite, siderite.Often has a
sky blue color.light to dark blue
color, bipyramidal
crystalspyramidal, massive,
granular
115 lazurite Silicates (Na,Ca)8
(Al,Si)12 O24
(S,SO4)
5 5,3 2,4 2,4 isometric compact,massi
ve
6 poor uneven translucent brilliant
blue, violet
or green
tints
vitreous bright
blue
Rare deep violet-blue
color, pyrite
association (unlike
sodalite) gravity.
Used as an ornamental
stone.calcite, pyriteCommonly
found in a massive form and
combined with other minerals
into a rock called lapis
lazuli.deep violet-blue color,
pyrite association (unlike
sodalite)
gravity.compact,massive
116 lepidolite Silicates K(Li,Al)3
(Si,Al)4 O10
(F,OH)2
2,5 4 2,8 2,9 monoclinic usually scaly
or granular
masses
1 perfect uneven translucent violet, pale
pink, white
pearly white Common occurrence in granite
pegmatites, lilac or
pink color
An ore of lithium and heat
insulatorquartz, feldspars,
spodumene, ambygonite,
tourmalineoccurrence in granite
pegmatites, lilac or pink
colorusually scaly or granular
masses
117 leucite Silicates K Al Si2 O6 5,5 6 2,4 2,6 tetragonal cubic form,
tetra properties
none conchoidal translucent,
opaque
white, gray,
colorless
vitreous,
resinous
white Very
Common
crystal shape,
density, hardness,
dull luster
a minor source of potassium and
aluminumolivine, labradorite,
augite, biotite, nephelineName
comes for the Greek word for
"white".crystal shape, density,
hardness, dull lustercubic form,
21
tetra properties
118 magnesite Carbonates Mg Co3 3,5 4 3 3 hexagonal usually
massive or
fibrous
3 perfect conchoidal transparent,
translucent,
opaque
white, gray,
tinted
yellow,
brown
vitreous,
dull
white Common cleavage, white
color, fine grained
porcelaneous masses
Magnesite is an important ore of
magnesium, and used as
insulating material.calcite,
dolomite, aragonite, strontianite,
serpentineCalcite Group. The
most common form of
Magnesite is white,
microcrystalline, porous masses
that are dull in luster, and have
119 magnetite Multiple
Oxides
Fe3 O4 5,5 6,5 5 5,2 isometric octahedra,
massive,
granular
4 poor uneven opaque black metallic,
dull
black Very
Common
magnetism, dark
streak
A black octahedral crystal of
Magnetite in a mica
schist.Magnetite, variety
loadstone, showing its natural
magnetic property by holding
paper clips.Magnetite is the
most important ore of iron. Its
perfect crystals are also famous
among mineral collectors.
120 malachite Carbonates Cu2 (CO3)
(OH)2
3,5 4 3,9 4 monoclinic usually fibrous
masses,
granular,
earthy
1 perfect conchoidal transparent,
translucent,
opaque
green,
banded
greens
silky,vit
reous
pale green Common color banding when
massive, green color
Radiating fibrous mats of
Malachite.Green Malachite
produced by the weathering of
native Copper.Botryoidal
Malachite.When found in
massive hunks, the color banded
variety of Malachite makes a
precious ornamental
stone.Azurite, Chrysocolla,
Limonite, Chalc
121 manganite Hydroxides Mn O(OH) 4 4 4,2 4,4 monoclinic prismatic,
aggregates,
columnar
1 perfect uneven translucent,
opaque
black, steel
gray
metallic,
vitreous
reddish or
brownish
black
Rare brown or black
streak
A minor source of
manganesecalcite, barite,
garnets, limonite, siderite,
pyrolusiteUsed to be valuable
manganese ore when it was
found in plentiful
deposits.brown or black
streakprismatic, aggregates,
columnar
122 marcasite Sulfides Fe S2 6 6,5 4,8 4,9 orthorhombic tabular,
aggregates,
2 good uneven opaque pale brass
yellow,
metallic greenish
black
Common white on fresh faces,
sulfer smell
As a mineral specimencalcite,
dolomite, quartz, pyrite,
galenaMarcasite is a polymorph
22
nodules whiteish of Pyrite, which means that it
has the same chemistry as pyrite
but a different structure and,
therefore, different symmetry
and crystal shapes. It's sulfur
smell is th
125 microcline Silicates K Al Si3 O8 6 6,5 2,5 2,5 triclinic prismatic,gran
ular,blocky
2 good at
right
angles
uneven translucent,
opaque
white, flesh
pink,
brown,
green
vitreous white Very
Common
occurence, twinning,
color and luster
Microcline is important in the
manufacture of glass and
ceramics.Quartz, Muscovite,
Plagioclase feldsparsPart of the
Potassium Feldspar group along
with Orthoclase and Sanidine.
A deep green gem variety is
called Amazonite.occurence,
twinning, color and
126 millerite Sulfides NiS 3 3,5 5,3 5,6 hexagonal needles,
fibrous,
massive
2 perfect uneven opaque brassy
yellow
metallic green-
black
Very Rare slender capillary
crystals, color
slender capillary crystals,
colorneedles, fibrous, massive
127 mimetite Phosphates,
Arsenates,
Vanadates
Pb5 (As O4)3
Cl
3,5 4 7 7,3 hexagonal trigonal,
botryoidal,
crusts
none uneven translucent pale
yellow,
orange,
brown
resinous white Rare luster, frequent
globular form
Mimetite is a minor ore of lead
where it occurs with more
abundant lead minerals. It is
also a very rare and popular
mineral among
collectors.Wulfenite,
Vanadinite, Limonite, Galena,
Barite, Anglesite,
Hemimorphite,
ArsenopyriteMimetite is a
member of t
128 molybdenite Sulfides Mo S2 1 1,5 4,7 4,8 hexagonal usually
foliated,
massive
1 perfect uneven opaque silver
metallic
blue cast
metallic gray with
blue cast
Rare flexible laminae,
perfect cleavage,
color, streak. Feels
greasy.
The major ore of
molybdenum.pyrite, wolframite,
chalcopyrite, quartz,
fluoriteMolybdenite is a very
soft metallic mineral. It looks
similar to graphite, and can be
confused. Graphite has a black-
silver color and a blackish-gray
to streak whereas molybeden
129 monazite Phosphates,
Arsenates,
(Ca,La,Nd,Th)
P O4
5 5,5 4,8 5,3 monoclinic tabular, twins,
massive,
1 good conchoidal opaque pale
yellow,
brown,
resinous white Common crystal habit, color,
cleavage shards,
high specific gravity,
Used as an ore of several rare
earth metals like thorium,
cerium and Lanthanum. Also
23
Vanadates sandy orange-
brown
hardness and
radioactivity.
used for radioactive dating
uses.apatite, columbite, zircon,
feldspars, quartz, euxenite,
biotiteMonazite forms in
phosphatic pegmatites and is a
standard trace constitu
130 muscovite Silicates K Al2 (AlSi3)
O10 (OH)2
2 2,5 2,8 3 monoclinic pseudohexago
nal plates,
massive
1 perfect uneven transparent,
translucent
white,
silver,
yellow,
brown
pearly white Very
Common
perfect cleavage into
thin flexible flakes
A group of flat, tabular
Muscovite mica crystals.Heat
insulator and for industrial
purposes.quartz, feldspars, beryl,
tourmalinesMuscovite is a
common rock forming mineral.
It's found in igneous,
metamorphic and detrital
sedimentary rocks. Muscovite
has
131 natrolite Silicates Na2 (Al2Si3)
O10 · 2H2O
5 5,5 2,2 2,4 orthorhombic prismatic,
acicular, radial
aggregates,
1 perfect conchoidal transparent,
translucent
white,
yellow tint
vitreous,
pearly
white Common crystal shape,
hardness
As a mineral specimen.quartz,
apophyllite, benitoite,
heulandite, stilbiteA common
mineral displaying radiating
sprays of clear acicular
crystals.crystal shape,
hardnessprismatic, acicular,
radial aggregates,
132 nepheline Silicates (Na,K) Al Si
O4
5,5 6 2,6 2,6 hexagonal prismatic,
aggregates,
massive
3 good conchoidal transparent,
translucent
white,
colorless,
pale gray
resinous
,vitreous
white Very
Common
cleavage, gets
cloudy in strong
acid, hardness
calcite, albite, apatite, biotite,
hornblende, cancrinite,
sodaliteA major rock forming
mineral.cleavage, gets cloudy in
strong acid, hardnessprismatic,
aggregates, massive
133 niccolite Sulfides,
Arsenides,
and
Tellurides
Ni As 5 5,5 7,3 7,8 hexagonal usually
irregular
masses,
botryoidal
none conchoidal opaque copper-red,
gray,(black
tarnish)
metallic brown-
black
Rare copper color copper colorusually irregular
masses, botryoidal
134 oligoclase Silicates (Na,Ca) Al Si3
O8
6 6,5 2,6 2,6 triclinic platy,tabular,b
locky,massive
1 perfect conchoidal translucent,
opaque
white, gray,
pale shades
of green -
yellow -
brown
vitreous,
pearly
white Very
Common
occurence, twinning
striations, shimmer,
density and index of
refraction
ornamental and semi-precious
stonequartz,
muscoviteOligoclase is not very
well known mineral but is
sometime used as semi-precious
stones called sunstone and
moonstone.occurence, twinning
24
striations, shimmer, density and
index of refractionplaty,tabular,b
135 olivine Silicates (Mg,Fe)2 Si
O4
6,5 7 3,3 3,3 orthorhombic granular,prism
atic, tabular
2 poor conchoidal transparent,
translucent
yellow-
green,
yellow-
brown
vitreous colorless,
white
Very
Common
yellow-green color Polished grains of the gem
variety of Olivine called
Peridot.The transparent green
gem variety is called Peridot.
Olivine is also used as a flux for
making steel, and is an ore of
magnesium.Feldspar,
Serpentine, Hornblende, Augite,
Spinel, Diopside, Chro
136 opal Silicates Si O2 · nH2O 5,5 6,5 1,8 2,2 amorphous reniform,
stalactitic,
massive
none conchoidal translucent,
opaque
colorless,w
hite,
yellow, red,
blue, green
resinous
, pearly
white Common color play
(opalescent), low
density, lack of
cleavage
Opal is one of the most precious
gemstones. Black Opal is the
most valuable, then comes
White Opal and Fire
Opal.ChalcedonyOpal lacks a
definite crystal arrangement, and
is therefore amorphous. Its
opalescence is now believed to
be caused by small fissur
137 orpiment Sulfides As2 S3 1,5 2 3,4 3,5 monoclinic prismatic,
usually
massive crusts
1 perfect uneven translucent orange-
yellow
resinous
,pearly
yellow Rare cleavage, pearly
luster, sulfer odor,
color
Formerly used as a
pigment.realgar, calcite, stibnite,
barite, gypsumOrpiment is a rare
mineral that is almost always
forms with realgar. It gradually
deteriorates into a powder and
exposure to sunlight accelerates
the process.cleavage, pearly
luster, su
138 orthoclase Silicates K Al Si3 O8 6 6 2,5 2,6 monoclinic prismatic,
tabular,
granular
masses
2 good at
90 °
conchoidal transparent,
translucent,
opaque
gray-
white,
yellow,
reddish,
orange-
brown
vitreous,
pearly
white Common color, two perfect
cleavages, twinning
is common
Orthoclase crystals with bottom
two showing twinning.A
cleavage block of white
Orthoclase.Orthoclase is
industrially important in the
manufacture of glass and
ceramics.Quartz, Muscovite,
Plagioclase feldspars, Biotite,
Tourmaline, GarnetOrthoclase is
one
139 pectolite Silicates Na Ca2 Si3 4,5 5 2,8 2,9 triclinic fibrous or
radiating
2 perfect splintery translucent white, gray,
colorless
vitreous,
silky
white Rare radial fibrous
structure, brittleness
Pectolite is popular among
mineral collectors for its
25
O8 (OH) spherical
aggregates
and cleavage interesting radiating "blobs".
The light blue variety Larimar is
used as a gem.Prehnite, Datolite,
Apophyllite, Stilbite,
Heulandite, Chabazite, Natrolite,
Serpentine, CalcitePectolite
occurs in cavit
141 pentlandite Sulfides (Fe,Ni)9 S8 3 3,5 4,6 5 isometric usually
granular or
massive
none conchoidal opaque bronze-
yellow
metallic light
brown
Rare occurs with
pyrrhotite,
chalcopyrite; lack of
magnetism, streak
and color
occurs with pyrrhotite,
chalcopyrite; lack of magnetism,
streak and colorusually granular
or massive
143 phenakite Silicates Be2 Si O4 7,5 8 3 3 orthorhombic pseudohexago
nal crystals
1 poor conchoidal transparent colorless,
white, pale-
yellow,
pink tint,
brown
vitreous colorless,
white
Very Rare hardness,
rhombohedral
crystals, lenghtwise
striations on crystals
hardness, rhombohedral crystals,
lenghtwise striations on
crystalspseudohexagonal
crystals
144 phillipsite Silicates (K2,Na2Ca)
(Al2Si4) O12
· 4-5H2O
4 4,5 2,2 2,2 monoclinic prismatic
cruciform
twins, radial
aggreg
1 perfect uneven translucent white,
colorless,
yellow, red
vitreous white Common crystal habit,
twinning, density,
hardnes
crystal habit, twinning, density,
hardnesprismatic cruciform
twins, radial aggreg
145 phlogopite Silicates K(Mg,Fe)3
(AlSi3) O10
(F,OH)2
2,5 3 2,8 2,8 monoclinic tabular,
laminar, scales
1 perfect uneven transparent,
translucent
brown, red-
brown
pearly white Very
Common
asterism, dark color asterism, dark colortabular,
laminar, scales
147 platinum Native
Elements
Pt 4 4,5 21,5 21,5 isometric usually
granular
none hackly opaque white-gray,
silver-gray
metallic silver gray Rare color, weak
magnetism, very
heavy
Native Platinum is the most
significant source of the element
platinum, although considerable
quantities are also mined the
rare platinum arsenide,
Sperrylite. Used as a catylyst
and in numerous laboratory
uses.Chromite, Olivine,
GoldPlatinum, when found
150 prehnite Silicates Ca2 Al2 Si3
O10 (OH)2
6 6,5 2,8 3 orthorhombic hemimorphic
tabular, radial
aggregates
1 good uneven transparent,
translucent
pale-green,
green, gray,
colorless,
white
vitreous,
pearly
white,
colorless
Common green botryoidal
crusts
green botryoidal
crustshemimorphic tabular,
radial aggregates
26
151 proustite Sulfosalts Ag3 As S3 2 2,5 5 6 hexagonal hemimorphic,
granular,
usually
massive
1 good conchoidal translucent scarlet red adamant
ine
red Very Rare deep red color,
silvery luster
deep red color, silvery
lusterhemimorphic, granular,
usually massive
152 psilomelane Hydroxides Ba Mn O16
(OH)4 *
5 6 5 7 monoclinic massive,
botryoidal,
stalactilic
none uneven opaque black, steel
gray, blue-
black
metallic,
dull
brown-
black
Rare luster, hardness,
color and streak,
massive appearance
luster, hardness, color and
streak, massive
appearancemassive, botryoidal,
stalactilic
153 purpurite Phosphates,
Arsenates,
Vanadates
(Mn,Fe) P O4
*
4 4,5 3,3 3,3 orthorhombic prismatic or
massive
1 good uneven opaque purple silky deep red,
purple
Very Rare color, associations,
lack of crystals and
luster
color, associations, lack of
crystals and lusterprismatic or
massive
154 pyrargyrite Sulfosalts Ag3 Sb S3 2,5 3 5,9 5,9 hexagonal hemimorphic
prisms,
massive
1 good conchoidal translucent,
opaque
blue-gray,
black
metallic,
adamant
ine
red Very Rare dark red color,
striated prismatic
crystals
dark red color, striated prismatic
crystalshemimorphic prisms,
massive
155 pyrite Sulfides Fe S2 6 6,5 5 5,2 isometric striated cubes,
massive,
nodular,
pyritehedral
none conchoidal opaque brassy
brown,
yellow
metallic green-
black
Very
Common
brassy color,
hardness, striations
on crystal faces, lack
of tarnish
Cubes of Pyrite modified by the
pyritohedron crystal form
producing deep striations on
crystal faces and rounded
edges.Pyrite was once used as
the main source of sulfur, and is
currently a minor source for
sulfur and iron.Quartz, Azurite,
Microcline, Biot
156 pyrolusite Simple
Oxides
Mn O2 2 6 4,8 5 orthorhombic usually
fibrous,
massive,
earthy
2 perfect uneven opaque dark-gray,
black
mettalic,
submeta
llic
black Rare luster, softness,
color, sooty black
streak
luster, softness, color, sooty
black streakusually fibrous,
massive, earthy
157 pyromorphite Phosphates,
Arsenates,
Vanadates
Pb5 (PO4)3 Cl 3,5 4 6,5 7,1 hexagonal trigonal
prisms,
aggregates,
crusts
0 none uneven translucent usually
green,
yellow,
brown,
orange
resinous off white Common cavernous crystals,
lack of transparency,
luster, gravity
Pyromorphite is a minor ore of
lead where it occurs with more
abundant lead minerals. It is also
a very popular mineral among
collectors.Limonite, Galena,
Barite, Vanadinite, Cerussite,
Wulfenite,
HemimorphitePyromorphite is a
member of the Apatite group,
158 pyrophyllite Silicates A12 Si4 O10
(OH)2
1 2 2,7 2,9 monoclinic tabular,
foliated, radial
aggregates
1 perfect uneven translucent white,
colorless,
pale green,
gray,
pearly white Rare greasy feel, mica-
like habit, appears
similar to talc
greasy feel, mica-like habit,
appears similar to talctabular,
foliated, radial aggregates
27
yellow
159 pyrrhotite Sulfides Fe(1-x) S 3,5 4,5 4,6 4,6 hexagonal tabular,
foliated,
massive,
granular
none uneven opaque brassy
yellow,
bronze
metallic gray-
black
Common magnetism magnetismtabular, foliated,
massive, granular
160 quartz Silicates Si O2 7 7 2,6 2,7 hexagonal prismatic,6
sided
crystals,massi
ve
none conchoidal transparent,
translucent,
opaque
colorless,
white,
purple,
violet,
yellow,
pink, gray,
brown,
black
vitreous,
resinous
white Very
Common
very common as
clear crystals,
hardness, lack of
cleavage
A smoky Quartz crystal showing
horizontal striations on prism
faces.A cluster of clear Quartz
crystals displaying prism faces
terminated by pyramids. The
associated mineral is
Pyrite.Vitreous, rose Quartz
showing the typical conchoidal
fracture of Quartz
161 realgar Sulfides As S 1,5 2 3,5 3,6 monoclinic prisms,
needles,
massive,
granular
1 good conchoidal translucent red, orange resinous
,adaman
tine
orange Rare color, softness,
prismatic crystals
color, softness, prismatic
crystalsprisms, needles, massive,
granular
162 rhodochrosite Carbonates Mn C O3 3,5 4,5 3,5 3,6 hexagonal usually
massive,
globular,
crusts
3 perfect uneven translucent pink, red,
yellow,
white, dark
brown
vitreous,
pearly
white,pink Common color, cleavage Fine, blood-red Rhodochrosite
specimens are highly desired by
collectors, and command
magnificent prices.
Rhodochrosite is also used as an
ore of manganese.Quartz,
Chalcopyrite, Bornite, Galena,
Sphalerite, Pyrite, Fluorite,
Silver, Rhodonite, Limonite,
163 rhodonite Silicates (Mn,Fe,Mg) Si
O3
5,5 6,5 3,4 3,6 triclinic large tabular
crystals,
massive
2 good uneven transparent,
translucent,
opaque
brown-red,
pink, rarely
yellowish
or greenish
vitreous white Rare pink color, black
veining, lack of
reaction to acid
Rhodonite is a popular mineral
among collectors. It is also a
minor gemstone. Also an ore of
manganese.Calcite, Willemite,
Franklinite, Pyrolusite, Pyrite,
Galena,Rhodonite can be a
beautiful pink color. It very
frequently contains black veins
of mangane
164 rutile Simple
Oxides
Ti O2 6 6,5 4,4 4,3 tetragonal prisms, twins,
massive,
granular
3: 2 good,
1 poor
uneven translucent,
opaque
red-brown,
black
metallic,
adamant
ine
brown Rare streak, hardness,
color and high luster
streak, hardness, color and high
lusterprisms, twins, massive,
granular
165 scapolite Silicates (Na,Ca,K)4 5 6 2,5 2,8 tetragonal prismatic, 2 good conchoidal translucent, colorless, vitreous, white Common short square prisms, short square prisms,
28
A13 (Al,Si)3
Si6 O24
(Cl,SO4,CO3)
massive,
granular
opaque white,gray,
greenish,
yellow,
pink,
brown
pearly flourescent flourescentprismatic, massive,
granular
166 scheelite Molybdates
and
Tungstens
Ca W O4 4,5 5 5,9 6,1 tetragonal pyramidal,
granular,
massive
3: 1 good,
2 poor
uneven transparent,
translucent
white, gray,
yellowish,
orange,
brownish,
greenish
adamant
ine,resin
ous
white Rare high gravity,
softness, and
especially its blue
fluorescence.
high gravity, softness, and
especially its blue
fluorescence.pyramidal,
granular, massive
170 serpentine Silicates Mg6 (Si4O10)
(OH)8
3 4 2,5 2,6 monoclinic massive,
granular,
foliated,
fibrous
none conchoidal translucent,
opaque
olive green,
yellow,
brown,
black
resinous
,dull
white Very
Common
low hardenss, green
color, greasy feel
low hardenss, green color,
greasy feelmassive, granular,
foliated, fibrous
171 siderite Carbonates Fe C O3 3,5 4,5 3,7 3,9 hexagonal rhombohedral,
massive,
granular
3 perfect uneven translucent,
opaque
brown, red-
brown,
white
pearly,vi
treous
white Very
Common
brown color,
cleavage, magnetic
when heated
The extraction method for
obtaining iron from Siderite is
simple and inexpensive, so it is
an ore of iron in some
countries.Barite, Calcite,
Chalcopyrite, Limonite, Quartz,
Chalcedony, Rhodochrosite,
Sphalerite, Galena,
Fluorite,Siderite belongs to the
C
172 sillimanite Silicates Al2 Si O5 6 7 3,2 3,2 orthorhombic acicular,
massive,
foliated,
nodular
1 perfect uneven transparent,
translucent
gray-white,
brown,
green-
brown
vitreous white,
colorless
Common hardness and
brittleness
hardness and brittlenessacicular,
massive, foliated, nodular
173 silver Native
Elements
Ag 2,5 3 9,6 12 isometric cube, usually
massive
arborescent
none hackly opaque silver-white metallic brilliant
silver
Very Rare white color,
malleability,
hardness
Most silver is extracted from
silver ores, but considerable
amounts are mined from Native
Silver. Silver is the best
conductor of electricity, is the
second most malleable and
ductile metal. Has many
industrial and ornamental
uses.Copper, Acanthite, Ar
29
175 smithsonite Carbonates Zn C O3 5 5,5 4 4,5 hexagonal usually
massive,
granular,
earthy
3 perfect uneven translucent,
opaque
white, gray,
green,
brown
vitreous,
pearly
white Common botryoidal form,
cleavage, hardness,
reaction to acid
botryoidal form, cleavage,
hardness, reaction to acidusually
massive, granular, earthy
176 sodalite Silicates Na4 Al3
(SiO4)3 Cl
5 6 2,2 2,4 isometric dodecahedral,
massive
6 poor conchoidal transparent,
translucent
blue,
colorless,
gray,
yellow, red
vitreous,
resinous
white Common blue color blue colordodecahedral, massive
178 sphalerite Sulfides (Zn,Fe) S 3,5 4 3,9 4,2 isometric massive
cleavage
pieces,crystals
,rounded
edges
6 perfect conchoidal transparent,
translucent
pale
yellow,
brown,
black, red,
green
resinous lt
yellow,red
brown
Common cleavage, luster, red-
brown to green color
Dark brown to nearly black
resinous crystals of Sphalerite.
Crystals show somewhat
rounded tetrahedral and
octahedral faces. Associated
with dolomite.A rounded
tetrahedral crystal of Sphalerite
associated with white
Quartz.cleavage, luster, red-
brown to
180 spinel Multiple
Oxides
Mg Al2 O4 7,5 8 3,5 4,1 isometric octahedra,
twins, granular
none conchoidal transparent,
translucent,
opaque
white, red,
blue, green,
brown,
black
vitreous white Common Crystal shape,
hardness
Crystal shape,
hardnessoctahedra, twins,
granular
181 spodumene Silicates Li Al Si2 O6 6,5 7 3,1 3,2 monoclinic 8 sided prisms,
massive
1 good splintery transparent,
translucent
violet,
pink,
yellow,
green
vitreous,
pearly
white Common flattened and stiated
crystals, hardness
flattened and stiated crystals,
hardness8 sided prisms, massive
182 staurolite Silicates (Fe,Mg,Zn)2
Al9 Si4 O23
(OH)
7 7,5 3,7 3,8 orthorhombic 6-sided
prisms, often
twins
1 poor conchoidal translucent,
opaque
yellow-
brown, red-
brown,
black
vitreous,
resinous
white Common twin crystals, often
forms a right angle
"cross"
twin crystals, often forms a right
angle "cross"6-sided prisms,
often twins
184 stibnite Sulfides Sb2 S3 2 2 4,6 4,7 orthorhombic needles, radial
aggregates,
fibrous,
massive
1 perfect conchoidal opaque lead gray,
black
metallic gray black Common ability to bend
slightly
ability to bend slightlyneedles,
radial aggregates, fibrous,
massive
185 stilbite Silicates Na Ca2
(Al5Si13) O36
· 14H2O
3,5 4 2,2 2,2 monoclinic tabular, twins,
aggregates
1 perfect uneven transparent,
translucent
colorless,
white,
yellow,
brown, red
vitreous,
pearly
white Common wheat-sheaf
aggregates
wheat-sheaf aggregatestabular,
twins, aggregates
30
187 sulfur Native
Elements
S 2 2 1,9 2,1 orthorhombic bipyramids,
granular,
fibrous,
nodular
2 poor conchoidal transparent,
translucent
yellow,
brown
resinous pale
yellow
Rare transparent yellow
crystals, hardness
Equant crystals of
Sulfur.transparent yellow
crystals, hardnessbipyramids,
granular, fibrous, nodular
188 sylvanite Sulfides Ag Au Te4 1,5 2 8 8,3 monoclinic stubby,prismat
ic
crystals;skelet
al rock
deposits
1 perfect uneven opaque silver white metallic gray Rare hardness, lack of
striations on crystal
faces
hardness, lack of striations on
crystal facesstubby,prismatic
crystals;skeletal rock deposits
189 sylvite Halides K Cl 2 2 2 2 isometric cubic,octahedr
al
crystals;compa
ct,granular
masses
1 perfect uneven transparent red, white,
colorless
vitreous white Very Rare cubic,octahedral
crystals;compact,granular
masses
190 talc Silicates Mg3 Si4 O10
(OH)2
1 1 2,7 2,8 monoclinic usually
granular,
massive or
scaly
1 perfect uneven transparent,
translucent,
opaque
green, gray,
white
pearly white Very
Common
Softness, greasy feel Bright green micaceous
Talc.Softness, greasy feelusually
granular, massive or scaly
191 tetrahedrite Sulfosalts (Cu,Fe)12 Sb4
Si3 -
(Cu,Fe)12 As4
S13
3 4,5 4,4 5,4 isometric tetrahedral,
massive,
granular
none uneven translucent,
opaque
gray black metallic black,bro
wn,red
Rare tetrahedral crystals,
lack of cleavage
tetrahedral crystals, lack of
cleavagetetrahedral, massive,
granular
192 thenardite Sulfates Na2 S O4 2,5 3 2,7 2,7 orthorhombic clusters,granul
ar,massive,tab
ular
1 perfect uneven transparent,
translucent
white,
brownish,
gray
vitreous white Rare dissolves readily,
flourescent in short
UV light, weak salty
taste
dissolves readily, flourescent in
short UV light, weak salty
tasteclusters,granular,massive,ta
bular
193 topaz Silicates Al2 Si O4
(F,OH)2
8 8 3,4 3,6 orthorhombic striated prisms
or massive
1: 1
perfect
uneven transparent,
translucent,
opaque
white,
colorless,
yellow,
pink, blue,
greenish
vitreous white Common high hardness,
excellent cleavage
Sherry brown colored Topaz
crystals showing prism faces
with pyramids and basal
pinacoids (obvious on top
crystal). The matrix is fine
grained Topaz and rhyolite.high
hardness, excellent
cleavagestriated prisms or
massive
31
194 tourmaline Silicates (Na,Ca)
(Al,Fe,Li,Mg)
3 A16 (B O3)3
(Si6 O18)*
7 7,5 3 3,2 hexagonal trigonal
prisms,
massive
none uneven transparent,
translucent,
opaque
brown,
black, red,
pink, green,
blue,
yellow
vitreous white Common poor cleavage Gemmy green Tourmaline
crystals showing striations
parallel to the prism faces. The
matrix is milky Quartz.Pink
Tourmaline (rubellite) in a
matrix of violet Lepidolite.poor
cleavagetrigonal prisms,
massive
195 tremolite Silicates Ca2 Mg5 Si8
O22 (OH)2
5,5 6 2,9 3,1 monoclinic prisms,
bladed,
fibrous,
massive
2 perfect splintery transparent,
translucent
colorless,
white, gray,
green
vitreous white Very
Common
cleavage angels,
prismatic habit
cleavage angels, prismatic
habitprisms, bladed, fibrous,
massive
197 turquoise Phosphates,
Arsenates,
Vanadates
Cu Al6
(PO4)4 (OH)8
· 5H2O
5 6 2,6 2,9 triclinic usually
massive,
stalactitic,
crusts
none conchoidal translucent,
opaque
blue, blue
green,
gray-green
waxy white,
pale green
Rare Bright blue-green
color
Bright blue-green colorusually
massive, stalactitic, crusts
198 ulexite Borates Na Ca B5 O9 ·
8H2O
1 2 2 2 triclinic light,spongy,r
ounded
masses; fine
fibers
2: 1
perfect, 1
good
uneven transparent white silky white Rare association with
other borate minerals
association with other borate
mineralslight,spongy,rounded
masses; fine fibers
199 uraninite Simple
Oxides
U O2 5,5 5,5 10,9 10,9 isometric usually
granular
masses;cubic,d
odecahedral
crystal
none conchoidal opaque steel black sub
metallic
brown-
black
Rare octahedral crystals,
high gravity,
radioactivity
octahedral crystals, high gravity,
radioactivityusually granular
masses;cubic,dodecahedral
crystal
200 vanadinite Phosphates,
Arsenates,
Vanadates
Pb5 (VO4)3
Cl
3 3 6,7 7,1 hexagonal trigonal
pyramids,
aggregates,
crusts
none uneven transparent,
translucent
red, brown,
yellow
resinous white,yell
ow
Rare red color, lustrous
nature
red color, lustrous naturetrigonal
pyramids, aggregates, crusts
201 vesuvianite Silicates Ca10
(Mg,Fe)2 Al4
(Si O4)5 (Si
O7)2 (OH)4
6,5 6,5 3,3 3,5 tetragonal prismatic,
massive,
granular
none uneven transparent,
translucent
green-
brown, red,
yellow
vitreous white Common color, square cross
section of crystals
color, square cross section of
crystalsprismatic, massive,
granular
202 vivianite Phosphates,
Arsenates,
Vanadates
Fe3 (P O4)2 ·
8H2O
1,5 2,5 2,6 2,7 monoclinic small prisms,
aggregates,
crusts
1 perfect splintery transparent,
translucent
blue, green,
white,
colorless
pearly,vi
treous
pale blue Rare Blue color and
streak, micaceous
tabular crystals
Blue color and streak,
micaceous tabular crystalssmall
prisms, aggregates, crusts
32
203 wavellite Phosphates,
Arsenates,
Vanadates
Al3 (P O4)2
(OH)3 · 5H2O
3,5 4 2,3 2,3 orthorhombic usually
globular
aggregates,
crusts
3: 1
perfect, 2
good
uneven translucent white,
green,
brown,
yellow
vitreous,
pearly
white Very Rare green color,
distinctive botryoidal
crusts
green color, distinctive
botryoidal crustsusually globular
aggregates, crusts
204 willemite Silicates Zn2 Si O4 5,5 5,5 4 4 hexagonal compact,granu
lar or massive
2 good uneven translucent brown, red,
yellow-
brown,
green,
white,
colorless
vitreous,
resinous
white Very Rare hardness, resinous
luster, strong
fluorescence
hardness, resinous luster, strong
fluorescencecompact,granular or
massive
205 witherite Carbonates Ba C O3 3,5 3,5 4,3 4,4 orthorhombic prismatic
twins,
massive,
granular
1 good uneven translucent white,
yellow,
gray
vitreous,
resinous
white Rare high gravity,
hardness
high gravity, hardnessprismatic
twins, massive, granular
206 wollastonite Silicates Ca Si O3 4,5 5 2,8 2,9 monoclinic tabular,
massive,
lamellar
2 perfect uneven translucent white, gray pearly,vi
treous
white Rare cleavage angles cleavage anglestabular, massive,
lamellar
207 wulfenite Molybdates
and
Tungstens
Pb Mo O4 3 3 6,3 6,7 tetragonal massive,granul
ar,various or
flat tabular
crystals
3 poor uneven transparent,
translucent
yellow, red,
orange
resinous
,adaman
tine
white,pale
yellow
Rare Brilliant colors and
tabular habit
Brilliant colors and tabular
habitmassive,granular,various or
flat tabular crystals
208 zincite Simple
Oxides
(Zn,Mn) O 4,5 5 5,4 5,7 hexagonal massive,
granular or
foliated
1 perfect conchoidal transparent,
translucent
red adamant
ine
orange Very Rare deep red color,
association with
willemite and
franklinite
deep red color, association with
willemite and
franklinitemassive, granular or
foliated
209 zircon Silicates Zr Si O4 7 7,5 3,9 4,8 tetragonal prisms and
pyramid, small
grains
2 poor conchoidal transparent,
translucent,
opaque
colorless,
brown,
gray, green,
red, yellow
adamant
ine
white,
colorless
Common hardness, tetragonal
crystals, high gravity
hardness, tetragonal crystals,
high gravityprisms and pyramid,
small grains
210 zoisite Silicates Ca2 Al3 (Si3
O12) (OH)
6 6,5 3,3 3,4 orthorhombic long prisms,
massive,
fibrous
1 good uneven transparent,
translucent
gray,
yellow-
brown,
greenish,
pink, blue
vitreous white Very Rare single plane of
cleavage, luster, pink
variety is fluorescent
single plane of cleavage, luster,
pink variety is fluorescentlong
prisms, massive, fibrous
213 bauxite Hydroxides Al,O,H,* 6,5 7 3,3 3,5 N/A usually as
stalactitic or
foliated
aggregates
none earthy transparent,
translucent
white, gray,
yellow, red,
brown
vitreous,
pearly
white Rare hardness hardnessusually as stalactitic or
foliated aggregates
217 pitchblende Simple uranium oxide 2 4 6 9 isometric massive none uneven opaque gray, black dull black Rare massive
33
Oxides
218 boleite Hydroxides Pb9 Cu8 Ag3
Cl21 (OH)16 .
H2O
3 3,5 5,05 5,1 tetragonal pseudo cubic 3
directions,
perfect,
good &
poor
uneven translucent indigo blue vitreous,
pearly
on
cleavage
s
blue Very Rare As a secondary lead
mineral.
As a secondary lead
mineral.pseudo cubic
219 adularia Silicates K Al Si3 O8 6 6,5 2,55 2,63 monoclinic short
prismatic,
blocky, tabular
to massive
2 very
good
uneven transparent,
translucent
colorless,
white, gray,
yellow,
reddish,
green
vitreous
to dull
white Common A low temperature
variety of
Orthoclase.
A low temperature variety of
Orthoclase.short prismatic,
blocky, tabular to massive
220 aurichalcite Carbonates (Zn, Cu)5
(CO3)2
(OH)6
1 2 3,96 4,23 orthorhombic commonly as
fine tufted
aggregates of
hair like
crystals
1 perfect uneven transparent,
translucent
pale green
to blue
silky to
pearly
white Rare A secondary mineral
in the oxidized zone
of zinc-copper
deposits
A secondary mineral in the
oxidized zone of zinc-copper
depositscommonly as fine tufted
aggregates of hair like crystals
221 bismuth Native
Elements
Bi 2 2,5 9,7 9,83 hexagonal usually
massive
1 perfect
1 good
hackly opaque silver white
with
pinkish tint
but quickly
tarnishes
metallic silver
white
Very Rare Found with silver,
cobalt nickel,
uranium and tin
minerals.
Found with silver, cobalt nickel,
uranium and tin minerals.usually
massive
222 brochantite Sulfates Cu4 (S O4)
(OH)6
3,5 4 3,97 4,09 monoclinic prismatic to
acicular and
tabular, as
drusy crusts.
1 perfect conchoidal transparent,
translucent
green to
blackish
green
vitreous,
pearly
on
cleavage
faces
pale green Rare As a secondary
mineral in the
oxidized zone of
copper deposits
As a secondary mineral in the
oxidized zone of copper
depositsprismatic to acicular and
tabular, as drusy crusts.
223 cavansite Silicates Ca (VO) (Si4
O10) . 4H2O
3 4 2,21 2,33 orthorhombic prismatic
crystals often
as tufts or
rosettes
1 good uneven transparent greenish
blue
vitreous light blue Very Rare As a secondary
mineral in vugs or
pockets in basalt and
volcanic tuffs.
As a secondary mineral in vugs
or pockets in basalt and volcanic
tuffs.prismatic crystals often as
tufts or rosettes
224 conichalcite Simple
Oxides
Cu Ca As O4
OH
4 4,5 4,32 4,34 orthorhombic commonly as
botryoidal or
reniform
crusts
none uneven transparent,
translucent
yellowish
green to
deep green
vitreous
to
greasy
light
green
Rare As a secondary
mineral in copper
deposits in pockets
in Limonite.
As a secondary mineral in
copper deposits in pockets in
Limonite.commonly as
botryoidal or reniform crusts
34
225 descloizite Simple
Oxides
Pb (Zn,
Cu)VO4 OH
3 3,5 6,24 6,26 orthorhombic usually
prismatic
none uneven transparent,
opaque
orange red
to blackish
brown, also
dark green
vitreous
to
greasy
earthy
yellow
Rare As a secondary
mineral in ore
deposits.
As a secondary mineral in ore
deposits.usually prismatic
226 fluorapatite Phosphates,
Arsenates,
Vanadates
Ca5 (PO4)3 F 5 5 3,1 3,2 hexagonal short or long
prismatic and
tabular, also
masive,
glovular and
fibrous
2 very
poor
conchoidal transparent,
translucent
colorless,
white, gray,
yellow,
green,
purple,
blue, red,
brown
vitreous
to
subresin
ous
white Common very widespread in
igneous and in
metamorphic rocks.
Greenish yellow hexagonal
prisms of Fluorapatite.Gemmy
green hexagonal prisms of
Fluorapatite on Calcite.Formerly
known as Apatite.very
widespread in igneous and in
metamorphic rocks.short or long
prismatic and tabular, also
masive, glovular and fibrous
227 hanksite Carbonates Na22
K(SO4)9
(CO3)2 Cl
3 3,5 2,5 2,6 hexagonal prismatic
prisms with
pyramidal
and/or
pinacoidal
terminations,ta
bular
1 good uneven transparent,
translucent
colorless to
yellow gray
and black
due to
inclusions
vitreous
to dull
white Rare An evaporite mineral An evaporite mineralprismatic
prisms with pyramidal and/or
pinacoidal terminations,tabular
228 huebnerite Simple
Oxides
Mn W O4 4 4,5 7 7,3 monoclinic prismatic,
tabular;
commonly in
subparallel
groups
1 very
good
uneven transparent,
translucent
yellowish
brown to
reddish
brown,
rarely
brownish
black
submeta
llic to
resinous
yellowish,
reddish
brown to
greenish
gray
Rare Found in
hydrothermal viens
in granitic rocks
Found in hydrothermal viens in
granitic rocksprismatic, tabular;
commonly in subparallel groups
229 kalinite Sulfosalts K Al (SO4)s .
H2O
2 2,5 1 3 monoclinic fibrous and as
"ram's horn"
aggregates
unknown uneven transparent,
translucent
colorless to
white
vitreous white Very Rare Associated with
Sulfur in volcanic
vents
Associated with Sulfur in
volcanic ventsfibrous and as
"ram's horn" aggregates
236 water Simple
Oxides
H2 O 1,5 1,51 0,91 0,92 hexagonal frozen bodies
of water,
snow, frost
and glaciers
none conchoidal transparent,
translucent
colorless to
white
vitreous colorless Very
Common
Flattened six pointed
crystals, also
prismatic and
tabular.
Flattened six pointed crystals,
also prismatic and tabular.frozen
bodies of water, snow, frost and
glaciers
35
238 linarite Sulfosalts Pb Cu SO4
(OH)2
2 2,5 5,3 5,4 monoclinic Thin lath
shaped to
tabular, also
encrusting
masses
2 good conchoidal translucent Dark blue vitreous
to
subada
mantine
blue Very Rare Found in the
oxidized zone of
copper and lead
deposits.
Found in the oxidized zone of
copper and lead deposits.Thin
lath shaped to tabular, also
encrusting masses
239 mirabilite Sulfosalts Na2 SO4 .
10H2 O
1,5 2 1,46 1,47 monoclinic prismatic,
tabular and
massive
1 very
good
conchoidal transparent,
translucent
colorless to
white
vitreous white Rare An evaporite mineral
and as hot spring
deposits
An evaporite mineral and as hot
spring depositsprismatic, tabular
and massive
240 mottramite Vanadium
Oxsalts
Pb (Cu, Zn)
VO4 OH
3 3,5 5,8 6 orthorhombic prismatic or
tabular,
usually as
plumose
aggregates,
drusy
aggregates
none uneven transparent,
translucent,
opaque
various
shades of
green,
brown and
nearly
black
vitreous grayish
green
Rare A secondary mineral
in the oxidized zone
of ore deposits.
A secondary mineral in the
oxidized zone of ore
deposits.prismatic or tabular,
usually as plumose aggregates,
drusy aggregates
241 neptunite Silicates (Na, K)2
(Fe,Mn) Ti Si4
O12
5 6 3,1 3,3 monoclinic prismatic with
square cross
sections
1 very
good
conchoidal translucent,
opaque
Black often
with deep
brown
internal
reflections
vitreous reddish
brown
Very Rare prismatic with square cross
sections
242 scorodite Simple
Oxides
Fe As O4 .
2H2O
3,5 4 3,2 3,3 orthorhombic pyramidal,
tabular,
commonly as
crusts
1
imperfect
conchoidal transparent,
translucent
green,
yellow,
brown,
colorless,
blue, violet,
pale gray
resinous
to
vitreous
white Common Found in the
oxidized zones of
arsenic minerals
Found in the oxidized zones of
arsenic mineralspyramidal,
tabular, commonly as crusts
243 sphene Silicates Ca Ti Si O5 5 5,5 3,5 3,6 monoclinic wedge shaped,
prismatic, also
massive
1 distinct
but
parting
common
uneven transparent,
translucent,
opaque
Colorless,y
ellow,
green gray,
grown red
and black;
variable in
crystal
adamant
ine to
resinous
white Rare Chiefly found as an
accessory mineral in
igneous rocks but
also in schists and as
resistant grains in
sediments.
Chiefly found as an accessory
mineral in igneous rocks but
also in schists and as resistant
grains in sediments.wedge
shaped, prismatic, also massive
244 stephanite Sulfides,
Arsenides,
and
Tellurides
Ag5 Sb S4 2 2,5 6,2 6,5 orthorhombic short prismatic
crystals to
tabular also
massive
2
imperfect
uneven opaque iron black metallic iron black Rare Found in silver veins
with silver and other
silver sulfides.
Found in silver veins with silver
and other silver sulfides.short
prismatic crystals to tabular also
massive
36
245 stichtite Carbonates Mg6 Cr2 CO3
(OH)16 .
4H2O
1,5 2 2 2,2 hexagonal Massive,
foliated,
lamellar,
micaceous
1 perfect uneven transparent,
translucent
bright lilac
to pink
pearly,
waxy,
greasy
white to
lilac
Rare Occurs in serpentine
rocks, greasy feel
and inelastic
cleavage fragments.
Occurs in serpentine rocks,
greasy feel and inelastic
cleavage fragments.Massive,
foliated, lamellar, micaceous
246 tincalconite Borates Na2 B4 O5
(OH)4 . 3H2O
1 3 1,8 2 hexagonal white powder unknown uneven opaque white dull white Rare Occurs as an
alteration product of
other borax minerals,
e.g. Tincalconite
pseudomorph after
Borax.
Occurs as an alteration product
of other borax minerals, e.g.
Tincalconite pseudomorph after
Borax.white powder
247 variscite Phosphates,
Arsenates,
Vanadates
Al PO4 .2H2O 3,5 4,5 2,5 2,6 orthorhombic usually
massive or as
vien fillings
and nodules
1 good, 1
poor
uneven transparent,
translucent
Pale green
to emeral
green and
bluish
green.
waxy to
dull
pale green
to white
Rare Produced by the
weathering process
on aluminum rich
rocks.
Produced by the weathering
process on aluminum rich
rocks.usually massive or as vien
fillings and nodules
248 kinoite Silicates Cu2 Ca2 Si3
O10 . 2H2O
4,5 5,5 3,1 3,2 monoclinic tabular to
granular
encrusting
masses
1 very
good
uneven transparent,
translucent
Deep blue vitreous
to dull
blue Very Rare Found as vienlets in
copper sulfide ore
deposits.
Found as vienlets in copper
sulfide ore deposits.tabular to
granular encrusting masses
249 chrysotile Silicates (Mg,Fe)3 Si2
O5 (OH)4
3 5 2,5 2,6 monoclinic fibrous,
elongated
tubelike
none splintery,
uneven
opaque olive-
green,
green,
blackish,
brown,
yellow
silky white Very
Common
Low hardness. Soft
and flexible. Can be
divided into elastic,
flexible fibers.
Low hardness. Soft and
flexible. Can be divided into
elastic, flexible fibers.fibrous,
elongated tubelike
250 cobaltite Sulfides,
Arsenides,
and
Tellurides
Co As S 5,5 5,5 6,3 6,3 isometric cubes;
granular or
compact
masses
perfect uneven opaque steel-gray metallic grayish-
black
Rare crystal form (cubes),
striations on the
crystal faces, color,
and hardness
crystal form (cubes), striations
on the crystal faces, color, and
hardnesscubes; granular or
compact masses
251 limonite Hydroxides FeO (OH) 4 5,5 2,7 4,3 N/A botryoidal;
earthy or
porous masses
none conchoidal translucent,
opaque
yellow,
brown
vitreous,
earthy
yellowish-
brown
Very
Common
Streak and earthy
structure; yellowish-
brown when loose;
blackish and
iridescent when
more coherent
Typical massive to spongy,
earthy yellow-brown
Limonite.Streak and earthy
structure; yellowish-brown when
loose; blackish and iridescent
when more coherentbotryoidal;
37
earthy or porous masses
252 scolecite Silicates Ca (Al2 Si3)
O10 - 3H2O
5 5,5 2,2 2,4 monoclinic fibrous,
radiating
masses
perfect splintery transparent colorless,
white
vitreous,
silky
white Common habit; soluble in
hydrochloric acid
leaving a silica gel
habit; soluble in hydrochloric
acid leaving a silica gelfibrous,
radiating masses
253 thomsonite Silicates Na Ca2 (Al5
Si5) O20 -
6H2O
5 5,5 2,3 2,4 orthorhombic radiating balls
or globular
aggregates
prismatic uneven,
subconchoi
dal
transparent,
translucent
white,
brown
vitreous,
pearly
colorless Rare habit habitradiating balls or globular
aggregates
38