All About Bornite – Uses, Properties, Color, and Worth
Bornite is a sulfide mineral that can be found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is considered to be an ore of copper. Bornite is often called “peacock ore” by many due to...
Category: Rock and Mineral Posts
All About Serpentine – Uses, Properties, Color, and Worth
What is Serpentine? Serpentine is a mass of related minerals that commonly consist of chrysotile and antigorite. Serpentine is formed, as a process called serpentinization, where heat and water mixing with low silica igneous rocks...
All About Diorite – Uses, Properties, Color, and Worth
Diorite is a very hard intrusive igneous rock made of silicate type minerals. The minerals in diorite will mainly be plagioclase feldspar and in lesser amounts hornblende, biotite, and pyroxene. Diorite is considered an...
All About Calcite – Uses, Properties, Color, and Worth
Calcite is defined as a calcium carbonate mineral. It is so common it is found all over the world. Calcite crystals have been found in over 800 different forms and is a major component...
All About Fluorite – Uses, Properties, Color, and Worth
Fluorite is a mineral consisting of calcium fluoride. It will commonly crystalize in a cubic format, but is capable of crystalizing in other more complex isometric or equal dimensional forms. Fluorite, also known as...
All About Willemite – Uses, Properties, Color, and Worth
Willemite is a zinc silicate mineral that can be found as crystals, fibers, or grains. This brittle, yet somewhat hard, mineral is widely known for its ability to fluoresce. Willemite gained its popularity due...
All About Sodalite – Uses, Properties, Color, and Worth
Sodalite, a mineral discovered in igneous host rocks, originates from the depths of the earth. Its name derives from the significant sodium content present within its cubic silicate and aluminum structure. While boasting considerable...
All About Azurite – Uses, Properties, Color, and Worth
Azurite is a secondary copper carbonate mineral that forms around deposits of copper. It occurs as tabular crystals in patterns such as hair needles, radiating groups, aggregates, and rosettes. Over time azurite can alter...
All About Opal – Uses, Properties, Color, and Worth
What is Opal? Opal is an amorphous mineraloid, or non-crystalline solid. It is highly sought after by many as a gemstone due to its ability to come in many beautiful colors. Opal is a...
All About Dioptase – Uses, Properties, Color, and Worth
What is Dioptase? Dioptase is a hydrous copper silicate mineral that forms as very brightly colored hexagonal crystals. Dioptase is very fragile and if not handled carefully, the crystals can crumble or break easily. Being an...