Geological Sciences | Science Communication
Barite - BaSO4 Barite, is a common hydrothermal mineral. It may also be deposited by cold groundwater solutions. The crystallization is orthorombic. Quite commonly, as in this specimen, crystals are flattened parallel to the basal pinacoid, and terminated on the edges by prism faces. Cleavages parallel both the base and the prism. Lawrence University collection, information… Continue reading Barite
Here are some common minerals whose names and formulas are good to know, along with some of their properties! (In rows, left to right; H=hardness, tested in lab using Mohs hardness scale) 1) Halite (NaCl) – H=3.5; it tastes salty! (yes, lick it) 2) Fluorite (CaF2) – H=4; ranges from transparent, to purple, to blue 3) Sylvite… Continue reading Common minerals to know
Azurite [Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2] To start off with a mineral is a naturally occurring crystalline solid with a well-defined composition. Minerals themselves are not rocks, but together they form the constituents of rocks. Azurite is personally one of my favorite minerals, and is a gorgeous deep blue copper carbonate (meaning it has the carbonate ion, CO32-). In terms of volume,… Continue reading Mineral spotlight: Azurite
Emily Zawacki, Ph.D. 