calcite – Emily Zawacki, Ph.D.

Aragonite (left) and calcite (right), both CaCO3; image by author Here in this photo, we clearly have two different minerals–one aragonite and the other calcite. However, they both have the same chemical formula of CaCO3. So how can it be that these two different minerals are both calcium carbonate? Aragonite and calcite are polymorphs of… Continue reading A tale of two CaCO3’s — Calcite and Aragonite

karst, mineralogy

March 13, 2014August 15, 2018 itssedimentary

Crystal Cave diorama in Coors Mineral Hall at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Depicts a selenite and calcite grotte form the Naica Crystal Cavern in El Petosi, Mexico Image by author

mineralogy

Common minerals to know

March 7, 2014August 15, 2018 itssedimentary

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