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Minerals

Naturally occurring substance that is solid and stable at room temperature, representable by a chemical formula, usually abiogenic, and has an ordered atomic structure. It is different from a rock, which can be an aggregate of minerals or non-minerals, and does not have a specific chemical composition. The general definition of a mineral encompasses the following criteria: 1 - Naturally occurring 2 - Stable at room temperature 3 - Represented by a chemical formula 4 - Usually abiogenic 5 - Ordered atomic arrangement

Contributors in Minerals

Minerals

bloodstone

Geology; Minerals

Also called heliotrope, is a form of Chalcedony, a type of quartz. Bloodstone is green jasper with red inclusions. The red is sometimes caused by iron oxide or red jasper. Its name originates from ...

peridot

Geology; Minerals

It is the gem variety of the mineral olivine. The origin of its name is either the Arabic word "faridat" meaning "gem" or the French word "peritot" meaning "unclear". Peridot is one of the few ...

ruby

Geology; Minerals

Red variety of the mineral Corundum, which is composed of aluminium oxide. The red colour is caused mainly by chromium and titanium. It is natural for rubies to have imperfections, including colour ...

turquoise

Geology; Minerals

Turquoise is composed of aluminium phosphate and copper. Its name originates from the French word for Turkish stone, as in ancient days it was transported through Turkey. It was very popular in ...

jasper

Geology; Minerals

Jasper is a micro crystalline quartz, made from very small grains. It is semi-translucent to opaque. Jasper has been used for thousands of years as tools and weapons during pre-historic times and ...

opal

Geology; Minerals

A type of quartz. Its name originates from the Sanskrit word "upala" meaning precious stone. They are luminous and iridescent with inclusions of many colours. Opals show a shifting of spectral ...

coral

Geology; Minerals

The hard skeleton of red coral branches, made up mostly of calcium carbonate, which is durable and intensely coloured. Coral can be polished to a glassy shine. Usually deep water corals have light ...

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