Scientists discover a new mineral “Nataliyamalikite”
In the harshest of environments in far-east Russia, Monash scientists have played a leading role in the discovery of a new mineral, which could revolutionise the future of the mining … Read More
Category: Mineralogy
What is Petrified Wood? How Does it Form?
What is Petrified Wood? Petrified wood is the name given to a special type of fossilized remains of terrestrial vegetation. It is the result of a tree or tree-like plants … Read More
Where Does All Earth’s Gold Come From?
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au (from Latin: aurum) and atomic number 79, making it one of the higher atomic number elements that occur naturally. In a … Read More
Elements: Defined by Their Number of Protons
The simplest atoms have only 1 proton in their nuclei, whereas others have more than 100. The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, called the atomic number, … Read More
Igneous Compositions
Compare and contrast the four basic igneous compositions: basaltic (mafic), granitic (felsic), andesitic (intermediate), and ultramafic. Igneous rocks are composed mainly of silicate minerals. Chemical analyses show that silicon and … Read More
The Dark Silicates
The dark (or ferromagnesian) silicates are minerals containing ions of iron (ferro 5 iron) and/or magnesium in their structure. Because of their iron content, ferromagnesian silicates are dark in color … Read More
Structural Variations in Minerals
It is possible for two minerals with exactly the same chemical composition to have different internal structures and, hence, different external forms. Minerals of this type are called polymorphs (poly … Read More
Crystal Shape, or Habit
Mineralogists use the term crystal shape, or habit, to refer to the common or characteristic shape of individual crystals or aggregates of crystals. Some minerals tend to grow equally in … Read More
Parent Material
The source of the weathered mineral matter from which soils develop is called the parent material and is a major factor influencing newly forming soil. Gradually this weathered matter undergoes … Read More
How Do Minerals Form?
Describe three mechanisms that generate minerals and rocks. Minerals form through a wide variety of processes and in many different environments. We will examine three ways minerals can form: precipitation … Read More