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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
Common Minerals
Most minerals you see while walking around an outcrop or a road cut reflect the local geology. The Sierra Nevada in California, which is primarily […]