Geology - Minerals

This mineral has been mined in Iran since the ancient Persian era but can you identify it? The answer is at question 4

Geology - Minerals

A substance must be a solid and have a crystalline structure to be classed as a true mineral. In addition, it must be a natural homogeneous substance with a defined chemical composition. Minerals can be stunning to look at. They are used to make everyday objects - including the computer you are currently looking at.

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  1. What is this mineral known as?

    Photograph courtesy of http://www.irocks.com/
    • Category: Carbonate mineral
    • Chemical formula: Cu2CO3(OH)2
    • Strunz classification: 05.BA.10
    • A very popular mineral, not least because of its striking colour and bands.
    • It has been polished and carved into ornaments for thousands of years.
    • In some ancient civilisations it was considered a protection from evil if worn as jewellery.

  2. What is this mineral known as?

    Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/people/nexus2006/
    • Category: Native Minerals
    • Chemical formula: C
    • Strunz classification: 01.CB.10a
    • The hardest known substance in the world.
    • It is also the greatest conductor of heat and has the highest melting point.
    • Used extensively in jewellery.
    • Commonly known as "a girl's best friend".

  3. What is this mineral known as?

    Photograph courtesy of http://www.irocks.com/
    • Category: Native metal
    • Chemical formula: Cu
    • Strunz classification: 01.AA.05
    • One of the most famous and useful metals.
    • Has been used as coinage for thousands of years.
    • When weathered, it is coated with a green tarnish.
    • It is an excellent conductor of electricity, second only to silver.

  4. What is this mineral known as?

    Photograph courtesy of Arpingstone
    • Category: Phosphate minerals
    • Chemical formula: CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O
    • Strunz classification: 08.DD.15
    • This mineral is found worldwide, although it is mostly concentrated in the USA.
    • It has been mined in Iran since the ancient Persian era.
    • Was brought to Europe from Turkey and its name is derived from an Old French word for 'Turkish'.

  5. What is this mineral known as?

    Photograph courtesy of JJ_Harrison
    • Category: Silicate mineral
    • Chemical formula: Silica (silicon dioxide, SiO2)
    • Strunz classification: 04.DA.05
    • One of the most well-known minerals on earth.
    • It is a vital constituent of many rocks.
    • Is used as oscillators in radios, watches and pressure gauges.
    • Silicon semiconductors found in computers are made from this mineral.

  6. What is this mineral known as?

    Photograph courtesy of Aelwyn
    • Category: Silicate mineral
    • Chemical formula: Al2SiO5
    • An attractive mineral, almost always blue in colour.
    • Unusual in that it has a large variation of hardness in the same crystal face.
    • Has a high melting point and low thermal conductance.
    • Used in the manufacture of spark plugs, ceramic products and dishware.

  7. What is this mineral known as?

    Photograph courtesy of Reno Chris
    • Category: Silicate mineral
    • Chemical formula: Be3Al2(SiO3)6
    • In its pure form, this mineral is colourless.
    • The green variety of this mineral is known as the precious gem, Emerald.
    • The crystals are transparent to translucent.
    • This mineral forms some of the most prized gemstones.

  8. What is this mineral known as?

    Photograph courtesy of emagic
    • Category: Native element mineral
    • Chemical formula: C
    • Strunz classification: 01.CB.05a
    • Has the same chemical composition as diamond, but a very different atomic structure.
    • A brittle mineral which needs careful handling.
    • Most of the commercially mined mineral is used for pencil fillings.

  9. What is this mineral known as?

    Photograph courtesy of Fire & Hammers1
    • Category: Halide mineral
    • Chemical formula: CaF2
    • Strunz classification: 03.AB.25
    • A popular mineral which occurs naturally in all colours.
    • One of better known fluorescent minerals.
    • Blue John (found in Castleton, Derbyshire) is a variety of this mineral.
    • It is extensively used in the field of optics.

  10. What is this mineral known as?

    Photograph courtesy of Archaeodontosaurus
    • Category: Oxide minerals - Spinel group
    • Chemical formula: iron(II,III) oxide, Fe3O4
    • Strunz classification: 04.BB.05
    • Best known as being strongly attracted to magnets.
    • One form of this mineral is lodestone, a natural magnet.
    • This mineral will rust if kept in a moist area.
    • Is used in the coating process of boilers.
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