Crocoite is an exotic red-orange mineral with elongated crystals and often waxy luster. Its deep color and rarity make it a highly sought-after mineral for collectors. Crocoite forms in the oxidation zone...
Dioptase is a mineral highly coveted by collectors for exhibiting one of the most intense blue-green colors seen in nature. Dioptase forms beautiful 6-sided crystals with perfect cleavage planes which...
Autunite is a wonderful mineral for several reasons. First and most obviously is the distinctive bright lime-green color and unusual rectangular tabular crystal habit it can achieve — resembling sheets...
It is about that time in the winter season when the warmth of the holidays has worn off, and those of us in Michigan are left with the cold and snow for a couple more months. Roads and walkways remain...
Pigeonite is a common rock forming mineral that belongs to the pyroxene mineral group. Pyroxenes are silicate minerals with varying amounts of calcium, iron and magnesium, and the pigeonite member has...
In what proved to be the biggest event for the Dice Mineralogical Museum since its dedication in 2012, the public reception for the Apollo 15 lunar sample on loan from NASA was a tremendous success. Over...
Better known from its colored varieties, ruby and sapphire, corundum is a highly appealing mineral for both decorative and industrial use. The bright, deep colors along with its rarity and high hardness...
Daniel Blakemore
Mineral Spotlight: Apatite
Apatite is one of the most important minerals in modern society, yet many people are unaware of its incredible utility. Apatite is not a single mineral...
Through my time working for the Dice Mineralogical Museum, the question visitors most frequently ask of me is to identify my favorite mineral. For such a seemingly straightforward inquiry, I find myself...
Wulfenite is a mineral which may be unfamiliar to the novice geologist, but is highly prized by mineral collectors. No other mineral has the strange combination of a vibrant orange color and fiercely sharp...
No substance on Earth better represents humanity’s incredible power over the Earth more than trinitite. Trinitite is not a mineral; it has no crystal structure and is not naturally occurring. However,...
Galena is by far the most abundant ore of lead and has been smelted for centuries to produce this soft, versatile metal. The United States is one of the leading producers of lead in the world, with prominent...
Cinnabar has been mined for thousands of years as it is the main ore of mercury. Its name is derived from the Arabic word “Zinjafr,” meaning dragon's blood, appropriate given the mineral’s blood...
Rutile is an important economic mineral as it is a major ore of the titanium. It is usually a deep reddish brown or black color and has a metallic to adamantine luster.
Rutile usually forms long prismatic...
The word “mica” is a common geologic term used to describe minerals that appear flakey. Mica is not one mineral; rather, it is the name given to a group of minerals that have very similar properties...
Willemite is an uncommon zinc silicate mineral (Zn2SiO4) that forms as a secondary mineral in zinc ore deposits. It was named after King William I of the Netherlands, where willemite was first discovered....
Fluorite is a very popular mineral among collectors, as it forms very distinct cubic crystals that can be almost any color. Fluorite has the chemical composition CaF2 and belongs to the halide mineral...
Kyanite is a beautiful blue mineral with elongated crystal blades, and it is a staple in any amateur or museum quality mineral collection. Its color ranges from light to dark blue, but it can also be white,...
Clay certainly doesn’t have the appeal of gold, silver, diamonds or rubies, but it is historically a very important resource. Many people see clay as a thicker, more moldable type of dirt, or a very...
One of the most important minerals for industrial and scientific discovery is zircon, and it also makes an excellent gemstone. Zircon has the chemical composition ZrSiO4 and is the primary ore of zirconium....
When people learn that I study geology, they always ask me what my favorite rock is. Although my answer can vary, I often say opal, as it is one of the most stunning rocks ever to be found on Earth. Since...
Some of the most beautiful gemstones in the world belong to a group of minerals called “ring silicates.” Like the name suggests, these minerals all have the elements silicon and oxygen arranged in...
Unless you study rocks for a living, plagioclase is probably not a mineral you bring up too much in everyday conversation. Nonetheless, it is one of the most important rock-forming minerals and is very...
