Rhodochrosite is a mineral known for its cherry red to hot pink crystals, which are generally a few centimeters in size but can be larger. Many of the world’s most valued rhodochrosite specimens were...
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...
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...
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...
