Rocks and Minerals
There are many different minerals, crystals, rocks, gems, metals, and untold combinations of these that make up some of the most striking specimens one could imagine. Presented here are some examples of the work of nature's chemistry lab, along with their chemical compositions and some pertinent facts.
Galena, Quartz and Wulfenite
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This is a mix of
PbS, (Lead Sulfide),
SIO2, (Silicon Dioxide), and
PbMoO4, (Lead Molybdate).
It came from the Ora Mine in the Hansonburg District, Socomo County, New Mexico.
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Here is another angle of the same specimen. There is a nickel in this picture so that you can judge the size.
Apophyllite
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This mineral is called Hydroxyapophyllite. It is a mix of several elements; Potassium, Fluorine, Calcium, Silicon, Oxygen. It is a hydrous mineral and holds 8 water molecules that can be driven off by heating. The chemical composition is KFCa4(Si2O5)4 ยท 8H2O, more or less. The composition can vary.
This specimen came from Jalgaon India.
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Here is another angle of the Hydroxyapophyllite mineral specimen. The name is derived from the Greek word "apophylliso", which means to flake off. When this mineral is heated, parts of it will flake off as the loosely attached water molecules are driven away.
Chalcopyrite
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This mineral is called Chalcopyrite. It is a mix of three elements; Copper, Iron and Sulfur. The chemical composition is CuFeS2. It is the most common of all the copper minerals.
This specimen came from the Sweetwater Mine in Reynolds County, Missouri.
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Chalcopyrite forms in tetragonal crystals. It can be golden in color, or, green like this specimen.