Mineralogy of Oxides and Hydroxides
Oxides and hydroxides are mineral classes that include well-known gems as well as significant ores. Learn how to identify these minerals.
14 Minute Read
Introduction to Oxide and Hydroxide Mineral Classes
The oxide and hydroxide classes can serve as an instructive connection between primarily metallic opaque and dark-colored native element and sulfide minerals and vitreous, transparent, and light-colored silicate minerals. While studying oxides and hydroxides, we will encounter both opaque dark-colored ore minerals and sparkling transparent gemstones.
There are 395 mineral species in the oxide and hydroxide classes. (Klein & Dutrow, 2007) We will cover the most essential and common membeers. To understand why oxides and hydroxides are studied together as well as their differences, we must consider their chemistry. Take a look at the formulas in the following table. Oxides and hydroxides have identical metallic cations. The only difference is their anions: O2- for oxides and (OH)– for hydroxides.
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