Mineralogy of Cyclosilicates and Inosilicates
In this article, we will discuss cyclosilicates and inosilicates. These two silicate subclasses include such well-known minerals as beryls,…
In this article, we will discuss cyclosilicates and inosilicates. These two silicate subclasses include such well-known minerals as beryls,…
Silicates are the largest mineral class, making up over 90% of the Earth’s crust and mantle. Statistically, you are more likely to encounter…
Structure Crystal axes and Angles Optic Character Refractive Indexes Optic Sign Pleochroism Examples Amorphous No orderNo axes IsotropicSingly…
In crystallography, mineral habits refer to the way crystals form within a specific mineral. In A Guide to Gem Classification, I mentioned that,…
Crystallography explores stunning mathematical concepts you can see in nature and art. In this article, we’ll discuss crystallography…
Pleochroism means “more colors.” Pleochroic minerals show two or three colors when viewed from different angles. This property appears…
Minerals that polarize light and split it into two different directions are said to be doubly refractive. Birefringence is a measure of a mineral’s…
We tend to take light for granted. It’s such a common thing we experience every day. Rarely do we think of the scientific definition of light…
Most gems form naturally as minerals within the Earth. Most form as crystals, solids whose atoms are arranged in highly ordered repeating patterns…
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