Photos and information about 80 common rock-forming, ore and gemstone minerals from around the world.

There are approximately 4000 different minerals, and each of those minerals has a unique set of physical properties. These include: color, streak, hardness, luster, diaphaneity, specific gravity, …

Most of Earth’s crust is comprised of a small number of minerals. These minerals are known as the common rock-forming minerals.

A small number of minerals and rocks will glow with spectacular colors under ultraviolet light. Learn how this happens.

Fluorescent Minerals Fluorescent Minerals and rocks glow with spectacular colors under ultraviolet light.

The best way to determine if water or ice are minerals is to compare their properties to the definition of the word mineral.

Home » Metals » REE - Rare Earth Elements REE - Rare Earth Elements and their Uses The demand for rare earth elements has grown rapidly, but their occurrence in minable deposits is …

This appearance often occurs on cleavage surfaces of transparent to translucent minerals that include some micas, some feldspars, and some carbonate minerals. Examples include …

The best way to learn about minerals is to study with a collection of small specimens that you can handle, examine, and observe their properties. Inexpensive mineral collections are available in …

The best way to learn about minerals is to study with a collection of small specimens that you can handle, examine, and observe their properties. Inexpensive mineral collections are available in …