Guest -NULL- Posted June 16, 2018 Share Posted June 16, 2018 ~For your daily dose of geology, mineralogy, and all things Earth science.~ Hello everyone. Welcome to my mineral science thread! I will post photos and photo-micrographs of minerals here. These will be featured from my collection. I hope to update this thread on a daily or weekly basis, so you can expect a new mineral image each day! 💎ROCK ON.⛏️ Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 17, 2018 Share Posted June 17, 2018 June 16th, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This specimen is from a museum collection; I do not own this specimen.] Photo Credit: Ninja Specimen Description: Large Cubic, Yellow Fluorite with Etching on the Crystal Faces Embedded in Matrix Locality: [Unfortunately, I do not have record of this] Property of Houston Museum of Nature and Science in Houston, Texas Ninja 🍰⚡ Link to post Share on other sites
Ammy Posted June 17, 2018 Share Posted June 17, 2018 Hell yeah! Geology rocks! Also that's a cool cube, it almost looks like it contains a mountain landscape. Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 17, 2018 Share Posted June 17, 2018 June 17, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This specimen is from a museum collection; I do not own this specimen.] Photo Credit: Ninja Specimen Description: Pentagonite Crystals in Stilbite Matrix Locality: India Property of Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Quick Mineral Facts: Pentagonite is typically a blue-green mineral with a translucent diaphaneity. Identification Statistics: Pentagonite has a light blue streak and a hardness of 3-4 accompanied by a density of 2.33g/cm^3. Ninja 🍰⚡ Spoiler I found an interesting twinning habit for Pentagonite, and I thought that I would share this image. This image is not mine; I will give credit to the website that owns this image. This is a contact twin of Pentagonite. You are looking down the twin axis, which is located at the center of the "star". Locality: Wagholi, India Photo Credit: https://i.pinimg.com/236x/07/ed/60/07ed60470bade3918ceff313f2d8a9d4--image-search-amber.jpg Link to post Share on other sites
(A)yy Posted June 18, 2018 Share Posted June 18, 2018 23 hours ago, Ninja said: June 17, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This specimen is from a museum collection; I do not own this specimen.] Photo Credit: Ninja Specimen Description: Pentagonite Crystals in Stilbite Matrix Locality: India Property of Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Quick Mineral Facts: Pentagonite is typically a blue-green mineral with a translucent diaphaneity. Identification Statistics: Pentagonite has a light blue streak and a hardness of 3-4 accompanied by a density of 2.33g/cm^3. Ninja 🍰⚡ Hide contents I found an interesting twinning habit for Pentagonite, and I thought that I would share this image. This image is not mine; I will give credit to the website that owns this image. This is a contact twin of Pentagonite. You are looking down the twin axis, which is located at the center of the "star". Locality: Wagholi, India Photo Credit: https://i.pinimg.com/236x/07/ed/60/07ed60470bade3918ceff313f2d8a9d4--image-search-amber.jpg The second one looks like a real life crystal gem gem😁 Link to post Share on other sites
Ammy Posted June 19, 2018 Share Posted June 19, 2018 Dang, I only saw that second one just now. Unless you edited it in after I had already read the post. It looks like the cursor in Mario Galaxy to me. Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 19, 2018 Share Posted June 19, 2018 June 18, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This is a specimen from my collection. I will post some focused case studies of the crystal habits as photo-micrographs.] Photo Credit: Ninja Specimen Description: Pyrite Blades/Planes Associated with Sphalerite Locality: Gilman Mining District, Gilman, Colorado Property of Ninja's Personal Collection Quick Specimen Facts Sphalerite is a primary ore of zinc; it is the mineral that made Gilman a worthy mining district. The Pyrite growing in planes is accommodating for the space that the Sphalerite crystals already encompassed. Quick Mineral Facts Pyrite: Pyrite is simply iron disulfide, a common sulfide mineral found in many areas of the world in metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks. Commonly known as "Fool's Gold," Pyrite can actually contain a significant amount of lattice included gold atoms, weakening the name "Fool's Gold." In some hydrothermal deposits that have been altered by metasomatism, it is not uncommon to find gold and pyrite in close association with one another. Sulfur complexes act as transportation vectors for gold dissolved in solution, so when the gold precipitates out or bonds to sites of high entropy, it is possible to have associated formation of sulfide minerals due to the solution chemistry. Sphalerite: Sphalerite is a zinc sulfide mineral that is the world's most reputable source for zinc. Due to the sulfide component of the mineral, it is understandable that the Sphalerite would be associate with Pyrite, an iron sulfide mineral, in this instance. The chemical formula for this mineral is (Zn,Fe)S, where the iron atoms may substitute for zinc atoms in the lattice in an occurrence of up of 25 weight percent. Further Study This specimen exhibits an interesting crystal habit for the pyrite, which could explain some of the hydrothermal geochemistry of the Gilman deposit. I will investigate this further and update this thread with any of my discoveries. Ninja 🍰⚡ Link to post Share on other sites
Ammy Posted June 19, 2018 Share Posted June 19, 2018 Is this Jabba the Hutt? o: Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 20, 2018 Share Posted June 20, 2018 June 19, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This is a specimen from my collection. This is a focused photo-micrograph of the previous specimen.] Photo Credit: Ninja 40X Magnification I apologize for the low quality of the photo. I am attempting to buy a proper attachment for my microscope that will enable me to photograph with greater ease. Specimen Description: Crytalline Sphalerite with Sphalerite Penetration Twinning with Pyrite Cubes in the Background (Notice Striations) Locality: Gilman Mining District, Gilman, Colorado Property of Ninja's Mineral Collection Quick Mineral Facts The Sphalerite in this image exhibits a trigonal crystal habit and shows intergrowths, the growth of unit lattices of a crystal in two different yet interconnected axis. The Pyrite that is visible in the background exhibits a cubic crystal habit and shows striations (indented lines) along the crystal faces. This photo-micrographs demonstrates that the Sphalerite crystals are not translucent, which indicates that these crystals have a significant amount of iron impurities (Fe replacement of Zn in the lattice) which reduces the diaphaneity. Discoveries I suspect that the Gilman Mining District was a sulfide vein deposit that just so happened to contain enough zinc to promote the formation of the Sphalerite crystals, June 19, 2018 BONUS Photo Credit: Ninja This is an image of the entire specimen. This should supplement the previous day's post and should exhibit the full size of the sample. *See Previous Notes for More Information* Link to post Share on other sites
Ammy Posted June 20, 2018 Share Posted June 20, 2018 What I see: (Please tell me I'm not the only one who sees a nose on that crystal.) Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 21, 2018 Share Posted June 21, 2018 June 20, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This is a specimen from my collection. This is another focused photo-micrograph of the specimen from June 18.] Photo Credit: Ninja 40x Magnification Specimen Description: An Etched Crystal of Sphalerite is Surrounded by Pyrite Crystals Locality: Gilman Mining District, Gilman, Colorado Quick Mineral Facts The Sphalerite crystal in focus in the image exhibits a trigonal crystal habit with etching along the face in the view. In close association with the Sphalerite are the yellow-gold hued Pyrite crystals with a cubic crystal habit. Ninja 🍰⚡ Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 June 21, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This is a specimen from my collection. This is another focused photo-micrograph of the specimen displayed in the post from June 18.] 40x Magnification Specimen Description: Sphalerite Crystal Cluster (With Intergrowths) on Pyrite Crystal Matrix Locality: Gilman Mining District, Gilman, Colorado Property of Ninja's Mineral Collection Quick Mineral Facts The Sphalerite crystals shown here are intergrown but not necessarily twinned with one another. This is one of the more interesting Sphalerite clusters on the specimen. One of the Sphalerite crystals in the lower portion of the center of the cluster is reflecting a patch of light that reveals some possible striations. These striations are not typically exhibited in Sphalerite but are commonly exhibited in Pyrite crystals, especially on this specimen. This Sphalerite crystal could possible be a pseudomorph, a mineral replacement of one crystal by another while retaining the original crystal habit of the predecessor. Ninja 🍰⚡ Link to post Share on other sites
Lia Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 Moved from Off-A to PPS by member request Lia Off-A Mod Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 23, 2018 Share Posted June 23, 2018 June 22, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This is a specimen from my collection. This is another focused photo-micrograph of the specimen displayed in the post from June 18.] Photo Credit: Ninja 40X Magnification Specimen Description: Crystals of Pyrite (Habit: Cubic, Every Face Centered; Striated Faces) Locality: Gilman Mining District, Gilman, Colorado Property of Ninja's Mineral Collection Quick Mineral Information The Pyrite crystals in this specimen show that the Gilman deposit must be a sulfide (hydrothermal) deposit that is rich in a variety of different sulfide minerals. The intergrowths and pseudomorphs found in the area suggest that there may have been subsequent introductions of hydrothermal fluids or metamorphic alteration in the area throughout the time of its formation. Ninja 🍰⚡ Link to post Share on other sites
AnarchistTactician Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 Now, this is a bit different than your normal broadcast, but this IS a thread about geology. Cheers! Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 June 23, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This is a specimen from my collection. This is another focused photo-micrograph of the specimen displayed in the post from June 18.] Photo Credit: Ninja 40X Magnification Specimen Description: Sphalerite Crystal Embedded in a Pyrite Crystal Matrix Locality: Gilman Mining District, Gilman, Colorado Property of Ninja's Mineral Collection Quick Mineral Information: This Sphalerite crystal is a good example of the isometric crystal system that Sphalerite belongs to. This is a somewhat modified tetrahedron (as evidenced by the small triangular face at the tip). It is also possible to see "etchings" or small intergrowths of Sphalerite within the main polyhedron of the crystal. Ninja 🍰⚡ Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 June 23, 2018 EXTRA [Quick Disclaimer: This is a specimen from a museum collection; I do not own this specimen.] Photo Credit: Ninja Specimen Description: Quartz Crystal Overgrowth on Rhodochrosite Locality: Greece Property of Carnegie Museum of Natural Science, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Quick Mineral Information Rhodochrosite is the state mineral of Colorado and is now a rare find in the state. One of the areas in Colorado that is the most famous for its Rhodochrosite is the Sweet Home Mine. Ninja 🍰⚡ Link to post Share on other sites
Ammy Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 So this is where this thread went. This quartz looks like rocks that have been out in the snow during winter and got all frosted. :3 Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 June 24, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This is a specimen from a museum collection; I do not own this specimen.] Photo Credit: Ninja Specimen Description: Galena Crystals (Silver/Argentiferous) on Siderite (Brown-Khaki Crystals) on Quartz (Large Sea Urchin-Looking Spines) Locality: Romania Property of Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Quick Mineral Information Galena is a lead oxide mineral and has served as a primary ore of lead since the history of its initial discovery. The Galena crystals on this specimen show an interesting octahedral crystal structure. The Siderite crystals have completely encrusted the Quartz crystals, making the Quartz appear as if it has many smaller khaki-orange colored crystals growing out of it. Ninja ⛏️⚡ Link to post Share on other sites
Ammy Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 Oooh I like this one. It looks like some kind of turtle with rocks and crystals growing out of its shell. Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 16 minutes ago, Ammy said: Oooh I like this one. It looks like some kind of turtle with rocks and crystals growing out of its shell. @Ammy, I thought it quasi-resembled a lionfish! 🙂 Link to post Share on other sites
Ammy Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 35 minutes ago, Ninja said: @Ammy, I thought it quasi-resembled a lionfish! 🙂 It does too! So it's a turtlefish! Link to post Share on other sites
AnarchistTactician Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 I'm seeing a stonefish with spikes. Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 26, 2018 Share Posted June 26, 2018 June 25, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This is a specimen from a museum collection; I do not own this specimen.] Photo Credit: Ninja Specimen Description: Crocoite Crystals Locality: Arizona Property of Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Quick Mineral Information These Crocoite crystals are typically yellow-orange and have a chemical composition of Pb(CrO4). This classifies the mineral in the chromate group. [WIP] Ninja ⚡⛏️ Link to post Share on other sites
Ammy Posted June 26, 2018 Share Posted June 26, 2018 These kinda look like wood chips to me o: neat Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 27, 2018 Share Posted June 27, 2018 June 26, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This is a specimen from my collection. This is another focused photo-micrograph of the specimen displayed in the post from June 18.] Photo Credit: Ninja 20X Magnification Specimen Description: Tetragonal Sphalerite Crystals with Intergrowths on Pyrite Crystal Matrix Locality: Gilman Mining District, Gilman, Colorado Property of Ninja's Mineral Collection Quick Mineral Information Check out the interesting tetragonal Sphalerite crystal that is growing out of the face of a Pyrite crystal in the center of the microscope objective. Ninja ⚡⛏️ Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 28, 2018 Share Posted June 28, 2018 June 27, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This is a specimen from my collection. This is another focused photo-micrograph of the specimen displayed in the post from June 18.] Photo Credit: Ninja 20X Magnification Specimen Description: Tetragonal Sphalerite forming a Dipyramidal Crystal Structure Surrounded by a Matrix of Pyrite Locality: Gilman Mining District, Gilman, Colorado Property of Ninja's Mineral Collection Quick Mineral Information It is interesting to see a dipyramid structure for the Sphalerite in this specimen. The aspect of this crystal being an intergrowth suggests that there may have been re-introduction of fluids or metamorphic alteration in the area. Ninja ⚡⛏️ Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 29, 2018 Share Posted June 29, 2018 June 28, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This is a specimen from my collection. This is another focused photo-micrograph of the specimen displayed in the post from June 18.] Photo Credit: Ninja 20X Magnification Specimen Description: A Sphalerite Tetrahedron Surrounded by Pyrite Locality: Gilman Mining District, Gilman, Colorado Property of Ninja's Mineral Collection [Technically Property of the Earth's Lithosphere] Quick Mineral Information This Sphalerite crystal is exhibiting one of the common crystal habits for this chemical composition. There are slight modifications to the crystal structure at the vertices of the crystalline lattice. This could be due to growth differences in the environment of formation or may pertain to the formation of a Sphalerite pseudomorph after Pyrite Ninja ⚡⛏️ Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted June 30, 2018 Share Posted June 30, 2018 June 29, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This is a specimen from a museum; this is not my own specimen.] Photo Credit: Ninja Specimen Description: Smoky Quartz Crystals Associated with Amazonite Crystals (From Pegmatite Vein) Locality: Blue on Black Claim, Teller County, Colorado Property of Florissant Colorado Museum Collection Ninja ⚡⛏️ Link to post Share on other sites
Guest -NULL- Posted July 1, 2018 Share Posted July 1, 2018 June 30, 2018 [Quick Disclaimer: This is a specimen from a museum; this is not my own specimen.] Photo Credit: Ninja Specimen Description: Uralite Crystals from an Iron Deposit Locality: Calumet Iron Mine, Chaffee County, Colorado Property of Florissant Museum Collection Ninja ⚡⛏️ Link to post Share on other sites
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