In some minerals color is directly related to a metallic element, is characteristic, and can be useful in identification. As examples, azurite as shown in Figure 1A, is always blue. . . Read More
Mineral Man Mel
I have been an avid collector of mineral specimens from around the world since my experience at the age of 13 of finding a beautiful black tourmaline crystal on the ground while on a Boy Scout hiking adventure in the upper limits of the gem mining Pala District in San Diego County, California. I’m now 84 and still greatly enjoying my collection and sharing it with friends.
USE OF COLOR IN MINERAL IDENTIFICATION
USE OF CRYSTAL FORMS AND HABITS IN MINERAL IDENTIFICATION
The atoms within the crystal of a mineral are arranged in a regular fashion to form a lattice, and the crystal exhibits a shape with surface regularity which reflects its. . . Read More
USES OF CLEAVAGE, PARTING, AND FRACTURE IN MINERAL IDENTIFICATION
CLEAVAGE IN A MINERAL CRYSTAL[Ref1] Cleavage in a mineral is the tendency for the crystal to split along definite crystallographic planes as exemplified by the rhombohedron cleaved from a calcite. . . Read More
FRACTURE IN MINERAL IDENTIFICATION
Fracture in mineralogy is the texture and shape of the surface formed when the mineral is fractured. Fracture differs from cleavage and parting, which involve clean splitting along a plane. . . Read More
USES OF CLEAVAGE, PARTING, AND FRACTURE IN MINERAL IDENTIFICATION-I
Structural failure of a mineral crystal can occur by cleavage, by parting, or by fracture. The characteristics of any of these failure modes exhibited by a mineral can be useful. . . Read More
GALLERY OF CHINESE CARVED JADE ART
To the great advantage of the beauty of their art, Chinese carvers of jade were guided by themes and decorative motifs in the shaping of their carvings and the choices. . . Read More
HISTORY OF JADE CARVING IN CHINA
From the late Neolithic Age (circa 3500 BC-2070 BC) into today the crafting of jade art objects in China has produced beautiful and magnificent art objects which exhibit remarkable diversity. . . Read More
MINERAL STUFF: THE GEMSTONE JADE
Since ancient times jade[Ref1] has been used by artisans to create beautiful jewelry and works of art. Art objects of jade have been carved in China for more than 6000. . . Read More
PALEONTOLOGY OF AMBER
In this Blog I’ll describe how biomaterials including animal and plant fossils are included and preserved in amber formed from tree resin, which by its stickiness can entrap objects which. . . Read More
MINERAL STUFF: AMBER, THE GEM
Amber is a hard resin formed from tree sap by fossilization and is many millions of years old[Ref1]. Since Neolithic times (about 9000-3000 BC) and before the Copper Age[Ref]2) amber. . . Read More