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
Tutorials
USE OF CRYSTAL FORMS AND HABITS IN MINERAL IDENTIFICATION
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
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
Your Slab Saw is Your Friend
This short tutorial on how to operate a slab saw is directed toward the new user and can be a refresher for the seasoned slab-miester. Generally slab saws are heavy,. . . Read More