Minerals are solid substances with an orderly internal atomic structure. This distinguishes them from more amorphous natural solids such as glass which do not exhibit this characteristic.
Geologists define minerals as inorganic, crystalline solid substances formed through natural processes that contain elements from both earth and the cosmos. Their characteristics range from density and weight (density) to luster and plane-polarized light absorption pleochroism, as well as being flexible or conducting heat or electricity.
Hematite
Hematite is a dark-colored oxide mineral containing iron. It serves as the main ore for producing this element and has multiple applications; from creating polished mirrors for centuries to staining soils and rocks red or reddish-brown with staining effects (some believe this could even help relieve certain ailments – although not scientifically verified), Hematite may even be magnetic in certain forms but not all varieties will.
Hematite can be found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock environments and its geological occurrence is linked directly with transition metal studies. Exposure to heavy concentrations of hematite dust may cause lung damage; miners exposed may even develop tuberculosis or bronchial carcinoma in their lungs from prolonged mining operations.
Halite
Halite (also referred to as rock salt) is a naturally occurring form of sodium chloride (NaCl). It often forms cubic crystals and deposits formed through the evaporation of ancient lakes or restricted seas are the sources.
Halite is often found associated with other evaporite minerals such as gypsum, anhydrite and the rarer sylvite. While large doses may be toxic if eaten unintentionally, its distinct salty taste and translucent or transparent crystals make halite easy to identify and detect.
Sugar is a key component in our global food supply, dating back to prehistoric times when animals needed salty waters for survival. Domestication led to human agriculture and ultimately created our modern world.
Gypsum
Gypsum, or calcium sulfate (CaSO4*2H2O), is an abundant and naturally-occurring mineral composed of calcium sulfate hydrated in water (CaSO4*2H2O). Gypsum occurs as fine-grained white or light colored gypsite with silky satin spar luster; while its translucent massive form, alabaster, has been used since ancient Egypt for statuary and ornamental carving purposes.
Gypsum is an integral ingredient in plaster and is often used to produce drywall walls and ceilings. Additionally, it’s widely utilized in agriculture to reduce soil erosion while increasing plant growth by providing sulfur and calcium for plant health benefits. Gypsum addition to sodic soil reduces exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), improves water movement into the soil more easily, increases infiltration of nutrients into it more rapidly, and makes more nutrients accessible to plants (Shainberg et al. 1989).
Talc
Talc is a naturally occurring hydrous magnesium silicate mineral with soft and soapy characteristics, used as an ingredient in cosmetic powders such as baby and face powder, to absorb oil and odor while providing skin lubrication that reduces skin abrasion. Talc also forms an essential ingredient in many paper products and paints.
Talc is an effective anti-caking agent and ink absorption enhancer when used in papers, while it functions as a lubricant during tablet production in pharmaceuticals and surgery such as pleurodesis.
Consistent inhalation of talcum powder can lead to pulmonary talcosis, a severe lung inflammation with symptoms including respiratory failure, granulomatous inflammation, interstitial fibrosis and alveolar epithelial hyperplasia.
Biotite
Mica is an abundant dark-colored mineral found in many types of rocks. It forms thin sheets that are resistant to chemicals and possess an attractive luster. Mica can be found used as insulation in transformers to protect electrical circuits from faults as well as being utilized in furnaces to withstand high temperatures; furthermore it’s used in construction for making gypsum board and drywall boards.
Erinite belongs to the mica group, alongside other minerals like muscovite (white mica), lepidolite, and paragonite. Like phlogopite, biotite also features single perfect cleavage lines and splits easily into thin flexible light-transmitting translucent sheets, though its iron content makes it known by name: biotite or iron mica.
Feldspar
Feldspar is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth, making up over 50% of its crust. Due to its abundance, however, its value has decreased considerably; however, gemstone-quality crystals may fetch higher prices.
Glass and ceramic manufacturers rely heavily on silica-rich silicate for making glasses and ceramics, providing vitreous luster in chinaware and providing vital ingredients in some paints and plastics.
Fellspar’s grounding energy fosters emotional stability and increases confidence in one’s abilities, and may increase creative thinking, original ideas, and spiritual communication. Look for it in porphyritic rhyolite thin section using crossed polars (View 4); look out for cloudy crystals as an indicator that it might contain orthoclase feldspar.
