• Minerals vs. Rocks
    Minerals vs. Rocks

    Minerals and rocks, commonly mistaken as synonymous, possess unique characteristics in terms of composition, formation, and properties. This discussion will delve into the primary distinctions

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  • Mineral Basics
    Mineral Basics

    Minerals, naturally occurring substances formed through geological processes, are the essential components of rocks. These substances often take thousands or even millions of years to

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  • Mineral Identification
    Mineral Identification

    Mineral identification is the process of determining the name and characteristics of a mineral specimen by using a variety of tests. It is an important

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  • Mohs Hardness Scale
    Mohs Hardness Scale

    The Mohs Hardness Scale is a universally recognized tool used to classify the hardness of minerals based on their ability to scratch one another. Developed

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  • Native Elements
    Native Elements

    Native element minerals are a unique and captivating group of minerals composed of a single chemical element in their pure form. They can be found

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  • Oxides
    Oxides

    Oxide minerals represent a diverse and essential group of minerals composed of oxygen anions (O2-) combined with metal cations. They can be found in various

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  • Halides
    Halides

    Halide minerals are a fascinating group of minerals formed by the combination of halogen elements (chlorine, bromine, iodine, or fluorine) with metal cations. They can

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  • Sulfates
    Sulfates

    Sulfate minerals are an essential group of minerals formed by the combination of sulfate ions (SO4²⁻) with metal cations, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.

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  • Sulfides
    Sulfides

    Sulfide minerals comprise an essential group of minerals that contain one or more sulfur anions (S2-) combined with metal cations. They are widely found in

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  • Carbonates
    Carbonates

    Carbonate minerals are a diverse group of minerals composed of carbonate ions (CO3²⁻) combined with various metal cations, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. They

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  • Silicates
    Silicates

    Silicate minerals form the largest and most diverse group of minerals on Earth, comprising over 90% of the Earth’s crust. They consist of silicon and

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  • Nesosilicates
    Nesosilicates

    Nesosilicates, also known as orthosilicates, are a group of silicate minerals that consist of isolated silica tetrahedra (SiO4) linked to various metal cations. These minerals

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