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Minerals, Gemstones & Mineral Resources

Minerals, gemstones and mineral resources: energy, metals and stone.
What Is a Mineral?
Minerals meet four criteria, more or less strict.
How to Identify Minerals
First steps in learning to identify minerals.
About Geology Mineral Gallery
Pictures of dozens of different minerals.
Are My Minerals Valuable?
Sometimes there really is treasure in the back yard.
Gem Names and Mineral Names
Two tables: gems listed with their mineral names, and minerals listed with their gem varieties.
Abrasive Minerals
Some natural minerals have a special role in this industry.
Gems on the Web
An introduction to the gem world and those who inhabit it.
Geo-Quiz 2: Minerals
Go ahead and attempt this challenging quiz: it demands a crystal clear, many-faceted brain.
Geo-Quiz 15: Ores
What might "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" look like if there were only questions about materials we mine to meet society's needs?
Glossary of Rock, Mineral, and Gemstone Terms
From the Mineral and Gemstone Kingdom, this is much wider-ranging than other mineral lists. But if you can't find something, try my own Glossaries list.

Explore Geology

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