Minerals & Gemstones
All about minerals and their precious cousins, the gemstones.
Mineral Pictures
This page links to pictures of more than 100 different minerals, plus 16 special picture galleries.
This page links to pictures of more than 100 different minerals, plus 16 special picture galleries.
"Learn Your Minerals" Email Course
Let me show you systematically how to study and identify minerals in six weekly installments.
Let me show you systematically how to study and identify minerals in six weekly installments.
Official State Gems of the United States
Thirty-five states have named official gemstones. Here they are, listed by state.
Thirty-five states have named official gemstones. Here they are, listed by state.
Gallery of the State Gemstones
The 27 official gemstones of 35 states.
The 27 official gemstones of 35 states.
Official State Minerals of the United States
Nineteen states have named 17 different official minerals. Here they are.
Nineteen states have named 17 different official minerals. Here they are.
Gem Names and Mineral Names
Two tables: gems listed with their mineral names, and minerals listed with their gem varieties.
Two tables: gems listed with their mineral names, and minerals listed with their gem varieties.
What Is a Mineral?
Minerals meet four criteria, more or less strict.
Minerals meet four criteria, more or less strict.
How to Identify Minerals
First steps in learning to identify minerals.
First steps in learning to identify minerals.
Are My Minerals Valuable?
Sometimes there really is treasure in the back yard.
Sometimes there really is treasure in the back yard.
Abrasive Minerals
Some natural minerals have a special role in this industry.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.