Hyalite Opal
Hyalite opal is a unique variety of opal that is colorless and transparent. It is a type of mineral silica that’s chemically similar to quartz but contains water within its […]
Entries by CAI ICIA
Garnet
Garnet refers to a group of minerals that share a common crystal structure but come in a variety of colors and compositions. These minerals belong to the nesosilicate family and […]
Pyrite (Fool’s Gold)
Pyrite is commonly referred to as “fool’s gold.” Although much lighter than gold, its brassy color and relatively high density misled many novice prospectors. Its name is derived from the […]
Diamond
Diamonds are one of the most precious and valuable gemstones in the world, known for their exceptional hardness, brilliance, and durability. They are formed deep within the earth over millions […]
Topaz
Topaz is a silicate mineral and a member of the aluminum silicate family. It is renowned for its dazzling array of colors, including shades of blue, yellow, pink, brown, and […]
Serpentine
Serpentine is the common name of a group of minerals. Apart from the main members of Antigorite and Chrysotile, there is usually no distinction between individual members except for scientific […]
Apatite
Apatite is a mineral that is composed of calcium phosphate, with the chemical formula Ca5(PO4)3(OH,F,Cl). It is a member of the apatite group of minerals, which also includes hydroxylapatite and […]
Opal
Opals are a unique and mesmerizing gemstone known for their distinctive play of color, making them one of the most sought-after and mysterious gemstones in the world. In this introduction, […]
Malachite
Malachite is a carbonate mineral with chemical composition of Cu2CO3(OH)2. Possibly the earliest ore of copper, malachite is believed to have been mined in the Sinai and eastern deserts of […]
Beryl
Beryl is a mineral composed of beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate, with the chemical formula Be3Al2(Si6O18). It belongs to the cyclosilicate mineral group, which is characterized by its unique arrangement of silicate […]
Celestobarite
Celestobarite is a rare mineral that belongs to the barite group. It is a compound composed of strontium sulfate (SrSO4) and barium sulfate (BaSO4), hence its name, which combines “celestine” […]
Amygdaloidal Agate
Amygdaloidal agate is a specific type of agate that forms within the voids or cavities of volcanic rocks. These voids, often created by gas bubbles in the lava, are called […]