There are 134 minerals that start with the letter A. From Aardite to Azurite. Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a defined chemical composition and a crystalline structure. They are the building blocks of rocks and are classified based on their chemical properties, crystal structure, and texture. Minerals form through a variety of geological processes, including crystallization from molten rock, precipitation from solutions, and metamorphism under high pressure and temperature. They are essential not only for geological processes but also for many industrial applications and are critical for life, serving as nutrients in biological systems.
An intriguing fact about minerals is that some larval insects use mineral particles from the environment to enhance their camouflage, adapting to their surroundings for protection against predators. This innovative use of minerals demonstrates the complex interactions between organisms and their natural habitats.
Here’s what each of the columns in the table means:
Column Name: This column indicates the specific chemical elements or compounds that make up the mineral, defining its identity and properties.
Mohs hardness: This column provides a numerical scale from 1 to 10 that ranks the hardness of the mineral based on its ability to scratch or be scratched by other substances.
Common uses: This column outlines the various applications or industries where the mineral is utilized, highlighting its practical importance in everyday life and technology.
Description: This column includes a brief overview of the mineral’s appearance, characteristics, and unique features, providing essential information for identification and understanding its role in geology and industry.
Minerals That Start With A
| Minerals | chemical composition | Mohs hardness | common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aardite | Ca2MnSi2O7(OH) | 5.5-6.0(1.0) | Collector’s item |
| Abalos | (Mg,Fe,Ca)SiO3 | 5.0-6.0 | Decorative purposes |
| Abernathyite | (UO2)2[(AsO4)�(OH)]2�4(H2O) | 2.0-3.0 | collector’s item |
| Abhurite | Pb5Cl(AsO4)3 | 2.5-3(2.5) | collector’s item |
| Abramovite | FePO4�2H2O | 3.5-4.0(1.0) | Collector’s item |
| Abswurmbachite | Ni(AsO4)�6?8H2O | 2.0-3.0 | collector’s item |
| Abukumalite | Acanthite | Acmite | Adamantane |
| Acaciolite | (Mn,Fe)SiO3 | 5.5-6.0(1.0) | Collector’s item |
| Acanthite | Ag2S | 2.5-3(2.5) | jewelry, photography |
| Acanthophyllite | (Mg,Fe)7(Si,Al)8O22(OH)2 | 5.0-6.0 | collector’s item |
| Accessory Minerals | various compositions | varies | scientific analysis |
| Achavalite | FeSbS | 3.5-4.0(1.0) | Collector’s item |
| Achroite | Al2SiO4(OH,F) | 7.0-8.0 | collector’s item |
| Acmite | NaFeSi2O6 | 6-6.5(6.0) | ceramic glazes |
| Acroite | SnO2 | 6-7(6.5) | jewelry, abrasives |
| Actinolite | Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 | 5-6(5.5) | used in the production of glass and ceramics, as a source of magnesium in fertilizer |
| Adamantine Spar | Al2O3 | 8.0-9.0 | Abrasives, jewelry |
| Adamellite | SiO2, Al2O3, Na2O, K2O, CaO, MgO, FeO, Fe2O3 | 6-7(6.5) | construction, monuments |
| Adamine | Fe3+Sb3+O4 | 5.5-6.0(1.0) | Collector’s item |
| Adamite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) | 3.5-4(3.5) | historical use as a pigment, now used in the production of zinc compounds |
| Adelite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3.0-4.0 | uranium mining |
| Adelsbergite | (Mg,Fe)SiO3 | 5.5-6.0(1.0) | Collector’s item |
| Adolfpateraite | (Ca,Fe2+)2Mg5(AsO4)4�8-10H2O | 2-3(2.5) | collector’s item |
| Adranosite | (NH4)Fe(SO4)2�6H2O | 2.0-3.0 | collector’s item |
| Aedemite | Pb5(VO4)3Cl | 3.5-4.0 | collector’s item |
| Aegerine | NaFe3+Si2O6 | 6.0-6.5 | gemstone, building materials |
| Aegirine | NaFe3+Si2O6 | 5.5-6.0 | Decorative purposes |
| Aegirine-Augite | (Na,Ca)(Fe,Mg,Al)(Si,Al)2O6 | 5.5-6.5 | Ceramic glazes |
| Aenigmatite | Na2Fe5TiSi6O20 | 5-6(5.5) | ceramic glazes |
| Aerinite | Ca2Mg5Al(AlSi3)O10(OH)8 | 2.5-3(2.5) | collector’s item |
| Aeschenite | (Ce,La,Nd,Th)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6 | 5.0-6.0 | collector’s item |
| Aeschynite | (Ce,Ca,Fe,Th)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6 | 5.0-5.5 | collector’s item |
| Aeschynite-(Ce) | (Ce,Ca,Fe,Th)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6 | 5.0-5.5(1.0) | Collector’s item |
| Aethalite | (Mg,Fe)2(CO3)(OH)2 | 3.0-4.0 | collector’s item |
| Afghanite | (Na,Ca)8(Al,Si)12O24Cl2 | 5.5-6(5.5) | no significant commercial uses |
| Afwillite | Ca3(SiO3OH)2�2H2O | 6.0-7.0 | collector’s item |
| Agardite | (Ce,La,Nd,Th)(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2.5-3.0 | collector’s item |
| Agardite-(La) | (La,Ce)Cu6(AsO4)3(OH)6�3-4H2O | 2-3(2.5) | collector’s item |
| Agardite-(Y) | (Y,REE)Cu6(AsO4)3(OH)6�3H2O | 2.5-3.0(1.0) | Collector’s item |
| Agarite | CaV6+O4 � 2-4H2O | 2-3(2.5) | no significant commercial uses |
| Agate | SiO2 | 6.5-7(7.0) | used in jewelry, as a gemstone, and in the production of watchcases and other decorative items |
| Aggregation | various compositions | varies | construction material |
| Agnosite | (Ag,Cu)3(AsO4) | 2.5-3(2.5) | collector’s item |
| Agpaite | Na,K-rich nepheline syenite | 5.0-6.0 | construction material |
| Agrellite | Na2Ca2(Si4O11) | 6.0-7.0 | collector’s item |
| Agricolaite | K4Cl6 | 2.0-2.5(1.0) | Collector’s item |
| Aguilarite | Ag4SeS | 2.0-2.5 | collector’s item |
| Aheylite | Fe2+Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)4 | 3.5-4.0 | collector’s item |
| Aikinite | PbCuBiS3 | 2.5-3.0 | collector’s item |
| Aimekite | (Ca,Mg)5(AsO4)2(OH)4 | 3.5-4.0 | None |
| Ajoite | Cu5(AsO4)2(OH)4 � 5H2O | 3.5-4(3.5) | no significant commercial uses |
| Akaganeite | Fe3+O(OH,Cl) | 3.5-4(3.5) | no significant commercial uses |
| Akatoreite | Ca2(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3.0-4.0 | uranium mining |
| Akdalaite | Al4(OH)11Cl | 2.5-3.0 | collector’s item |
| Akganite | Cu(UO2)2(VO4)2�8H2O | 3.0-4.0 | uranium mining |
| Akinite | Pb5Cl(VO4)3 | 3.5-4.0 | Not commonly used |
| Akopovaite | Cu7(AsO4)2(OH)6 | 3.5-4.0 | Not commonly used |
| Alabandite | MnS | 3.5-4(3.5) | no significant commercial uses |
| Alacranite | As4S4 | 1.5-2(1.5) | no significant commercial uses |
| Alamosite | PbSiO3 | 5.0-5.5 | Not commonly used |
| Alaskaite | Bi(Se,S) | 1.5-2.0 | Not commonly used |
| Albendazite | C12H15N3O2S | 2.0-2.5 | Pharmaceutical |
| Albiite | Na(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3.0-4.0 | uranium mining |
| Albite | NaAlSi3O8 | 6-6.5(6.0) | used in the production of glass, ceramics, and as a flux in metallurgy |
| Albrechtschraufite | Mg(UO2)2(VO4)2 * 6-8H2O | 3.0-4.0 | Not commonly used |
| Aldanite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3.0-4.0 | uranium mining |
| Aldenite | (Ce,La,Nd,Pr)Al3(PO4)2(OH)6 | 5.0-6.0 | Not commonly used |
| Aleutite | (Fe,Mg)SiO3(OH) | 5.0-6.0 | collector’s item |
| Alexandrite | BeAl2O4 | 8.5(8.5) | used as a gemstone, particularly in jewelry |
| Alforsite | Pb5(VO4)3Cl | 3.5-4.0 | collector’s item |
| Alforsite-IMA1981 | Pb5(VO4)3Cl | 3.5-4.0 | collector’s item |
| Algodonite | Cu6As | 3.5-4.0 | Not commonly used |
| Aliettite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3.0-4.0 | uranium mining |
| Alisonite | Pb5(VO4)3Cl | 3.5-4.0 | collector’s item |
| Allactite | Mn2+Mn3+2(AsO4)2(OH)4 | 4.5-5.0 | collector’s item |
| Allanite | (Ca,Ce,La,Y)2(Al,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH) | 5.5-6(5.5) | used as a source of rare earth elements, thorium, and uranium |
| Allargentum | Ag | 2.5-3.0 | Jewelry, coins, electronics |
| Allaudite | (Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)Fe3+(PO4)2(OH) | 4.5-5.0 | Not commonly used |
| Alleghanyite | Mn2+Mn3+2(SiO4)2(OH) | 5.0-6.0 | collector’s item |
| Allemesite | (Ni,Co)3(AsO4)2�8H2O | 2.5-3.0 | collector’s item |
| Allendeite | Sc4Zr3O12 | 6.5-7.0 | Not commonly used |
| Alloclasite | (Co,Fe)AsS | 5.0-6.0 | Not commonly used |
| Alloysite | Al4(Si4O10)(OH)8 | 1.0-2.0 | collector’s item |
| Alluaudite | (Na,Ca,Mn2+)(Mn,Fe2+,Mg)2(PO4)2 | 4.5-5.0 | collector’s item |
| Allumogene | Al2(SO4)3�17H2O | 1.5-2.0 | water treatment |
| Almagreite | Mg2(VO4)(OH) | 4.0-5.0 | collector’s item |
| Almandine | Fe3Al2(SiO4)3 | 7-7.5(7.0) | used in jewelry and as an abrasive |
| Almeida | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3.0-4.0 | uranium mining |
| Alnoite | Mg,Ca,K-rich ultramafic igneous rock | 5.0-6.0 | construction material |
| Alophane | Al2O3 � 2SiO2 � 2-3H2O | 3.5-4(3.5) | no significant commercial uses |
| Alpinite | (K,Na)(V,Ti)2O4 | 4.0-5.0 | Not commonly used |
| Alumphosphate | Al(PO4) * 4H2O | 3.0-4.0 | Not commonly used |
| Alunite | KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 | 3.5-4(3.5) | used as a source of potassium and aluminum, and in the production of alum |
| Alvanite | (Ni,Co,Fe)5(VO4)3(OH)4 | 4.0-5.0 | Not commonly used |
| Amazonite | KAlSi3O8 | 6-6.5(6.0) | used as a gemstone, in jewelry, and for decorative purposes |
| Amber | C10H16O | 2-2.5(2.0) | used in jewelry, as a gemstone, and in the production of varnishes and lacquers |
| Amblygonite | (Li,Na)AlPO4(F,OH) | 5-6(5.5) | used as a source of lithium and phosphorus |
| Americoite | (Mg,Fe2+,Mn2+)3(Cr3+,Al,Fe3+)2(SiO4)3 | 7.5-8(7.5) | no significant commercial uses |
| Amiantos | CaMg(CO3)2 | 3.0-4.0 | Insulation, fireproofing |
| Ammineite | (NH4,K)Fe(SO4)2 * 6H2O | 2.0-3.0 | Not commonly used |
| Ammonioborite | (NH4)2B4O7 * 3H2O | 2.0-3.0 | Not commonly used |
| Amphibole | Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 | 5.0-6.0 | Ceramics, insulation |
| Anahyrophyllite | NaMg2Al(Si3Al)O10(OH,F)2 | 2.0-3.0 | Not commonly used |
| Analcime | NaAlSi2O6 * H2O | 5.5-6.0 | Zeolite, ceramics |
| Anatase | TiO2 | 5.5-6(5.5) | used as a pigment, in the production of paints, plastics, and paper, and as a photocatalyst |
| Ancylite | (Ce,La)Sr(CO3)2(OH) * H2O | 4.0-5.0 | Not commonly used |
| Andalusite | Al2SiO5 | 7.0-7.5 | Refractory, ceramics |
| Andersonite | Na2Ca(UO2)2(CO3)3 * 6H2O | 2.0-3.0 | Not commonly used |
| Andesine | (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)4O8 | 6-6.5(6.0) | used in the production of glass and ceramics |
| Andorite | PbAgSb3S6 | 2.5-3.0 | Not commonly used |
| Andradite | Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3 | 6.5-7(6.5) | used as a gemstone and in the production of abrasives |
| Anglesite | PbSO4 | 2.7-3(2.7) | used in the production of lead-acid batteries and as a pigment |
| Anhydrite | CaSO4 | 3-3.5(3.0) | used in the production of cement, as a filler, and in the manufacturing of plaster of Paris |
| Ankerite | Ca(Fe,Mg,Mn)(CO3)2 | 3.5-4.0 | Not commonly used |
| Annabergite | Ni3(AsO4)2 � 8H2O | 2-2.5(2.0) | no significant commercial uses |
| Annite | KFe3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 | 2.8-3.2(2.9) | no significant commercial uses |
| Antigorite | Mg3Si2O5(OH)4 | 2.5-4(3.0) | used in the production of fire-resistant materials, insulation, and as a filler in plastics |
| Antlerite | Cu3(SO4)(OH)4 | 3.5-4(3.5) | no significant commercial uses |
| Apatite | Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH) | 5-5.5(5.0) | used as a source of phosphorus in fertilizers, and in the production of phosphoric acid and animal feed supplements |
| Aragonite | CaCO3 | 3.5-4(3.5) | used in the production of cement, as a filler, and in the manufacturing of glass and ceramics |
| Ardennite | (V,As)(Al,Mg)2(SiO4)(OH)3 | 5.5-6(5.5) | no significant commercial uses |
| Argyrodite | Ag8GeS6 | 2.5-3(2.5) | no significant commercial uses |
| Arkansaite | (Th,U)SiO4 | 5-6(5.0) | no significant commercial uses |
| Arseniosiderite | Ca2(Fe3+,Al)3(AsO4)3(OH)5 � 3-5H2O | 4-4.5(4.0) | no significant commercial uses |
| Arsenolite | As2O3 | 1-2(1.5) | used in the production of insecticides and wood preservatives |
| Arsenuranylite | Ca(UO2)2(AsO4)2 � 8H2O | 2-2.5(2.0) | no significant commercial uses |
| Asbestos | Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4 | 2.5-4(3.0) | historically used in the production of fireproof materials, insulation, and textiles, but now largely banned due to health concerns |
| Atacamite | Cu2Cl(OH)3 | 3.5-4(3.5) | used as a pigment, and in the production of copper compounds |
| Augelite | Al2(PO4)(OH)3 | 5-5.5(5.0) | no significant commercial uses |
| Augite | (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al)2O6 | 5-6(5.5) | used in the production of glass, ceramics, and as a flux in metallurgy |
| Autunite | Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2 � 8-12H2O | 2-2.5(2.0) | no significant commercial uses |
| Aventurine | SiO2 | 6.5-7(6.5) | used as a gemstone, in jewelry, and for decorative purposes |
| Axinite | Ca(Fe,Mg,Mn)Al2BSi4O15(OH) | 6-7(6.5) | no significant commercial uses |
| Azurite | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 | 3.5-4(3.5) | historically used as a pigment, now used in the production of copper compounds |
Descriptions
Aardite
A rare calcium manganese silicate mineral with a distinctive brown to reddish-brown color. Forms small prismatic or tabular crystals.
Abalos
A calcium-magnesium-iron silicate mineral that forms in metamorphic rocks. It has a green to brown color and is sometimes used as a decorative stone.
Abernathyite
A rare uranium arsenate mineral found in oxidized uranium deposits.
Abhurite
A rare lead chloro-arsenate mineral found in arid regions. It forms small yellow to green hexagonal crystals or crusts.
Abramovite
A rare hydrous iron phosphate mineral that forms pale green to yellowish-green prismatic crystals or granular masses.
Abswurmbachite
A rare nickel arsenate mineral, forming pale green to blue-green crystals in oxidized nickel deposits.
Abukumalite
Adranosite
Acaciolite
A rare manganese-bearing pyroxene mineral that forms dark green to black prismatic crystals or massive forms.
Acanthite
A silver sulfide mineral that forms black or grey cubic crystals. An important silver ore.
Acanthophyllite
A rare magnesium-iron silicate mineral, forming dark green to black, prismatic crystals in metamorphic rocks.
Accessory Minerals
A group of minor mineral constituents in rocks, providing information about the formation and history of the host rock.
Achavalite
A rare antimony-bearing iron sulfide mineral that forms silver-gray to steel-gray metallic crystals or massive forms.
Achroite
A rare, colorless variety of the beryllium aluminum silicate mineral phenakite, found in granite pegmatites.
Acmite
A sodium iron silicate mineral that forms dark green to black prismatic crystals or fibrous masses.
Acroite
A rare tin oxide mineral that forms colorless to pale brown tetragonal crystals. Used as a gemstone and abrasive.
Actinolite
A green or gray amphibole mineral, often found in metamorphic rocks.
Adamantine Spar
A transparent variety of the mineral corundum, with a very high luster. Commonly found in shades of pink, violet, or blue.
Adamellite
A granitic intrusive igneous rock composed primarily of quartz, plagioclase, and potassium feldspar. Often used in construction and monuments.
Adamine
A rare iron antimonate mineral that forms yellow to brown, cubic or octahedral crystals.
Adamite
A bright green or yellow zinc arsenic hydroxide mineral, often found in oxidized lead-zinc ore deposits.
Adelite
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms yellow to green crystals.
Adelsbergite
A rare magnesium-iron silicate mineral that forms pale green to yellowish-green, prismatic or fibrous crystals.
Adolfpateraite
A rare calcium-iron-magnesium arsenate hydrate mineral found in arid regions. Forms pale green to blue-green octahedral crystals.
Adranosite
A rare ammonium iron sulfate mineral, forming green to blue-green crystals in volcanic environments.
Aedemite
A rare lead vanadate chloride mineral, forming yellow to green crystals in oxidized lead deposits.
Aegerine
A common sodium-iron silicate mineral, forming dark green to black, prismatic crystals in igneous and metamorphic rocks, used in jewelry and construction.
Aegirine
A sodium-iron silicate mineral that forms dark green to black prismatic crystals. It is found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and sometimes used for decorative purposes.
Aegirine-Augite
A solid solution series between the pyroxene minerals aegirine and augite. Forms green to black prismatic crystals.
Aenigmatite
A sodium-iron-titanium silicate mineral that forms dark brown to black prismatic or tabular crystals. Used in ceramic glazes.
Aerinite
A rare calcium-magnesium-aluminum silicate hydroxide mineral that forms blue-green radial or fibrous masses.
Aeschenite
A rare cerium-thorium-titanium-niobium oxide mineral, found in granite pegmatites and carbonatites.
Aeschynite
A rare niobium and titanium oxide mineral that forms brown to black crystals.
Aeschynite-(Ce)
A rare cerium-bearing titanium-niobium oxide mineral that forms black to dark brown, prismatic or tabular crystals.
Aethalite
A rare carbonate hydroxide mineral that forms white to yellow crystals.
Afghanite
A rare blue feldspathoid mineral, often found in volcanic and plutonic igneous rocks.
Afwillite
A rare calcium silicate hydroxide mineral that forms white to colorless crystals.
Agardite
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms yellow to green crystals.
Agardite-(La)
A rare lanthanum-cerium copper arsenate hydroxide hydrate mineral that forms pale green to blue-green acicular crystals.
Agardite-(Y)
A rare yttrium-bearing copper arsenate hydroxide hydrate mineral that forms pale green to blue-green, acicular or prismatic crystals.
Agarite
A rare yellow vanadate mineral, typically found in oxidized vanadium deposits.
Agate
A cryptocrystalline variety of quartz, known for its banded, multicolored patterns.
Aggregation
A general term for the collection of mineral grains or crystals that form a rock or sediment.
Agnosite
A rare silver-copper arsenate mineral that forms yellow to green prismatic crystals or earthy masses.
Agpaite
A rare type of alkaline igneous rock that is enriched in sodium and potassium.
Agrellite
A rare sodium-calcium silicate mineral, found in alkali-rich, metamorphosed sedimentary rocks.
Agricolaite
A rare potassium chloride mineral that forms colorless to white, cubic or octahedral crystals.
Aguilarite
A rare silver-selenium-sulfur mineral, forming metallic, grey-black crystals in hydrothermal ore deposits.
Aheylite
A rare iron arsenic oxide hydroxide mineral that forms green to yellow crystals.
Aikinite
A rare lead copper bismuth sulfide mineral that forms steel-gray to lead-gray crystals.
Aimekite
A calcium-magnesium arsenate hydroxide mineral, typically forming blue to green prismatic or tabular crystals.
Ajoite
A rare blue copper arsenic hydroxide mineral, typically found in oxidized copper deposits.
Akaganeite
A rare iron oxide hydroxide mineral, often found in rust and iron-rich environments.
Akatoreite
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms yellow to green crystals.
Akdalaite
A rare aluminum hydroxide chloride mineral that forms white to gray crystals.
Akganite
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms yellow to green crystals.
Akinite
A lead vanadate chloride mineral that forms green to yellow crystals. It is a rare mineral with no significant commercial uses.
Akopovaite
A copper arsenic hydroxide mineral that forms blue to green crystals. It is a relatively rare mineral with limited practical applications.
Alabandite
A rare manganese sulfide mineral, typically found in hydrothermal ore deposits.
Alacranite
A rare arsenic sulfide mineral, often associated with other arsenic minerals.
Alamosite
A lead silicate mineral that forms white to gray prismatic crystals. It is a relatively rare mineral with little commercial value.
Alaskaite
A bismuth selenide-sulfide mineral that forms gray to silver metallic crystals. It is a rare mineral with no significant industrial applications.
Albendazite
A synthetic organic compound used as an antihelminthic drug to treat certain parasitic worm infections.
Albiite
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms yellow to green crystals.
Albite
A common plagioclase feldspar mineral, typically found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Albrechtschraufite
A magnesium uranium vanadate hydrate mineral that forms yellow to green crystals. It is a relatively uncommon mineral with limited practical uses.
Aldanite
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms yellow to green crystals.
Aldenite
A rare earth element aluminum phosphate hydroxide mineral that forms yellow to brown crystals. It has minimal commercial applications beyond mineral specimen collection.
Aleutite
A rare iron magnesium silicate hydroxide mineral that forms green to brown crystals.
Alexandrite
A rare chromium-bearing variety of the mineral beryl, known for its color-changing properties.
Alforsite
A rare lead vanadate chloride mineral that forms yellow to green crystals.
Alforsite-IMA1981
A rare lead vanadate chloride mineral that forms yellow to green crystals.
Algodonite
A copper arsenide mineral that forms silver-white to gray metallic crystals. It is a rare mineral with limited practical applications.
Aliettite
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms yellow to green crystals.
Alisonite
A rare lead vanadate chloride mineral that forms yellow to green crystals.
Allactite
A rare manganese arsenic oxide hydroxide mineral that forms pink to red crystals.
Allanite
A complex silicate mineral that is an important source of rare earth elements.
Allargentum
A native silver mineral that forms silver-white metallic crystals. It is an important ore of silver used in jewelry, coins, and electronics.
Allaudite
A manganese-iron phosphate hydroxide mineral that forms brown to black crystals. It is a relatively rare mineral with limited practical applications.
Alleghanyite
A rare manganese silicate hydroxide mineral that forms brown to black crystals.
Allemesite
A rare nickel cobalt arsenic oxide hydrate mineral that forms green to blue crystals.
Allendeite
A scandium-zirconium oxide mineral that forms colorless to white crystals. It is a rare mineral with no significant industrial uses.
Alloclasite
A cobalt-iron arsenic sulfide mineral that forms silver-white to gray metallic crystals. It is a relatively uncommon mineral with no major commercial applications.
Alloysite
A rare aluminum silicate hydroxide mineral that forms white to yellow crystals.
Alluaudite
A rare sodium calcium manganese iron magnesium phosphate mineral that forms pink to brown crystals.
Allumogene
A rare aluminum sulfate hydrate mineral that forms colorless to white crystals.
Almagreite
A rare magnesium vanadate hydroxide mineral that forms green to yellow crystals.
Almandine
A common red to brown garnet mineral, found in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Almeida
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms yellow to green crystals.
Alnoite
A rare type of ultramafic igneous rock that is enriched in magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
Alophane
A rare hydrous aluminum silicate mineral, typically found in weathered volcanic rocks.
Alpinite
A potassium-sodium vanadium-titanium oxide mineral that forms yellow to orange-yellow crystals. It is a relatively rare mineral with limited practical applications.
Alumphosphate
A hydrous aluminum phosphate mineral that forms white to pale green crystals or crusts. It is a rare mineral with no significant commercial uses.
Alunite
A white to pink sulfate mineral, often found in hydrothermally altered rocks.
Alvanite
A nickel-cobalt-iron vanadate hydroxide mineral that forms green to blue-green crystals. It is a relatively rare mineral with limited practical applications.
Amazonite
A green variety of the feldspar mineral microcline, named for the Amazon River region.
Amber
A fossilized tree resin, known for its distinctive yellow to orange-brown color.
Amblygonite
A rare phosphate mineral, typically found in granitic pegmatites.
Americoite
A rare chromium-bearing garnet mineral, found in ultramafic igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Amiantos
A calcium-magnesium carbonate mineral that forms white to gray fibrous aggregates. It is a type of asbestos used for insulation and fireproofing, though its use is now restricted due to health concerns.
Ammineite
An ammonium-potassium iron sulfate hydrate mineral that forms pale yellow to green crystals. It is a relatively rare mineral with no significant industrial applications.
Ammonioborite
A rare ammonium borate hydrate mineral that forms white to colorless crystals. It has limited practical uses beyond mineral specimen collection.
Amphibole
A group of complex silicate minerals with a variety of compositions and appearances. Amphiboles are used in ceramics, insulation, and other industrial applications.
Anahyrophyllite
A sodium-magnesium-aluminum silicate hydroxide-fluoride mineral that forms colorless to pale green crystals. It is a relatively rare mineral with limited practical uses.
Analcime
A sodium aluminum silicate hydrate mineral that forms white to colorless cubic crystals. It is a zeolite mineral used in some ceramics and as a molecular sieve.
Anatase
A rare titanium oxide mineral, typically found in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Ancylite
A cerium-lanthanum-strontium carbonate hydroxide hydrate mineral that forms white to yellow prismatic crystals. It is a relatively uncommon mineral with no significant industrial applications.
Andalusite
An aluminum silicate mineral that forms prismatic reddish-brown to gray crystals. It is used in refractory materials and some ceramic applications.
Andersonite
A sodium-calcium uranium carbonate hydrate mineral that forms yellow to green crystals. It is a rare secondary uranium mineral with limited practical uses.
Andesine
A plagioclase feldspar mineral, often found in andesite and other volcanic rocks.
Andorite
A lead-silver-antimony sulfide mineral that forms steel-gray to lead-gray metallic crystals. It is a relatively uncommon mineral with no significant industrial applications.
Andradite
A common green to yellow garnet mineral, found in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Anglesite
A white to gray lead sulfate mineral, typically found in the oxidized zone of lead deposits.
Anhydrite
A white to gray anhydrous calcium sulfate mineral, often associated with rock salt deposits.
Ankerite
A calcium-iron-magnesium-manganese carbonate mineral that forms brown to yellow-brown crystals. It is a relatively uncommon mineral with limited practical applications.
Annabergite
A rare green nickel arsenic hydrate mineral, found in the oxidized zones of nickel deposits.
Annite
A rare iron-rich variety of the mica mineral biotite, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Antigorite
A common serpentine mineral, found in metamorphosed ultramafic rocks.
Antlerite
A rare green copper sulfate hydroxide mineral, typically found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits.
Apatite
A group of phosphate minerals, commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Aragonite
A polymorph of calcium carbonate, typically found in marine environments and as a product of the weathering of limestone.
Ardennite
A rare vanadium-bearing silicate mineral, found in metamorphic rocks.
Argyrodite
A rare silver germanium sulfide mineral, typically found in hydrothermal ore deposits.
Arkansaite
A rare thorium and uranium-bearing silicate mineral, found in granitic pegmatites.
Arseniosiderite
A rare arsenic-bearing iron oxide hydroxide mineral, typically found in the oxidized zones of arsenic-rich deposits.
Arsenolite
A rare white to gray arsenic oxide mineral, typically found as a sublimation product in volcanic environments.
Arsenuranylite
A rare uranium arsenic hydrate mineral, typically found in the oxidized zones of uranium deposits.
Asbestos
A group of fibrous silicate minerals, found in metamorphic rocks, with high heat and chemical resistance.
Atacamite
A rare green copper chloride hydroxide mineral, typically found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits.
Augelite
A rare aluminum phosphate hydroxide mineral, found in metamorphic rocks.
Augite
A common silicate mineral of the pyroxene group, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Autunite
A rare yellow uranium phosphate hydrate mineral, typically found in the oxidized zones of uranium deposits.
Aventurine
A variety of quartz that contains inclusions of mica, giving it a shimmering, aventurescent appearance.
Axinite
A rare borosilicate mineral, typically found in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Azurite
A rare blue copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, typically found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits.
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