There are 69 minerals that start with the letter C. From Cacoclasite to Cymrite. 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 C
| Minerals | chemical composition | Mohs hardness | common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cacoclasite | Ca2Zr[SiO4][PO4] | 5-6(5.5) | — |
| Cadmium Oxide | CdO | 2-2.5(2.25) | — |
| Cadmium Sulfide | CdS | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | Pigments, dyes, semiconductors |
| Cahnite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | radioactive ore mineral |
| Calaverite | AuTe2 | 2-3(2.5) | ore mineral |
| Calciovolborthite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�5-8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | — |
| Calcite | CaCO3 | 3(3.0) | construction, agriculture, industrial filler |
| Californite | CaSiO3 | 6-7(6.5) | decorative stone |
| Calomel | Hg2Cl2 | 1-2(1.5) | pigment, insecticide, medical treatment |
| Calumetite | CuO�SiO2�H2O | 3-4(3.5) | mineral specimen |
| Canasite | Na3Ca5Si12O30(OH) | 5(5.0) | none |
| Canavesite | Cu2+[(UO2)2(VO4)2]�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | — |
| Cancrinite | Na6Ca2Al6Si6O24(CO3,SO4,Cl)2-3 | 5-6(5.5) | abrasive, filler |
| Canfieldite | Ag8SnS6 | 2.5-3(2.75) | — |
| Carletonite | KNa4Ca4(Si9Al3)O24(CO3)2F�H2O | 5-6(5.5) | none |
| Carnallite | KMgCl3�6H2O | 2(2.0) | fertilizer, magnesium production |
| Carnotite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2�1-3H2O | 2-3(2.5) | radioactive ore mineral |
| Carpholite | MnAl2(OH)4SiO4 | 4-5(4.5) | none |
| Caryopilite | (Mg,Fe2+)6(Si,Al)4O10(OH)8 | 2-3(2.5) | — |
| Cassiterite | SnO2 | 6-7(6.5) | tin production, abrasive |
| Catalaunite | Pb(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | radioactive ore mineral |
| Catapleiite | Na2ZrSi3O9�2H2O | 5-6(5.5) | mineral specimen |
| Cebollite | Ca2(Al,Fe3+)2SiO7(OH)2 | 5-6(5.5) | none |
| Celestine | SrSO4 | 3.0-3.5(3.25) | Fireworks, medicine, cements |
| Celsian | BaAl2Si2O8 | 6-7(6.5) | ceramics, glass |
| Cerianite-(Ce) | CeO2 | 5-6(5.5) | catalysts, polishing |
| Cerite | (Ce,La,Ca,Y)9(SiO4)6(OH,F)3 | 5-6(5.5) | none |
| Cerussite | PbCO3 | 3.0-3.5(3.25) | Lead ore, pigments |
| Chabazite | Ca(Al2Si4O12)�6H2O | 4-5(4.5) | adsorption, zeolite |
| Chalcanthite | CuSO4�5H2O | 2-3(2.5) | pigment, fungicide, water treatment |
| Chalcedonite | SiO2 | 7(7.0) | gemstone, abrasive |
| Chalcocite | Cu2S | 2-3(2.5) | copper production |
| Chalcocyanite | CuSO4 | 2-2.5(2.25) | mineral specimen |
| Chalcophanite | ZnMn3O7�3H2O | 5-6(5.5) | mineral specimen |
| Chalcopyrite | CuFeS2 | 3-4(3.5) | copper production |
| Chamosite | (Fe,Mg,Al)6(Si,Al)4O10(OH)8 | 2.0-3.0(2.5) | Refractories, pigments |
| Chaoite | C | 10(10.0) | none |
| Charoite | (Ca,Na)2-3(Ca,Na,Sr,Ba)5Si8O20(OH,F)�H2O | 5-6(5.5) | decorative stone |
| Chloritoid | (Fe,Mg,Mn)2Al4Si2O10(OH)4 | 6.0-7.0(6.5) | Metamorphic indicator mineral |
| Chondrodite | Mg5(SiO4)2(F,OH)2 | 6-7(6.5) | none |
| Chromite | FeCr2O4 | 5-6(5.5) | refractory, chrome production |
| Chromium Spinel | (Mg,Fe)(Cr,Al)2O4 | 7.5-8.0(7.75) | Refractory, abrasive |
| Chrysoberyl | BeAl2O4 | 8-9(8.5) | gemstone |
| Chrysocolla | CuSiO3�nH2O | 2-4(3.0) | gemstone, copper production |
| Chrysotile | Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4 | 2-4(2.5) | insulation, cement filler |
| Cimolite | Al4Si8O20(OH)4�2H2O | 1.0-2.0(1.5) | Absorbent, filler |
| Cinnabar | HgS | 2-3(2.0) | pigment, mercury production |
| Clinohedrite | CaZnSiO4(OH) | 5-6(5.5) | none |
| Clinohumite | (Mg,Fe)9(SiO4)4(F,OH)2 | 6.0-7.0(6.5) | Gemstone |
| Clinozoisite | Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH) | 6-7(6.5) | abrasive, pigment |
| Cobaltite | CoAsS | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | Pigments, ores |
| Columbite | (Fe,Mn)(Nb,Ta)2O6 | 5-6(5.5) | refractory, electronics |
| Copper | Cu | 3(3.0) | electrical, plumbing, alloys |
| Cordierite | Mg2Al4Si5O18 | 7-8(7.5) | ceramics, refractories |
| Corkite | PbFe3(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)6 | 4.0-5.0(4.5) | Rare mineral specimen |
| Cornubite | Cu5(AsO4)2(OH)4 | 3-4(3.5) | none |
| Corundum | Al2O3 | 9(9.0) | gemstones, abrasives |
| Covellite | CuS | 1-2(1.5) | copper production |
| Creedite | Ca3Al2(SO4)2(F,OH)10�2-3H2O | 3-4(3.5) | none |
| Cristobalite | SiO2 | 6-7(6.5) | ceramics, refractories |
| Crossite | Na(Ca,Mg)3(Mg,Fe,Al)2(Si,Al)8O22(OH)2 | 5-6(5.5) | none |
| Cubanite | CuFe2S3 | 3-4(3.5) | copper production |
| Cumengeite | Pb21Cu2(CO3)18Cl2(OH)10 | 3-4(3.5) | none |
| Cuprite | Cu2O | 3-4(3.5) | copper production, gemstone |
| Curite | Pb(UO2)4(O,OH)7 | 4-5(4.5) | radioactive ore mineral |
| Cuspidine | Ca4(Si2O7)(F,OH)2 | 5-6(5.5) | none |
| Cyanotrichite | Cu4Al2(SO4)(OH)12�2-3H2O | 3-4(3.5) | none |
| Cylindrite | Pb3Sn4FeSb2S14 | 2-3(2.5) | none |
| Cymrite | BaAl2Si2O8�H2O | 6-7(6.5) | none |
Descriptions
Cacoclasite
A rare silicate mineral found in nepheline syenite pegmatites. It typically forms yellow to greenish-yellow prismatic crystals or massive aggregates.
Cadmium Oxide
A rare mineral consisting of cadmium and oxygen. It typically forms yellow to orange-yellow octahedral crystals or powdery masses.
Cadmium Sulfide
Cadmium sulfide is a bright yellow mineral used as a pigment and semiconductor. It is found in zinc-lead ore deposits and has a low Mohs hardness.
Cahnite
A rare uranyl vanadate mineral that forms yellow to green prismatic crystals. It is a secondary mineral formed by the oxidation of uraninite deposits.
Calaverite
A gold telluride mineral that forms silvery-white to pale yellow, orthorhombic crystals. It is a rare gold-bearing ore mineral found in hydrothermal vein deposits.
Calciovolborthite
A hydrous calcium uranium vanadate mineral that forms bright green to yellowish-green tabular crystals or massive aggregates.
Calcite
A very common carbonate mineral that forms colorless to white, transparent to opaque, rhombohedral crystals. It is the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate and has numerous applications.
Californite
A variety of vesuvianite, a calcium-rich inosilicate mineral, that forms a compact, massive, jade-like material with a mottled green color. It is used as a decorative gemstone and carving material.
Calomel
A mercury(I) chloride mineral that forms colorless to white, orthorhombic crystals. It was historically used as a pigment, insecticide, and in medical treatments, but its use has declined due to health and environmental concerns.
Calumetite
A rare copper silicate hydrate mineral that forms blue to green crystalline crusts or masses.
Canasite
A rare sodium-calcium silicate mineral that forms white to pale yellow, fibrous to acicular crystals. It is found in certain alkaline igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Canavesite
A rare copper uranyl vanadate mineral that forms prismatic to tabular blue-green crystals or nodular aggregates.
Cancrinite
A feldspathoid mineral that forms yellow to white, hexagonal crystals or massive forms. It is found in nepheline syenites and other alkaline igneous rocks and has limited industrial applications.
Canfieldite
A rare silver tin sulfide mineral that forms silver-white to gray metallic cubic crystals or massive aggregates.
Carletonite
A rare potassium-sodium-calcium silicate carbonate mineral that forms white to pale yellow, tabular to prismatic crystals. It is found in alkaline igneous rocks and carbonatites.
Carnallite
A water-soluble potassium-magnesium chloride mineral that forms colorless to white, cubic crystals. It is an important industrial mineral used in the production of fertilizers and magnesium.
Carnotite
A rare uranium-vanadium oxide mineral that forms yellow to green, tabular to prismatic crystals. It is a secondary uranium ore mineral found in certain sedimentary and hydrothermal deposits.
Carpholite
A manganese-aluminum silicate mineral that forms yellow to brown, fibrous to acicular crystals. It is found in metamorphic rocks and has no significant commercial uses.
Caryopilite
A magnesium iron silicate mineral that forms pale green to yellowish-green platy or fibrous crystals or massive aggregates.
Cassiterite
A tin oxide mineral that forms brown to black, tetragonal crystals. It is the primary ore of tin and has been used since ancient times for the production of tin and bronze, as well as in various industrial applications.
Catalaunite
A rare uranium-lead-vanadium oxide mineral that forms yellow to green, tabular crystals. It is a secondary uranium ore mineral found in oxidized uranium deposits.
Catapleiite
A rare zirconium silicate mineral that forms pale yellow to white crystals or masses.
Cebollite
A rare calcium-aluminum-iron silicate mineral that forms white to pale green, fibrous to lamellar crystals. It is found in metamorphosed ultramafic rocks and has no known commercial applications.
Celestine
Celestine is a strontium sulfate mineral that forms blue to colorless prismatic crystals. It is used in fireworks, medicine, and cements, and is the principal source of strontium.
Celsian
A barium aluminum silicate mineral that forms white to gray, monoclinic crystals. It is used in the production of specialized ceramics, glass, and other refractory materials.
Cerianite-(Ce)
A cerium oxide mineral that forms yellow to orange, isometric crystals. It is used in automotive catalytic converters, glass polishing, and as a colorant in ceramics and glass.
Cerite
A rare earth element-bearing silicate mineral that forms brown to reddish-brown, monoclinic crystals. It is found in granitic pegmatites and has no significant commercial uses.
Cerussite
Cerussite is a lead carbonate mineral that forms colorless to white, gray, or yellow prismatic crystals. It is an important lead ore and was historically used as a pigment.
Chabazite
A zeolite mineral that forms white to pink, cubic crystals. It is used as an adsorbent, ion-exchanger, and in the production of specialized zeolite-based materials.
Chalcanthite
A copper sulfate mineral that forms blue, monoclinic crystals. It has been used as a pigment, fungicide, and in water treatment applications, but its use has declined due to health and environmental concerns.
Chalcedonite
A variety of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline form of silica, that forms compact, massive, or banded varieties. It is used as a gemstone, abrasive, and in the production of various silicon-based materials.
Chalcocite
A copper sulfide mineral that forms gray to black, orthorhombic crystals. It is an important ore of copper and is found in hydrothermal vein and sedimentary deposits.
Chalcocyanite
A rare copper sulfate mineral that forms blue to blue-green crystals or masses.
Chalcophanite
A rare manganese oxide mineral that forms black to dark brown, earthy or botryoidal masses.
Chalcopyrite
A copper-iron sulfide mineral that forms brass-yellow, tetragonal crystals. It is the most common copper ore mineral and is found in a variety of hydrothermal and sedimentary deposits.
Chamosite
Chamosite is an iron-magnesium-aluminum silicate mineral that forms dark green to black micaceous or compact masses. It is used in refractories and as a pigment.
Chaoite
A rare polymorph of carbon that forms hexagonal crystals. It is found in some meteorites and has no known commercial applications.
Charoite
A rare calcium-sodium-silicate mineral that forms lavender to purple, fibrous to massive varieties. It is prized as a decorative gemstone and carving material due to its unique and attractive appearance.
Chloritoid
Chloritoid is an aluminum-iron-magnesium silicate mineral that forms green to black prismatic or tabular crystals. It is a common indicator mineral in metamorphic rocks.
Chondrodite
A magnesium-silicate mineral that forms brown to yellow, monoclinic crystals. It is found in metamorphosed ultramafic rocks and has no significant commercial uses.
Chromite
An iron-chromium oxide mineral that forms black, isometric crystals. It is the primary ore of chromium and is used in the production of stainless steel, chrome plating, and various refractory materials.
Chromium Spinel
Chromium spinel is a hard, refractory mineral composed of magnesium, iron, chromium, and aluminum. It is used in refractories, abrasives, and as a gemstone variety known as ‘chrome spinel’.
Chrysoberyl
A beryllium-aluminum oxide mineral that forms yellow to green, orthorhombic crystals. It is a valuable gemstone, particularly the variety known as alexandrite, and is also used in some industrial applications.
Chrysocolla
A hydrous copper silicate mineral that forms blue to green, massive or botryoidal varieties. It is used as a minor ore of copper and as a gemstone, particularly in jewelry and cabochons.
Chrysotile
A fibrous variety of the serpentine group mineral, which is a hydrous magnesium silicate. It is the most common form of asbestos and has been used in various applications, but its use has been restricted due to health concerns.
Cimolite
Cimolite is a soft, hydrous aluminum silicate mineral that forms white, gray, or yellowish clay-like masses. It has absorbent and filler properties and is used in various industrial applications.
Cinnabar
A mercury sulfide mineral that forms red to scarlet, trigonal crystals. It is the primary ore of mercury and has been used as a red pigment since ancient times, but its use has declined due to health and environmental concerns.
Clinohedrite
A rare calcium-zinc silicate mineral that forms white to pale green, monoclinic crystals. It is found in metamorphosed zinc-bearing ore deposits and has no significant commercial uses.
Clinohumite
Clinohumite is a rare magnesium silicate mineral that forms yellow to brown prismatic crystals. It is occasionally found as a gemstone.
Clinozoisite
A calcium-aluminum silicate mineral that forms gray to green, monoclinic crystals. It has been used as an abrasive and pigment, but its commercial applications are limited.
Cobaltite
Cobaltite is a cobalt-arsenic sulfide mineral that forms silver-white to pink-red cubic crystals. It is an important ore of cobalt and was historically used as a blue pigment.
Columbite
An iron-manganese niobium-tantalum oxide mineral that forms black, orthorhombic crystals. It is an important ore of niobium and tantalum, which are used in various high-tech and refractory applications.
Copper
A reddish-brown, native metal that is highly ductile and malleable. It is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat, and is widely used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and the production of various alloys like brass and bronze.
Cordierite
A magnesium-aluminum silicate mineral that forms blue to gray, hexagonal crystals. It is used in the production of specialized ceramics, refractories, and other heat-resistant materials.
Corkite
Corkite is a rare lead-iron arsenate-sulfate mineral that forms yellow to green tabular crystals or earthy masses. It is primarily of interest as a rare mineral specimen.
Cornubite
A rare copper arsenate mineral that forms blue to green, monoclinic crystals. It is found in oxidized copper deposits and has no significant commercial uses.
Corundum
A crystalline form of aluminum oxide that forms red (ruby), blue (sapphire), and various other colored varieties. It is an extremely hard mineral used in the production of gemstones, abrasives, and other specialized materials.
Covellite
A copper sulfide mineral that forms indigo-blue to black, hexagonal crystals. It is a minor ore of copper and is found in hydrothermal and sedimentary copper deposits.
Creedite
A rare calcium-aluminum sulfate-fluoride mineral that forms colorless to white, monoclinic crystals. It is found in evaporite deposits and has no known commercial applications.
Cristobalite
A high-temperature polymorph of silica that forms white, tetragonal crystals. It is used in the production of specialized ceramics, refractories, and other silicon-based materials.
Crossite
A rare sodium-calcium-magnesium-iron amphibole mineral that forms blue to green, monoclinic crystals. It is found in high-pressure metamorphic rocks and has no significant commercial applications.
Cubanite
A copper-iron sulfide mineral that forms brass-yellow, orthorhombic crystals. It is a minor ore of copper and is found in hydrothermal and metamorphic copper deposits.
Cumengeite
A rare lead-copper carbonate-chloride mineral that forms blue to green, prismatic crystals. It is found in oxidized lead-copper deposits and has no known commercial uses.
Cuprite
A copper oxide mineral that forms red, isometric crystals. It is a minor ore of copper and has also been used as a gemstone, particularly when cut and polished.
Curite
A rare lead-uranium oxide mineral that forms yellow to orange, orthorhombic crystals. It is a secondary uranium ore mineral found in oxidized uranium deposits.
Cuspidine
A rare calcium silicate mineral that forms white to pale yellow, monoclinic crystals. It is found in contact metamorphosed limestones and has no significant commercial uses.
Cyanotrichite
A rare copper-aluminum sulfate hydroxide mineral that forms blue, monoclinic crystals. It is found in oxidized copper deposits and has no known commercial applications.
Cylindrite
A rare lead-tin-antimony sulfide mineral that forms gray to black, cylindrical crystals. It is found in hydrothermal vein deposits and has no significant commercial uses.
Cymrite
A rare barium-aluminum silicate mineral that forms white to pale gray, monoclinic crystals. It is found in metamorphosed sedimentary rocks and has no known commercial applications.
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