There are 80 minerals that start with the letter I. From Iamantite to Iyoite. 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 I
| Minerals | chemical composition | Mohs hardness | common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iamantite | FeNi3 | 6-6.5(6.0) | Used in the production of high-strength steel alloys. |
| Ianthinite | UO2(OH)2�H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Used as a source of uranium in nuclear fuel production. |
| Ibergite | MnSiO3 | 5.5-6(6.0) | Used as a source of manganese in steel production. |
| Icaite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6?8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | radioactive waste storage |
| Icaiunite | (Cu,Zn)3Pb12(AsO4,VO4)6(Cl,OH)12 | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | none |
| Icavosite | CaCuVO4 | 3.5-4.0(3.75) | none |
| Ichthyolite | C21H30O | 1-2(1.5) | fossil fuel, organic fertilizer |
| Ichthyophthalmite | CaBeSi4O10(OH)2 | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | none |
| Icosahedral Quasicrystal | Al-Cu-Fe | 8-9(8.5) | Used in the manufacture of high-performance cutting tools and abrasives. |
| Icosahedrite | Al63Cu24Fe13 | 8-9(8.5) | Used in the production of high-strength, corrosion-resistant alloys. |
| Icositetrahedral Quasicrystal | Al-Cu-Fe | 6.0-7.0(6.5) | materials science |
| Ideaite | Pb3(VO4)2 | 3.5-4.0(3.75) | none |
| Idiomorphic | various | varies | mineral identification |
| Idrialite | C14H10 | 1-2(1.5) | Used as a pigment and in the production of certain dyes. |
| Ienaite | PtAs2 | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | none |
| Iesite | Mg(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Used as a source of uranium in nuclear fuel production. |
| Iglesiasite | Cu2+x(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Used as a source of uranium in nuclear fuel production. |
| Ignatievite | Na15Ca3Fe2+(UO2)6(VO4)6(OH)6?6-8H2O | 2.0-3.0(2.5) | none |
| Igrasulite | (U,Th)SiO4?H2O | 4.0-5.0(4.5) | none |
| Ikaite | CaCO3?6H2O | 1.5-2.0(1.75) | none |
| Ikaturite | Ni0.65Fe0.35(OH)2 | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | none |
| Ikunolite | Ilammaite | Illinite | Ilmenite |
| Ilalite | MnO2 | 2.0-3.0(2.5) | none |
| Ildinite | Fe2+Fe3+2O4 | 5-6(5.5) | pigments, catalysts |
| Ilgauite | NiSbO4 | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | none |
| Ilhuicaminite | Pb2Cu(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | radioactive waste storage |
| Ilimaussiteite | Na5Ca2TiSi6O18?3H2O | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | none |
| Ilimaussitite | Na6Fe3+2Ti2Si8O26?3H2O | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | none |
| Ilisite | (K,Na)(Al,Mg,Fe)2(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2 | 2-3(2.5) | Used in the production of ceramics and as a source of potassium in fertilizers. |
| Illinite | (K,Na)(Al,Mg,Fe)2(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2 | 1.0-2.0(1.5) | clay mineral |
| Ilmenite | FeTiO3 | 1-10(5.0) | pigment, ore of titanium |
| Ilmenorutile | (Ti,Nb,Fe)O2 | 1-10(6.0) | ore of titanium |
| Ilvaite | CaFe2+2Fe3+Si2O7O(OH) | 5.5-6.5(6.0) | pigment |
| Ilvite | CaFe2+2Fe3+Si2O7O(OH) | 5.5-6.5(6.0) | none |
| Imalite | Ca16Si12O40Cl4 | 5-6(5.5) | specialty ceramics |
| Imandrite | (Fe,Mg)2(Ti,Fe)3O8 | 5.5-6(6.0) | Used as a source of titanium in the production of pigments and other industrial materials. |
| Imerinite | CaCuAl6O12 | 5-6(5.5) | Used in the production of specialty ceramics and glass. |
| Imerite | (Ca,Na)2(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2 | 1-10(4.0) | unknown |
| Imhofite | KCa2(UO2)3(VO4)4?8-10H2O | 2.0-3.0(2.5) | none |
| Imogolite | Al2O3�SiO2�2.5H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Used as a highly effective adsorbent and catalyst in various industrial processes. |
| Impactite | various | varies | none |
| Impsonite | C60H44 | 1.5-2.0(1.75) | none |
| Inaglite | CaCu2+(UO2)2(VO4)2?6-8H2O | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | none |
| Inaglyite | NaCa(UO2)2(VO4)2?6-8H2O | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | none |
| Inawashiroite | Na(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | radioactive waste storage |
| Incongruent melting | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Indallgite | (Fe,Mg)Al2SiO5(OH)4 | 5-6(5.5) | abrasives, fillers |
| Inderite | Mg(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Used as a source of uranium in nuclear fuel production. |
| Indialite | Mg2Al4Si5O18 | 6-7(6.5) | Used in the production of high-temperature ceramics and refractory materials. |
| Indianaite | Al(OH)3 | 3-4(3.5) | Used in the production of ceramics, paper, and other industrial products. |
| Indicolite | Al(VO4) | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | none |
| Indite | Fe2+Fe3+2O4 | 5.5-6(5.5) | Used in the production of high-performance magnetic materials. |
| Indium | In | 1-10(1.5) | electronics, alloys |
| Inesaite | Ca2(UO2)3(VO4)2?H2O | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | none |
| Infantite | Ca2Fe3+2O5 | 5-6(5.5) | Used in the production of specialty ceramics and glass. |
| Infernite | Fe3+2Cr3+O4 | 5.5-6.5(6.0) | none |
| Infill | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ingegoite | NaUO2(VO4)?2-3H2O | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | none |
| Inghomite | NaCa(UO2)2(VO4)2?6-8H2O | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | none |
| Intercalation | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Inyoite | Ca[B(OH)4]2�H2O | 1-2(1.5) | Used in the production of certain types of glass and ceramics. |
| Iquiquenite | Cu2+Fe3+O2(OH) | 3-4(3.5) | Used as a minor ore of copper in certain mining operations. |
| Iraqite-(Ce) | (Ca,Ce)2(Al,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH) | 6-7(6.5) | Used in the production of specialty ceramics and glass. |
| Iraqite-(La) | (Ca,La)2(Al,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH) | 6-7(6.5) | Used in the production of specialty ceramics and glass. |
| Ircalite | (Ca,Fe,Mg)2(Ti,Fe)2O6 | 5-6(5.5) | Used as a source of titanium in the production of pigments and other industrial materials. |
| Iridium | Ir | 6.5-7(7.0) | Used in the production of high-performance electronics, catalysts, and jewelry. |
| Iridosmine | (Ir,Os) | 7-8(7.5) | Used in the production of high-performance electronics, catalysts, and jewelry. |
| Iridumosmine | (Ir,Os) | 7-8(7.5) | Used in the production of high-performance electronics, catalysts, and jewelry. |
| Irigenite | Fe2+Fe3+2O4 | 5.5-6(5.5) | Used in the production of high-performance magnetic materials. |
| Iriqite | NaCa(UO2)2(VO4)2?6-8H2O | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | none |
| Irixite | Cu2+Fe3+O2(OH) | 3-4(3.5) | Used as a minor ore of copper in certain mining operations. |
| Irobandite | (UO2)3(VO4)2�5-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Used as a source of uranium in nuclear fuel production. |
| Irsenite | FeAsS | 2.0-3.0(2.5) | none |
| Irtyshite | (Co,Ni,Fe)2+x(As,P,V)O4�nH2O | 4-5(4.5) | Used in the production of specialty pigments and catalysts. |
| Irvinite | Ca2(UO2)3(VO4)2?6-8H2O | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | none |
| Irwinite | Ca2Ti2O7 | 5-6(5.5) | Used in the production of specialty ceramics and glass. |
| Iseite | PbUO2VO4(OH) | 3-4(3.5) | Used as a source of uranium in nuclear fuel production. |
| Itoigawaite | CaAl2Si2O8(OH) | 5-6(5.5) | Used in the production of specialty ceramics and refractory materials. |
| Ittnerite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Used as a source of uranium in nuclear fuel production. |
| Iyoite | Ca[B(OH)4]2�H2O | 1-2(1.5) | Used in the production of certain types of glass and ceramics. |
Descriptions
Iamantite
A rare iron-nickel mineral found in meteorites and in the Earth’s mantle. It is highly resistant to corrosion and has a distinctive metallic luster.
Ianthinite
A relatively rare uranium oxide hydroxide mineral that forms small, blue-violet prismatic crystals. It is an important indicator of oxidation-reduction conditions in uranium-bearing deposits.
Ibergite
A rare manganese silicate mineral that forms green to brownish-green prismatic crystals. It is associated with other manganese minerals in metamorphic and hydrothermal deposits.
Icaite
A rare uranyl vanadate mineral found in oxidized uranium deposits. It forms bright yellow crystals and can be used in the storage of radioactive waste.
Icaiunite
A rare copper-zinc lead arsenate chloride hydroxide mineral. Forms emerald-green hexagonal crystals.
Icavosite
A rare calcium copper vanadate mineral. Forms light blue to blue-green prismatic crystals.
Ichthyolite
A soft, waxy, dark-colored organic mineral derived from fossilized fish remains. It is used as a fossil fuel and as an organic fertilizer.
Ichthyophthalmite
A rare calcium beryllium silicate mineral. Forms slender, prismatic crystals with a greasy luster.
Icosahedral Quasicrystal
A rare and unusual form of quasicrystalline aluminum-copper-iron alloy that exhibits a complex, non-repeating atomic structure. It is known for its exceptional hardness and wear resistance.
Icosahedrite
The first natural quasicrystal discovered, this rare aluminum-copper-iron mineral forms small, metallic-looking grains and is associated with other unusual minerals in meteorites.
Icositetrahedral Quasicrystal
A rare aluminum-copper-iron mineral with an unusual ‘quasicrystalline’ structure. Exhibits 14-sided polyhedra with five-fold rotational symmetry.
Ideaite
A rare lead vanadate mineral. Forms yellowish-green to yellow prismatic crystals.
Idiomorphic
A term used to describe mineral crystals that have well-developed, euhedral crystal faces.
Idrialite
A rare organic mineral composed of hydrocarbons, forming bright red to orange, waxy crystals. It is found in mercury and cinnabar deposits and was historically used as a red pigment.
Ienaite
A rare platinum arsenide mineral. Forms silvery-gray metallic crystals.
Iesite
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms bright yellow, tabular crystals. It is a secondary mineral associated with the weathering of other uranium-bearing minerals.
Iglesiasite
A rare copper-bearing uranium vanadate mineral that forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow crystals. It is a secondary mineral found in oxidized uranium deposits.
Ignatievite
A rare sodium calcium iron uranyl vanadate hydroxide hydrate mineral. Forms pale green prismatic crystals.
Igrasulite
A rare uranium thorium silicate hydrate mineral. Forms yellowish-green to olive-green crystalline masses.
Ikaite
A rare calcium carbonate hexahydrate mineral. Forms transparent to translucent white crystals.
Ikaturite
A rare nickel-iron hydroxide mineral. Forms green to bluish-green prismatic crystals.
Ikunolite
Ilsemannite
Ilalite
A rare manganese oxide mineral. Forms dark brown to black earthy masses.
Ildinite
A rare iron oxide mineral that can be used as a pigment or as a catalyst in chemical processes.
Ilgauite
A rare nickel antimonate mineral. Forms yellowish-green to emerald-green prismatic crystals.
Ilhuicaminite
A rare uranyl vanadate mineral found in uranium deposits. It forms bright yellow crystals and can be used in the storage of radioactive waste.
Ilimaussiteite
A rare sodium calcium titanium silicate hydrate mineral. Forms pale blue to greenish-blue prismatic crystals.
Ilimaussitite
A rare sodium iron titanium silicate hydrate mineral. Forms pale blue to greenish-blue prismatic crystals.
Ilisite
A clay mineral that forms thin, platy crystals. It is a common constituent of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and is important in the study of clay mineralogy.
Illinite
A clay mineral in the mica group. Forms fine-grained masses with a pearly luster.
Ilmenite
A titanium-iron oxide mineral that is the primary ore of titanium. It forms dark-colored, metallic-looking crystals and is found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Ilmenorutile
A titanium niobium oxide mineral that is an important ore of titanium. It forms brown to black octahedral crystals and is found in granite pegmatites and metamorphic rocks.
Ilvaite
A rare calcium iron silicate mineral. Forms black to dark brown prismatic crystals used as a pigment.
Ilvite
A rare calcium iron silicate mineral. Forms black to dark brown prismatic crystals.
Imalite
A rare calcium silicate mineral that can be used in the production of specialty ceramic materials.
Imandrite
A rare iron and magnesium titanate mineral that forms black, metallic-looking octahedral crystals. It is found in high-temperature metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Imerinite
A rare calcium-copper-aluminum oxide mineral that forms blue to green, prismatic crystals. It is associated with other rare earth and transition metal minerals in hydrothermal deposits.
Imerite
A rare hydrous calcium sodium silicate mineral that forms green tabular crystals. It is found in cavities in alkali basalt.
Imhofite
A rare potassium calcium uranyl vanadate hydrate mineral. Forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow prismatic crystals.
Imogolite
A rare, naturally occurring aluminosilicate mineral that forms extremely thin, tubular nanostructures. It has a high surface area and is valued for its unique adsorptive and catalytic properties.
Impactite
A general term for rocks and minerals formed by the impact of meteorites or other objects.
Impsonite
A rare hydrocarbon mineral. Forms black, bituminous masses with a pitch-like luster.
Inaglite
A rare calcium copper uranyl vanadate hydrate mineral. Forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow prismatic crystals.
Inaglyite
A rare sodium calcium uranyl vanadate hydrate mineral. Forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow prismatic crystals.
Inawashiroite
A rare uranyl vanadate mineral found in uranium deposits. It forms bright yellow crystals and can be used in the storage of radioactive waste.
Incongruent melting
A type of phase transition where a substance does not melt into a single liquid phase, but instead decomposes into two or more distinct liquid phases.
Indallgite
A rare aluminum silicate mineral that can be used as an abrasive or filler material.
Inderite
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow, prismatic crystals. It is a secondary mineral associated with the weathering of other uranium-bearing minerals.
Indialite
A rare magnesium aluminum silicate mineral that forms hexagonal crystals. It is an important constituent of some metamorphic rocks and is known for its high thermal stability and resistance to chemical attack.
Indianaite
A rare, naturally occurring aluminum hydroxide mineral that forms white, platy crystals. It is a secondary mineral found in the oxidation zones of aluminum-bearing ore deposits.
Indicolite
A rare aluminum vanadate mineral. Forms deep blue to indigo blue prismatic crystals.
Indite
A rare iron oxide mineral that forms black, octahedral crystals. It is an important source of iron and is found in metamorphic and hydrothermal deposits.
Indium
A rare, soft, silvery-white metal that is used in the production of LCD screens, semiconductors, and other electronic devices. It is also used in the production of various alloys.
Inesaite
A rare calcium uranyl vanadate hydrate mineral. Forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow prismatic crystals.
Infantite
A rare calcium iron oxide mineral that forms reddish-brown to black, prismatic crystals. It is associated with other iron-bearing minerals in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Infernite
A rare iron chromium oxide mineral. Forms black octahedral crystals.
Infill
The process of filling in cracks, cavities, or other voids in a mineral or rock, often with a different mineral or material.
Ingegoite
A rare sodium uranyl vanadate hydrate mineral. Forms yellow to greenish-yellow prismatic crystals.
Inghomite
A rare sodium calcium uranyl vanadate hydrate mineral. Forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow prismatic crystals.
Intercalation
The process of inserting a foreign molecule or ion between the layers or sheets of a layered material, such as a clay mineral or graphite.
Inyoite
A rare calcium borate mineral that forms white to colorless, prismatic crystals. It is found in evaporite deposits and is associated with other boron-bearing minerals.
Iquiquenite
A rare copper iron oxide hydroxide mineral that forms green to bluish-green, prismatic crystals. It is found in the oxidation zones of copper-bearing deposits.
Iraqite-(Ce)
A rare cerium-bearing calcium aluminum silicate mineral that forms yellowish-green, prismatic crystals. It is associated with other rare earth minerals in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Iraqite-(La)
A rare lanthanum-bearing calcium aluminum silicate mineral that forms greenish-yellow, prismatic crystals. It is associated with other rare earth minerals in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Ircalite
A rare calcium-iron-magnesium titanate mineral that forms black, metallic-looking, prismatic crystals. It is found in high-temperature metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Iridium
A rare, silvery-white, and highly corrosion-resistant metal that is one of the rarest elements on Earth. It is primarily used in specialized industrial and high-tech applications due to its exceptional properties.
Iridosmine
A rare, naturally occurring alloy of iridium and osmium that forms metallic-looking, hexagonal crystals. It is found in placer deposits and is valued for its exceptional hardness and resistance to wear.
Iridumosmine
A rare, naturally occurring alloy of iridium and osmium that forms metallic-looking, hexagonal crystals. It is found in placer deposits and is valued for its exceptional hardness and resistance to wear.
Irigenite
A rare iron oxide mineral that forms black, octahedral crystals. It is an important source of iron and is found in metamorphic and hydrothermal deposits.
Iriqite
A rare sodium calcium uranyl vanadate hydrate mineral. Forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow prismatic crystals.
Irixite
A rare copper iron oxide hydroxide mineral that forms green to bluish-green, prismatic crystals. It is found in the oxidation zones of copper-bearing deposits.
Irobandite
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow, tabular crystals. It is a secondary mineral associated with the weathering of other uranium-bearing minerals.
Irsenite
A rare iron arsenic sulfide mineral. Forms steel-gray to silver-gray metallic crystals.
Irtyshite
A rare cobalt-nickel-iron arsenate mineral that forms blue to green, prismatic crystals. It is associated with other cobalt and nickel minerals in hydrothermal deposits.
Irvinite
A rare calcium uranyl vanadate hydrate mineral. Forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow prismatic crystals.
Irwinite
A rare calcium titanate mineral that forms yellowish-brown, prismatic crystals. It is associated with other titanium-bearing minerals in high-temperature igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Iseite
A rare lead uranyl vanadate mineral that forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow, tabular crystals. It is a secondary mineral found in the oxidation zones of uranium-bearing deposits.
Itoigawaite
A rare calcium aluminum silicate hydroxide mineral that forms colorless to white, prismatic crystals. It is associated with other rare earth and transition metal minerals in metamorphic and hydrothermal environments.
Ittnerite
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow, prismatic crystals. It is a secondary mineral associated with the weathering of other uranium-bearing minerals.
Iyoite
A rare calcium borate mineral that forms white to colorless, prismatic crystals. It is found in evaporite deposits and is associated with other boron-bearing minerals.
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