There are 128 minerals that start with the letter L. From Labuntsovite to Lyttonite. 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 L
Minerals | chemical composition | Mohs hardness | common uses |
---|---|---|---|
Labuntsovite | (Na,K)2(Ti,Nb)4O11�3-4H2O | 5-6(5.5) | mineral specimens |
Labyrinthite | KCa3(UO2)2(VO4)2(OH)4�5-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | mineral specimen |
Lacroixite | NaPb2(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | radioactive mineral specimens |
Lactolite | 2MgO�SiO2�H2O | 4-5(4.5) | Mineral specimens |
Laflammeite | CuWO4 | 4-5(4.5) | mineral specimens |
Lagonite | Fe3+2(AsO4)(OH)4 | 2-3(2.5) | mineral specimen |
Lahnda | K2Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | radioactive mineral specimens |
Lahnite | Cu2+Co2+[AsO4]2�8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | Mineral specimens |
Laitakarite | (Mn,Fe)2(PO4)2�4-8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | mineral specimen |
Lammerite | Cu3(AsO4)2 | 3-4(3.5) | mineral specimens |
Lamprophyllite | (Na,Sr,Ba)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)4 | 6-7(6.5) | mineral specimens |
Lanarkite | Pb2(SO4)O | 3-4(3.5) | mineral specimens |
Lancasterite | Pb(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | radioactive mineral specimens |
Landesite | Cu2+Al[AsO4](OH) | 4-5(4.5) | Mineral specimens |
Landeyrite | Cu2+Al[AsO4](OH) | 4-5(4.5) | Mineral specimens |
Langbeinite | K2Mg2(SO4)3 | 3-4(3.5) | fertilizer, mineral specimens |
Langite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6�2H2O | 2-3(2.5) | mineral specimens |
Lanthanite-(Ce) | (Ce,La)2(CO3)3�8H2O | 2.0-3.0 | Mineral specimen |
Lanthanite-(La) | La2(CO3)3�8H2O | 2.0-3.0 | Mineral specimen |
Lanthanum | La | 2.5-3(2.8) | metal alloys, batteries, magnets |
Lapieite | PbZnCl2(OH)2 | 2-3(2.5) | mineral specimens |
Laplandite-(Ce) | (Ce,La,Nd)2Mn3+2(PO4)2(OH)2�2H2O | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral specimens |
Lappaconitite | Ca5(UO2)2(VO4)2(OH)4�6-8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | Mineral specimens |
Laramidite | BaCa(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | radioactive mineral specimens |
Larariite | CaCu2+x(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | radioactive mineral specimens |
Larderellite | NH4B5O9�4H2O | 2.0-3.0 | Mineral specimen |
Larialite | (Na,Ca)(Al,Fe3+,Fe2+)Si2O6 | 5-6(5.5) | displays vibrant green color |
Larnite | Ca2SiO4 | 5-6(5.5) | cement, refractory materials |
Larsenite | PbZnSiO4 | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral specimens |
Larssonite | NaCa4(UO2)2(VO4)3�6-8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | Mineral specimens |
Lasalite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | Mineral specimens |
Lasiocorinite | NiCo2+2(AsO4)2�8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | Mineral specimens |
Lasurite | Cu2+Al4(AsO4)2(OH)8 | 3-4(3.5) | Mineral specimens |
Latiumite | (Ba,K)Al2Si2O8 | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral specimen |
Laudixite | (Ca,Na)(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Laueite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)4�4-8H2O | 3.0-4.0 | Mineral specimen |
Laumontite | CaAl2Si4O12�4H2O | 3-4(3.5) | building stone, mineral specimens |
Laurettite | AgHgI3 | 2-3(2.5) | Mineral specimens |
Laurionite | Pb(OH)Cl | 2-3(2.5) | mineral specimens |
Laurite | RuS2 | 6.5-7(6.8) | jewelry, catalysts |
Lautarite | Ca(IO3)2 | 3-4(3.5) | mineral specimens |
Lavendulan | NaCaCu5(AsO4)2Cl�5H2O | 3-4(3.5) | mineral specimens |
Lavouraite | NaCaAl4Si2O8 | 6.0-6.5(6.25) | used as a gemstone |
Lawrencite | (Fe,Ni)Cl2 | 1-2(1.5) | mineral specimens |
Lazulite | (Mg,Fe2+)Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 | 5-6(5.5) | gemstone, mineral specimens |
Leadhillite | Pb4(SO4)(CO3)2(OH)2 | 2-3(2.5) | mineral specimens |
Leakyite | Cu(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Leblanite | Cu6(CO3)(OH)8 | 1.0-2.0 | Mineral specimen |
Leconite | Na(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3.0-4.0(3.5) | used as a source of uranium |
Ledikite | (Mg,Fe2+)2(V,Cr)2O7�4H2O | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | used as a source of vanadium |
Lehnerite | MnTi2O4 | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral specimen |
Leidyite | (UO2)3O2(OH)3�1-3H2O | 3-4(3.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Leightonite | Ca2Cu2+(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2.0-3.0 | Mineral specimen |
Lemanskiite | CaMgSi2O6 | 6.0-6.5(6.25) | collector’s item |
Lengenite | Ni2+Mg6(SiO4)4(OH)4 | 5.5-6.0(5.75) | used in the production of ceramics |
Lennilenapeite | (Ba,K,Ca)(Ti,Fe3+)8O16 | 6-7(6.5) | Mineral specimen |
Lenoblite | (Ca,Ce,La)(Ti,Fe3+)O3 | 5-6(5.5) | mineral specimens |
Leonardsenite | (Mg,Ni)3(VO4)2�4-6H2O | 3-4(3.5) | mineral specimens |
Leonhardite | CaAl2Si4O12�4H2O | 3.5-4.0(3.75) | used as a building material |
Leonhardtite | Mg(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | radioactive mineral specimens |
Leonite | K2Mg(SO4)2�4H2O | 2-3(2.5) | none |
Leophyllite | K(Fe2+,Mg)2(Al,Fe3+)2(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2 | 2.0-3.0(2.5) | collector’s item |
Lepageite | Ca2Cu2(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2.0-3.0 | Mineral specimen |
Lepersonnite-(Gd) | (Gd,Y)2Cu2+(UO2)2(CO3)4(OH)4�4-6H2O | 3-4(3.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Lepidocrocite | ?-FeO(OH) | 4.0-5.0 | Pigment, catalysts, water treatment |
Lepidolite | K(Li,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(F,OH)2 | 2.5-3.5(3.0) | ceramic, glass, cosmetics |
Lepidomelane | K(Fe2+,Mg)3(AlSi3O10)(OH,F)2 | 2-3(2.5) | mica, mineral specimens |
Lepromorphite | Fe2+(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Lermonite | Na4(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Lermontovite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3.0-4.0(3.5) | used as a source of uranium and vanadium |
Lernite | CaV2O6�3H2O | 4.0-4.5(4.25) | used as a source of vanadium |
Lesukite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�5-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Leucaspilite | Fe2+Al4(SiO4)3(OH)4 | 5.5-6.0(5.75) | used in the production of ceramics |
Leucite | KAlSi2O6 | 5.5-6.0 | Glass, ceramics |
Leucochalcite | Cu2+Al(AsO4)(OH) | 3.5-4.0(3.75) | used as a decorative stone |
Leucophanite | NaCaBeSi2O6F | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral specimen |
Leucophoenicite | Mn7(SiO4)3(OH) | 5.5-6.0 | Mineral specimen |
Leucophosphite | KFe2+(PO4)(OH) | 4.0-4.5(4.25) | used in the production of fertilizers |
Leucosphenite | BaTi4+O3(OH) | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral specimen |
Leucothorite | (U,Th)O2�2H2O | 4.0-4.5(4.25) | used as a source of uranium and thorium |
Levyne | (Ca,Na2,K2,Mg)Al2Si4O12�6H2O | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral specimen |
Lewisite | Co2+Al2(AsO4)2(OH)4 | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | collector’s item |
Libethenite | Cu2+PO4(OH) | 3.5-4(3.75) | Mineral specimen |
Lichtenbergite | (Ni,Co)3(AsO4)2�8H2O | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | collector’s item |
Liebenbergite | Mg2NiSiO4 | 6.0-7.0(6.5) | collector’s item |
Liebigite | Ca2UO2(CO3)3�10-12H2O | 2.0-3.0 | Mineral specimen |
Liechenitite | Co3(AsO4)2�8H2O | 2.0-3.0 | Mineral specimen |
Liguanite | Cu5(AsO4)2(OH)4 | 3.5-4.0 | Mineral specimen |
Ligurite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | uranium ore |
Likasite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Lilacite | Pb2Cu2(AsO4)2(OH)2 | 3.5-4.0 | Mineral specimen |
Limonite | FeO(OH)�nH2O | 5-5.5(5.25) | pigment, ore of iron |
Lindackerite | NiAs2O5�6H2O | 2.0-3.0 | Mineral specimen |
Lindbergite | Mn2+UO2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | uranium ore |
Lindgrenite | Cu3(UO2)2(VO4)2(OH)4�8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Linnaeite | Co3S4 | 5-6(5.5) | ore of cobalt |
Linnaite | Co3S4 | 5.5-6.0(5.75) | cobalt ore, pigment |
Linneite | Co3S4 | 5.5-6(5.75) | Mineral specimen |
Lipscombite | Fe2+(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Litharge | PbO | 3.0-4.0(3.5) | lead ore, paint pigment |
Lithiophilite | LiMnPO4 | 5.0-5.5(5.25) | collector’s item |
Lithiophorite | (Al,Li)MnO2(OH) | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral specimen |
Lithiophyllite | LiMn2+PO4 | 5.0-5.5(5.25) | collector’s item |
Lithos | (Ca,Na)2Al3(SiO4)3(OH) | 6-7(6.5) | none |
Litidionite | NaCu5(AsO4)2(OH)4 | 3-4(3.5) | Mineral specimen |
Litvinskite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Lobanovite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Locatite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�5-8H2O | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | uranium ore |
Lockeinite | Cu2+UO2(VO4)(OH) | 3-4(3.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Loellingite | FeAs2 | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral specimen |
Lomonosovite | Na4Ti4+O2(PO4)2 | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral specimen |
Loparite | (Ce,Na,Ca)(Ti,Nb)O3 | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | rare earth ore, ceramic |
Lopecite | Cu2+(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Loseyite | (Mg,Fe2+,Ni)2(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Radioactive mineral |
Lotarmandite | Ti4+UO2(VO4)2�3-5H2O | 3.0-4.0(3.5) | uranium ore |
Louisaite | NaCaZrSi2O7 | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral specimen |
Loveringite | Ca(U,Th)(Ti,Nb,Ta)20O38 | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral specimen |
Lovozerite | Na4(Ca,Ce,Na)2(Ti,Nb,Zr)2Si4O14(OH,F)4 | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral specimen |
Lucasite-(Ce) | (Ce,La,Nd,Pr)2Ti2O7 | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral specimen |
Ludjibaite | Cu+Cu2+2(AsO4)(OH)3 | 3.5-4(3.75) | Mineral specimen |
Lueshite | NaNbO3 | 5.5-6.0(5.75) | ceramic, refractory |
Luishite | NaCaVOPO4�2H2O | 3.5-4(3.75) | Mineral specimen |
Lulzacite | AgCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6�3H2O | 3-4(3.5) | Mineral specimen |
Luneburgite | Mg3B2(PO4)2(OH)6 | 3-4(3.5) | Mineral specimen |
Lussatite | SiO2 | 6-7(6.5) | Mineral specimen |
Lusungite | Cu2+Fe3+4(AsO4)3(OH)5 | 4.0-5.0(4.5) | copper ore, collector’s item |
Lyonsite | Cu3(TeO3)(AsO4)(OH) | 3-4(3.5) | Mineral specimen |
Lyttonite | Ca4Zn5(PO4)4(OH)4�4H2O | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | collector’s item |
Descriptions
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