Mineralogy 201

Still working through some issues here, as most humans are doing these daze. Currently working on developing a mobile/desktop user experience that will be seamless between the two designs.

Also, the quizzes are currently returning illogical choices for your possible answers. I’m working on redefining those parameters to deliver a quality experience.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE, AND STAY TUNED…..

Use the audio button below for an overview of Mineralogy, and explore all of the features here on this page. You can look up chemical formulas and other data of over 350 minerals, and search for minerals by the formula as well. We’ve provided a wealth of information for all of your questions about minerals.

Learn a little crystallography, solution series and misconceptions about minerals (lots of more that info coming)

There’s even tips and tricks of how to use the data to test minerals on your own in your kitchen or in the field.

We do not claim to be perfect (yet) so please bear with us as we continue to develop the site, and don’t hesitate to send an email with mistakes you find and your suggestions to make it a better page for all. That email is pustuff(at)gmail…you should know the rest, and hopefully the abbreviated version will help deter scammers and spammers.

Thanks for visiting, and poke around the rest of the site for AllKindsAStuff!!!

Interactive Mineralogy Guide

What is a Mineral?

Explore the fundamental building blocks of our planet. This guide breaks down the precise definition of a mineral, clarifies complex concepts like solid solution series, and debunks common myths in mineralogy.

The 5 Immutable Characteristics

A substance is only a true mineral if it meets all five of these criteria. Click on each rule to learn why it’s essential for classification and what it means for identifying Earth’s materials.

Solid Solution Series Explorer

Minerals can have a “definite chemical composition” that still allows for variation. A solid solution series is a perfect example, representing a continuous compositional range between two end-members. Select a series to explore its compositional variations and intermediate minerals.

Mineral Identification Lab

A common misconception is that a mineral can be identified by its color alone. This is the least reliable property! Many minerals share colors, and one mineral can have many colors. Use the diagnostic tools below to see why geologists rely on a combination of tests for accurate identification.

Interactive Hardness Test

Hardness, or a mineral’s resistance to scratching, is a reliable diagnostic property. Use the Mohs scale simulator below to test a mineral against common objects and other minerals.

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Select a mineral and test object to see the result.

Crystal System Explorer

The ordered internal structure of a mineral gives it a specific crystal system. Click on a system to see its key properties and a 3D model that you can rotate.

3D Crystal Model

Click a crystal system above to view its 3D model.

Mineral Chemistry Builder

Enter a chemical formula below to see if it corresponds to a known mineral, reinforcing the concept of a definite chemical composition. Use element symbols and subscripts (e.g., $SiO_2$, $CaCO_3$) or superscripts for charges.

Enter a formula to check if it’s a mineral.

Mineral Formula Lookup

Enter a mineral name below to find all of its properties from our database.

Enter a mineral name to find its details.

Misconception: “Organic Minerals”

The term “organic mineral” is a source of major confusion, often due to marketing in the supplement industry. It’s crucial to distinguish between the scientific definition and commercial language.

Marketing Term: “Organic Mineral”

In supplements, this usually refers to an inorganic mineral (like Magnesium) that has been artificially bonded (chelated) to an organic molecule (like citrate). The mineral itself is still inorganic. This is done to potentially improve absorption, but the term is misleading from a geological standpoint.

Scientific Definition: True Organic Mineral

In science, this refers to an extremely rare class of minerals whose chemical structure is genuinely made of organic compounds (containing C-H bonds). They form under unique conditions, often involving biological material like coal or guano. Examples include Mellite and Humboldtine. These are not what you find in typical supplements.

Mineralogy Explorer

An interactive guide based on the principles of mineral science.

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