Nickeline

Formula: NiAs Hexagonal Description: Nickeline, also referred to as “niccolite”, is a rare mineral found in high temperature hydrothermal deposits, especially those in mafic igneous rocks. Other nickel minerals, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite are commonly associated. ASHLAND …

Epidote

Formula: Ca2(Al2Fe3+)(Si2O7)(SiO4)O(OH)2 Monoclinic Description: Epidote is a common mineral formed during low grades of metamorphism and hydrothermal activity. It is particular common in metamorphosed basalts and gabbros where it replaces plagioclase, pyroxene and olivine. It can also …

Hematite

Formula: Fe2O3 Hexagonal Description: “Needle Ore” hematite, longest needle is about 20 cm long. From Montreal Mine in Iron County, Wisconsin. (Photo by W. Cordua.) Hematite is an extremely common mineral. It can form as a sedimentary precipitate, …

Plumbogummite

Formula: PbAl3(PO4)2(OH)5.H2O Hexagonal Description: Plumbogummite is a rare secondary mineral found in the oxidized zone over lead-bearing deposits. RUSK COUNTY: Plumbogummite occurs in the oxidized zone at the Flambeau Mine, near Ladysmith (Jones, Jones, and LaBerge, 1999). …

Stibiotantalite

Formula: Sb(Ta, Nb)O4 Orthorhombic Description: Stibiotantalite is a rare mineral forming dark brown, yellow brown or reddish brown tabular crystals in complex granite pegmatites. FLORENCE COUNTY: Falster (1992, personal communication) reports stibiotantalite as occurring in the complex pegmatites …