Formula: (K,Na)(Fe3+,Al,Mg)2(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2 Monoclinic Description: Glauconite is abundant in the Paleozoic sandstones in Wisconsin where it forms rounded dark green sand-sized nodules. At places glauconite may make up the majority of the rock, forming what are commonly called …
Crawford County
Pyrite
Pyrite is the most common sulfide found in many environments. It is a common accessory mineral in igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. It also is abundant in most hydrothermal deposits. Only the most significant occurrences …
Tenorite
Formula: CuO Monoclinic Description:Tenorite is a black massive mineral found in the oxidized portions of copper deposits where it is associated with other secondary minerals such as cuprite, malachite, azurite, goethite and hematite. It usually forms …
Pearls
Description: Pearls are hard nodular precipitates formed inside the shells of mollusks such as clams. They consist of layers of calcium carbonate, either in the form of calcite or aragonite held together by a horny …
Chalcopyrite
Formula: CuFeS2 Tetragonal Description: Chalcopyrite is an important ore of copper found in a wide range of hydrothermal environments. It is often associated with sphalerite and galena. It oxidizes to form copper minerals such as malachite, azurite, …
Marcasite
Formula: FeS2 Orthorhombic Description: Marcasite helectite, New Diggings area, Lafayette County, Wisconsin. Sample is about 8 cm long. (Photo by W. Cordua.) Marcasite is common in Wisconsin, often found in well-formed crystals in cavities and veins in the …
Calcite Speleothems
Formula: CaCO3 HEXAGONAL Description: Speleothems are precipitates, usually made of calcite, in caverns. They should be conserved and not be collected from caves in order to preserve the caves’ beauty, interest and scientific values. CRAWFORD COUNTY: Abundant speleothems …
Hydromagnesite
Formula: Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2.4H2O Monoclinic Description: Hydromagnesite forms white chalky masses or, occasionally sprays of radiating acicular to bladed crystals due to the alteration and weathering of magnesium-rich rocks. CRAWFORD COUNTY: Hydromagnesite is a major component of moon-milk …
Malachite
Formula: Cu2(CO3)(OH2) Monoclinic Description: Malachite is a common alteration product of other copper-bearing minerals. Its bright green color makes it not only easily recognized, but also highly sought after by mineral collectors. It occurs most notable …
Galena
Formula: PbS Isometric Description: Galena crystals surrounded by marcasite, from Shullsburg, Wisconsin. (Photo by W. Cordua.) Galena is formed in a wide range of hydrothermal environments. It can be found with sphalerite and chalcopyrite in massive sulfide …