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, …

Hornblende

Formula: (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe)4Al(Si7Al)O22(OH,F)2 Monoclinic Description: Hornblende as a mineral name has been recently discredited. Here it is used as a field name for any dark amphibole for which the exact composition has not been determined. In the past …

Andradite

  Formula: Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3 Isometric Description: Andradite is a member of the garnet group found in calcareous metamorphic rocks, especially marbles and skarns. FOREST COUNTY: Small grains of andradite, usually with chlorite rims occur in outcrops of the McCaslin …

Vesuvianite

Formula: (Ca,Na,vacancy)19(Al,Mg,Fe)13(vacancy,B,Al,Fe)5(Si2O7)4(SiO4)10(OH,F,O)10 Tetragonal Description:Vesuvianite most commonly forms in metamorphosed calc-silicate rocks. OCONTO COUNTY: Vesuvianite reportedly occurs with garnet, scapolite, clinopyroxene, hornblende and plagioclase in the Waupee Formation in the Mountain area. Here it is found as a contact …

Chlorite Group

Formula: (Al, Fe, Li, Mg, MN, Ni, Zn)6 (Si, Al)4O10(OH, O)2 MONOCLINIC or TRICLINIC Description: Chlorite represents a group of over 10 minerals related by complex solid solution substitutions. These minerals are generally fine-grained, micaceous and dark green. …

Gedrite

Formula: (Mg2)(Mg3Al2)(Al2Si6O22)(OH)2 Orthorhombic Description: Gedrite is a member of the amphibole group. It forms during medium to high grade regional metamorphism of ultramafic, iron-rich or clay-rich protoliths. JACKSON COUNTY: Gedrite has been reported intergrown with cummingtonite in the …