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 …
Pepin County
Calcite
Formula: CaCO3 HEXAGONAL Description: Calcite sceptor crystals from Shullsburg, Wisconsin. UW–River Falls specimen. Sample is about 8 cm high. (Photo by Pete Rodewald.) Calcite is an abundant mineral found in many geological environments. It forms by precipitation from …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Goethite
Formula: FeO(OH) Orthorhombic Description: Stalactitic goethite from Montreal Mine in Iron County, Wisconsin. (Photo by W. Cordua.) Goethite is a common iron mineral. It often forms by weathering of other iron-rich minerals, thus is a common component …
Quartz
Formula: SiO2 Hexagonal Description: Quartz is the most abundant mineral. It is an essential component of granitic igneous rocks, of sedimentary rocks such as sandstone and chert and of metamorphic rocks such as quartzites. It is a …