Formula: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 Monoclinic Description: Actinolite is a common member of the amphibole family. It typically forms during low-grade metamorphism of mafic igneous rocks (such as basalt and gabbro) or carbonate-rich rocks such as limey mudstones. ASHLAND COUNTY: Van …
Polk County
Apatite Group
Formula: Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH) Hexagonal Description:Apatite denotes a family of minerals referred to variously in older literature as “fluorapatite,” “chlorapatite,” “carbonate-apatite” or “hydroxlyapatite” and in newer literature as apatite- (CaF) etc. depending on which anion group dominates. Members …
Augite
Formula: (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al)2O6 Monoclinic Description: Augite is the most common mineral in the pyroxene family. It has many varieties due to the variation in chemistry possible in its complex coupled solid solution series. Augite is common in gabbroic …
Bornite
Formula: Cu5FeS4 Orthorhombic Description: Bornite forms as a primary hydrothermal precipitate or a later supergene replacement mineral. It occurs with other copper minerals such as covellite, malachite and azurite. It is marked by its intense purple to …
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 …
Chalcocite
Formula: Cu2S Monoclinic Description: Chalcocite is formed either as a primary vein mineral or, more typically, in supergene deposits where it forms as a result of the redeposition of copper from the breakdown of minerals such …
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, …
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. …
Clinozoisite
Formula: Ca2Al3(Si2O7)(SiO4)O(OH) Monoclinic Description: Common in low-grade metamorphic rocks, particularly as an alteration product of plagioclase. ASHLAND COUNTY: Formed as an alteration product of plagioclase in the gabbros near Mellen, where it forms with epidote, zoisite, calcite …
Copper
Formula: Cu Isometric Description: Native copper occurs as veins and cavity fillings in hydrothermally altered basaltic igneous rocks. It is also a product of near-surface supergene alteration of other copper minerals, such as chalcopyrite. Copper can …