Do you plan on going on vacation to Jamaica soon? If so, you might want to go rockhounding while visiting Jamaica, as numerous rocks and crystals can be found there. The first thing you’ll need to do before you go is start learning what kind of rocks you’ll find in Jamaica. So, without further ado, let’s … Read more
There are a variety of rocks found in Zambia, a country in the south-central of Africa. It boasts a wide range of stones that underpin the country’s economy. Hence, Zambia is considered one of the few African countries endowed with different unique mineral resources. Its geological terrains and the multiplicity of thermal and tectonic events … Read more
There are three types of rock: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. In this article, we drilled down deep to dig out all of the information you need to learn about the most common type of rock, igneous rock. Read on for more info on what they are, how they develop, and how to recognize them — … Read more
No, serpentine is not a toxic rock. The misconception is that chrysotile asbestos (a fibrous mineral) is one of three minerals that make up serpentine. However, the association with chrysotile asbestos has been the downfall of this stone. It only becomes toxic if it is disturbed. Is Serpentine Toxic? (A Beginner’s Guide) 1) Serpentine Is Not A … Read more
Biotite cannot scratch glass on its own. In this article, we’ll examine both materials in detail to get a better sense as to why biotite cannot scratch glass. Can Biotite Scratch Glass? (EXPLAINED) To understand why one material can scratch another, we generally start with the hardness and chemical makeup of a material. Amateur geologists … Read more
No, coal cannot scratch glass. In the article that follows, you learn what you need to about coal, and why it is that coal cannot scratch glass. Can Coal Scratch Glass? (EXPLAINED) When it comes to scratching glass, coal is one of the least available types of rock or minerals that can do the job. … Read more
Dumortierite and sodalite are minerals, but with both different and similar properties. Dumortierite is formed in metamorphic rocks, while sodalite is formed in rocks with little to no silica. They become incorporated in quartz crystals due to the high pressure and temperatures it takes to form many types of crystals. In the article that follows, … Read more
The fascinating mineraloids of shungite and obsidian resemble one another and have curious similarities and marked differences. In this article, you’ll learn about these two materials, and how they are similar and different. Shungite vs Obsidian (EXPLAINED) Shungite consists mainly of the element carbon, lacks a common crystal structure, and is silvery black in color. Black … Read more
There are so many gorgeous stones out there and there are plenty that are often mistaken for one another. Hackmanite and Sodalite are stones that seem very similar, but that are completely different stones. These stones may look similar, but they are fantastic stones in their own right. Hackmanite vs Sodalite (EXPLAINED) What is Hackmanite? … Read more
A mineral made of a zinc-bearing rhodonite, Fowlerite was named by Charles Upham Shepard in 1832 in commemoration of Dr. Samuel Fowler of New Jersey who was a physician who had a very large interest in science as well as business. He was also a US Congressman representing New Jersey from 1833 to 1837. He … Read more