What Are Minerals?

Minerals are defined as naturally occurring solid substances made of a regular, repeating arrangement of atoms and molecules. A mineral represents a highly ordered atomic arrangement and is formed by inorganic processes. Mineral deposits are located mostly in rock, unless they are moved from their point of origin to some other location by wind, rain or some other natural event. There are 92 types of naturally occurring atoms, which are called chemical elements.
These elements combine in various ways to make over 3,500 known minerals. However, only twelve elements, and fewer than one hundred minerals are relatively abundant. The eight most abundant elements in order of decreasing abundance are:
oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium. Scarce elements like copper and gold occur in rare minerals and are, therefore, valuable.
Minerals are grouped by their chemical composition. The six following common mineral groups consist of pure elements and one of the six respective compounds: metal and oxygen (oxides); silicon and oxygen (silicates); carbon and oxygen (carbonates); metals and sulfur (sulfides); sulfur and oxygen (sulfates); and fluorine chlorine or bromine (halides).
Minerals can also be grouped by their crystal shapes. There are six basic geometrical ways atoms and molecules are arranged in a crystal. These six arrangements are called the
six crystal systems. Minerals belonging to the same crystal system not only have similar outward appearances but also share similar properties.
Some minerals are very colorful, making them attractive to collectors. Of these, many are fragile and can fall apart or turn into powder once they are removed from their natural environment. Atmospheric gases of cities, higher humidity, or a drier climate can cause minerals to significantly change in color, structure and form.
Other minerals can fluoresce, or glow in the dark, when ultraviolet light strikes them. A very plain looking rock can contain minerals that show beautiful colors of red, yellow, orange, or blue when placed under an ultraviolet light. Good examples to try are diamonds, gypsum, fluorite, scapolite, calcite, or amber.
Source: The Milling Industry and Minerals, published by National Energy Foundation, 1992, revised May 1994, Via Rockhound Ramblings, September 2007

Are You a New Rockhound?

What to do? -Have you decided yet? If you're a new rockhound you may be confused by the many phases of our hobby. Do you wonder just, which Earth Science suits you best? Perhaps a little vocational guidance will help you make up your mind...

THE HOARDER:
Are you a hoarder at heart? Are your closet" attic and basement bulging at the seams with things you just can't bear to part with? If the answer is yes, I suggest you become a MINERAL COLLECTOR. WARNING-be sure you have at least one empty room before you start, because you won't be able to part with any of your collection and it will grow at an alarming speed.) if you are an apartment dweller, try collecting miniatures, and if your hacienda has only one room to hang your hat, micromounts are the thing for you. If you have a pack-rat personality, you can enjoy collecting beautiful minerals and crystals no matter how limited your space.
THE PERFECTIONIST:
Are you a perfectionist? Do you admire the perfect shape and beautiful color? If so, you're a born LAPIDARY. No lop-sided cabochons for you! They will all come out with perfect contours and you can be sure your cab, will have a mirror-like polish every tjrne.
UKENUMBERS?
Are you good at mathematics? Do you have the touch of a gentle breeze? May I suggest you try FACETING? This is one hobby where, a mind with a mathematical flair can whiz through a set of angles that would baffle a lesser genius. The results are probably more spectacular than of any other 'facets' of our hobby.
HOW ABOUT VARIETY?
Do you find it hard to stick to one thing for very long? May I suggest NOVEL TIES? You can try polishing flats and then use them for pen bases Try cab, and if you tire of them, make a picture out of them. Try a sphere and if you never get beyond the pre-form stage, make it into a paperweight.

Do you think leftovers taste better than the original dish? Then I suggest TUMBLING for you. Just pick up all the leftover rocks around the house and put them into the tumbler. You'll be surprised what comes out!
OR, are you like a child on Christmas morning? For you, I suggest FLUORESCENTS. Each time you look over your collection, you will recapture the beauty of a lighted Christmas tree.
Do you keep a diary? Are you fascinated by history and the records of past life on this planet? You are the one to collect FOSSILS. You will find a wonderful pastime and sermons in bones, collecting the remains of these past earthlings.
Seriously, there are so many avenues to explore in the earth sciences. In addition, there's CARVING, JEWELRY MAKING and WEEKEND FIELD TRIPS, all worth a try! You would be wise to investigate them all until you find one (or several) that suits you best
HAYE FUN AND GOOD LUCK!

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From ESCOMO, 11/87; via The Rock-lt, 10/09 Via The Rock Collector November, 2009
Via Strata Gems, May 2010

Swarf  And How to Tame It.

Swart is that milky liquid you get when you cut cabochons or facet stones. Although it appears to be harmless, swart can be deadly to your plumbing system and lapidary equipment if not handled properly.
When you grind rocks to make cabochons or faceted stones, you're removing tiny bits of the rock and carrying them away from your work with water. When the water evaporates, the tiny rock bits are left behind as a sort of concrete gunk. Over time, this gunk will harden like concrete.
So how do you tame the swart? Never, never, ever, dispose of your swart in your plumbing system. Don't pour it down a sink or toilet because eventually that gunk will harden and eventually narrow your pipes. Because it's concrete-like when hardened, it will be almost impossible to remove! Instead, take your swart outside to a non-important part of your garden and dump it there -or if there is no garden handy, allow the swart to settle in the bottom of a bucket for a day or
two, then carefully pour off the now clear water, and scoop out the swart, put it in a plastic bag and toss it in the trash.
From Gem Cutters News, Nov 1984 via AFMS Newsletter, Oct 2007

ARE DIAMONDS FOREVER?

Diamond is the hardest substance known, but diamonds are not indestructible. Throughout history, people have confused hardness and toughness. One old belief was that if you placed a diamond on an anvil and struck it with a hammer, the hammer and anvil would shatter. Actually, hardness is the resistance to scratching while toughness is the resistance to breaking. Hardness and toughness are both related to crystal structure. It is impossible to scratch a diamond, but diamonds can be chipped or broken. Occasionally diamonds break during cutting or setting. They may also break or chip if they are knocked against a hard object. Diamonds are considered very durable gems; some have recorded histories spanning centuries. At various times in the past, gem traders have reportedly used the hammer and anvil myth to dupe miners. When offered diamonds, the traders were said to have shattered the stone to demonstrate that they were not diamonds. After the disappointed miners left, the traders picked up the pieces and sold them. Even to this day the confusion between hardness and toughness continues; many people cannot understand why their diamond broke when they dropped it down the garbage disposal or when a stone is struck a hard blow. Diamonds should always be checked for damage after they have hit against a hard object. A damaged diamond can be repaired by re-cutting the stone.
Ret:. BEMS Tumbler 3106; via The Quany, 6-7/00; via
The Rock collector, 5100; via The Cowtown Cutter, 4/00;
from The Rock Rattler, 6192, via Golden Spike News, 09/10

The f uture of Our Collections by Jeff Self and Donna Ware Friends of Mineralogy Colorado Chapter Preservation Committee One of the most overlooked, even ignored, aspects of mineral collecting is what happens to our collections after we are gone. What to us is a treasure to be studied, admired, even gloated over may be perceived by our heirs or the executor of our estates as no more than annoying dusty rocks, taking up space and cluttering up the place. We need to be aware that we are custodians for our collections and plan ahead for their future. We have personally climbed into dumpsters to rescue collections destined for the nearest landfill. These pieces were not thrown away out of spite but because they were seen as Granddad's (Grandma's) dusty boxes of rocks. Unfortunately Granddad had left no instructions for his family as to what to do with his collection. They had no idea of the value of the pieces, scientifically, financially or otherwise. The specimens had no labels with them to identify them or show where they came from. To the uninitiated they were only clutter to be disposed of. One of the first points to be considered to help protect our pieces is labeling. A well labeled specimen is less likely to be thrown out and is far more valuable than an unlabeled one. On the back of the label you might want to write how much the piece cost and the date of purchase. This makes it easier for others to realize these pieces should be dealt with appropriately. For self collected pieces an approximate value should be recorded as well. The next step to be considered is the disposition of the collection. What happens to our treasures when we are gone? If you leave the collection to a museum there are several things to consider. Museums do not have a lot of space to store material. They tend to take the pieces they are most interested in and dispose of the rest. If a museum is to inherit the collection be sure to give them permission to do with it as they see fit. That way they can add the appropriate pieces to their collection then sell the rest in their gift shop and/or trade for specimens they are attempting to acquire. This enriches and improves the museum. Be sure to talk to the curator of minerals at your museum of interest and see if they would be amenable to this. Many of your more common specimens can be given to schools to help educate children about minerals. Small quartz crystals, feldspars, -The Future of Our Collections calcites, etc., are always needed by schools. The U.S. Geological Survey often has need of just such pieces that they give out in teacher kits. Also many mineral clubs make Grab Bags for kids and they are always looking for more small pieces. Another thing to consider is family and friends. Is there anyone you would like to have "caretake" any of your pieces? Give this a great deal of thought. Some people may seem like they would be good candidates but they may only be saying what you wish to hear. Do they truly love the minerals or do they just love you and will say anything you wish to hear. "Gee these rocks are really neat". Another issue is the matter of perceived value. We once were asked to evaluate some pieces from an estate that a nephew was wanting for himself. The rest of the I family wanted anything he got to be taken out of his share of the estate. They believed the pieces he wanted must be incredibly valuable. The true value was far below the "wow" price. If the pieces had purchase prices on the back of the labels it would have saved everyone involved a lot of heartache. Do not forget anyone you may have been working with when you found some of the specimens. (self collected). Be sure any and all bequests are mentioned in Ithe will. A verbal agreement may not be enough. Another option is to leave instructions to sell the collection (or part of it) to a reputable mineral dealer. Many Idealers do buy collections. Consider leaving a list of mineral dealers who may be interested in your collection. i Mineral dealers do have to make a profit so the price offered will be quite a bit below the full retail value. But this does tend to deal with the entire collection in one fairly painless transaction. Or you can deal with part or all of the collection while you are still around. While this may not be an option for some due to the unhappiness not having the pieces would cause, this may be the simplest solution. You would get to enjoy the look on the faces of your friends and family when you give them the piece or pieces you wish them to have. You can give pieces to a museum and enjoy the pride of having given to them. There is also the possibility of selling the collection yourself. Possibly by setting up as a mineral dealer. However the cost of doing shows can be prohibitive, a large investment in time and money. Sale to a mineral dealer may still be the best option. You might be able to take that money and have the vacation you always wanted. These points are applicable to more than just minerals. Anything we collect should be considered as well: Books, antiques, mining memorabilia, family heirlooms, etc. Anything we care for and enjoy should have some thought put into its disposition. from Colorado Mineral Society -Mineral Minutes, August 2010