Silicate Collection (page 4)

Plate 10, fig 1 from Mineralienbuch
An illustration of an axinite mineral specimen. Plate 10, fig 1 from Mineralienbuch by F. A. Schmidt, Stuttgart 1855

Plate 3, fig 4 from Mineralienbuch
A illustration of a slice of polished brown jasper. Jasper is a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz (silicon dioxide). Plate 3, fig 4 from Mineralienbuch by F. A. Schmidt, Stuttgart 1855

Plate 10, fig 2 from Mineralienbuch
An illustration of an andalusite mineral deposit showing columnar crystals. Plate 10, fig 2 from Mineralienbuch by F. A. Schmidt, Stuttgart 1855

Agate
This polished agate specimen from Saxony is called Breccia Sanguigna. This brecciated agate comprises mainly of irregular sized fragments of cryptocrystalline quartz, set in a finer matrix

Agate
A polished slice of agate from Uraguay. Agate (silicon dioxide) is a cryptocrystalline quartz

Chrome diopside
Two variations of a diopside gemstone (calcium magnesium silicate). Left: Deep-green faceted cut stone; locality unknown. Right: Small translucent green detached crystal from Outokumpu, Finland

Plate 53 from Mineralogie
Mine de Plomb blanc en rayon et Colore du Hars tire du Cabinet de Mr. Aubert. From Recuille complet de Mineralogie? vol.6 (1790) by F.L. Swebach Desfontaines

Agate
A polished slice of agate or chalcedony from Uraguay. Agate (silicon dioxide) is a cryptocrystalline quartz

Plate 102 from Mineralogie
Superbe groupe de grands cristaux d Aigue marine de Siberie. From Recuille complet de Mineralogie Vol.3 (1790) by F. L. Swebach Desfontaines

Jadarite specimen
The mineral jadarite has the same chemical composition as kryptonite. Discovered in Serbia in 2006, jadarite is composed of sodium, lithium, boron silicate and hydroxide

Birthstone Series: Zircon
Zircon comes in a variety of colours, but most commonly brown or green. It is the birthstone for the month of December (along with Tanzinte and Turquoise). Photographed by Harry Taylor

Birthstone Series: Lazurite

Birthstone Series: Citrine
Citrine is a form of quartz that appears in different a variety of yellows and oranges, it is the birthstone for the month of November along with Topaz. Specimen number 21470

Included diamond gemstone
A two-carat rectangular step-cut diamond with a large violet-red garnet inclusion visible in the table facet

Sapphire turban button
A rose-cut facetted deep-blue sapphire mounted in a button of quartz, inlaid with gold, rubies & emeralds. No 198 in the collection of Sir Hans Sloane

Uvarovite garnets comprise of (calcium chromium silicate). They are characterized by their green colour and rounded crystals of either 12 or 24 faces

Gobbinsite comprises of (hydrated sodium potassium calcium aluminum silicate) and derives from the zeolite group. Specimen found nr. Black Cave, Island Magee, Co. Antrim

Orthoclase (potassium aluminum silicate) is a major granite forming mineral. Specimen from Brevik, Norway

Rhodonite
A pink specimen of rhodonite (manganese iron magnesium calcium silicate). Rhodon is greek for rose. Specimen from the Natural History Museum, London

Spessartine comprises of (manganese aluminum silicate) and is found in metamorphic environments

Phenakite is comprised of (beryllium silicate). Visually it closely resembles quartz, but chemically it is closer to gemstones such as topaz and beryl

Tanzanite crystal and cut stone
This is a blue variety of the mineral zoisite. Strongly pleochroic, it displays rich blue, magenta and yellowish-grey colours when viewed from different angles

Topaz comprises of (aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide). This is a specimen from the collections of the Natural History Museum, London

Amethyst crystals

Russian topaz
Topaz comprises of (aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide) and is the birthstone of November. Brown topaz specimens from the collections of the Natural History Museum, London

Lazurite comprises of (sodium calcium aluminum silicate sulphur sulphate). Due to its unique rich colour, it is a semi-precious stone and is often used in jewellery making

Cassiterite pseudomorphous after orthoclase
Brown granular cassiterite (tin oxide) have replaced twinned orthoclase crystals. Wheal Coates, St. Agnes, Cornwall

Zircon is the birthstone of December. It comprises of (zirconium silicate) and is not the same as the artificial gem cubic zircona. Crystal specimens are from Nigeria

Carved carnelian bowl
Carnelian is a transluscent yellow to orange variety of chalcedony (micro-crystalline quartz). This bowl was once the property of Sir Hans Sloane

Kyanite comprises of (aluminum silicate) and shares this composition with both sillimanite and adalusite. Specimen from the Natural History Museum, London

Spessartine garnet
Spessartine comprises of (manganese aluminum silicate). A cut stone and crystal from the collections of the Natural History Museum, London

Rubellite (Tourmaline) decoratively carved pendant. Specimen from the collections of the Natural History Museum, London

Birthstone Series: Emerald
A specimen of the gemstone, emerald from the Natural History Museum, London. Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May (along with Chrysoprase). Photographed by Harry Taylor

Birthstone Series: Carnelion
A specimen of the mineral, carnelion (BM58673a) from the Natural History Museum, London. Carnelion is the birthstone for the month of July (along with Ruby). Photographed by Harry Taylor

Pleochroism in an iolite cut stone
This iolite (magnesium aluminium silicate) is displaying pleochroism, a varied colour effect as the gem is turned. See also 3960

Mocha stone, sardonyx and agate
Mocha stone and sardonyx cameos resting on artificially dyed slabs of agate. All these varieties of chalcedony derive from the cryptocrystalline quartz group

Garnetiferous schist
Schist is a metamorphic rock, and this specimen show large formations of the gemstone garnet

Heulandite crystal group on matrix, from Kilpatrick, Dumbartonshire. One of the group of Zeolites. Zeolites are microporous crystalline solids containing silicon, aluminium and oxygen

Chalcedony
Polished slab of chalcedony with radiating structure. Chalcedony or agate is a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz (silicon dioxide)

Crystal, carving and treated blue topaz
An orange crystal, colourless carving of Queen Victorias head and a heat-treated blue topaz gem of 0.24ct

Birthstone Series: Rose Quartz
A specimen of Rose Quartz from the Natural History Museum, London. Rose Quartz is the birthstone for the month of January (along with Garnet). Photographed by Harry Taylor

Andradite is variety dementoid, garnet and comprises of (calcium iron silicate). These crystals are in a matrix from Lanzada, Valtellina, Italy and the cut stone is from an unknown locality

A selection of topaz cut stones
Topaz is the hardest silicate mineral and comprises of (aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide)

Aventurine
A rough piece of green aventurine quartz from India

Beryl, variety aquamarine
A specimen of the gemstone, Beryl (Beryllium aluminum silicate). This is the aquamarine variety, which is the blue variety. Another variety of beryl is emerald, which is the green variety

Olivine comprises of (magnesium iron silicate) and is a common source of magnesium. Peridot is the gemstone variety of olivine. Specimen from the Natural History Museum, London

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Silicate, the versatile mineral group that encompasses a vast array of fascinating substances. From the notorious Crysotile asbestos to the captivating Birthstone Series: Amethyst Quartz, silicates have left an indelible mark on our world. One member of this family is Kaolinite, a clay mineral known for its remarkable ability to absorb impurities and provide a smooth texture in ceramics. Its presence can be found in everything from delicate porcelain figurines to sturdy construction materials. Jasper, another type of silicate, showcases nature's artistic touch with its vibrant colors and intricate patterns. This gemstone has been cherished throughout history for its beauty and believed metaphysical properties. On the darker side lies Tremolite asbestos from France, infamous for its harmful effects on human health. Once widely used as insulation material due to its heat resistance properties, it now serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions when dealing with minerals. Garnet Peridotite brings together two distinct minerals - garnet and peridotite - resulting in a unique rock formation that captivates geologists worldwide. Its striking combination of deep reds and greens makes it highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike. Benitoite stands out among silicates with its mesmerizing blue hue reminiscent of sapphire. Found exclusively in California, this rare gem has become the state's official gemstone due to its stunning beauty. An Agate bowl adorned with shades of grey and white exemplifies how they can transform into functional art pieces. Crafted through meticulous cutting and polishing techniques, these bowls add elegance to any space they grace. Underneath powerful microscopes lie Acrosphaera radiolarian specimens captured using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). These intricate structures showcase how even microscopic organisms contribute to Earth's rich geological tapestry. Beryl takes us into the realm of precious stones once again; emerald being one variety cherished for centuries.