Silicate Collection (page 7)

Shergottite Sayh al Uhaymir 008, found in Oman in 1999. Shergottites are silicate rocks that are divided into four subgroups. This specimen is about 10cm long

Slice of the lunar meteorite Northwest Africa 482
A slice of lunar meteorite Northwest Africa 482. This meteorite is very rich in the feldspar mineral anorthite, which give it its pale colour

Slab of the Lueders meteorite
A slab of the IAB iron meteorite Lueders showing the size, shapes and distribution of silicate inclusions. The slab is about 10cm wide

Microscope image of the Brachina meteorite, the type specimen of the Brachinite meteorites. Brachinites are composed mostly of olivine with minor amounts of pyroxene and plagioclase

The Parnalle ordinary chondrite
The Parnallee ordinary chondrite, part of the Parnallee meteorite that fell in India in 1857

Porphyritic olivine and pyroxene chondrule
Microscopic image of a porphyritic olivine and pyroxene chondrule from the Palmyra (L3) ordinary chondrite (the chondrule is about 1.8mm across)

Lepidolite

Fuchsite specimen

Carnelian specimen

Citrine specimen

Chrysocolla, (hydrated copper silicate)

Chiastolite

Beryl specimen

Amazonite

Agate moss

Agate dyed

Agate
Dyed agate

Agate
Botswana agate

Diamond with garnet
Red garnet crystal in an octagonal, step-cut diamond. Diamond comprises of compacted carbon and is the hardest natural substance known on Earth

Peridot group
Fine cut peridot of 146 carats (centre) with crystals and rough mass (right) from Zebirget, and Hawaiian basalt containing olivine crystals (left)

Benitoite crystal and cut stone
Benitoite was discovered in 1906 near the San Benito river in California which remains the only known locality for this (barium titanium silicate) mineral

Spodumene crystal and cut stone
Large spodumene (Lithium Aluminum Silicate) crystal and cut gemstone from Brazil

Agate
A cut and polished section of brown banded agate from Brazil. Agate (silicon dioxide) is a cryptocrystalline quartz

Topaz crystals and faceted topaz showing a diverse colour range. Topaz comprises of (aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide)

Citrine and amethyst are both varieties of quartz (silicon dioxide)

Garnets
Faceted garnets showing a range of colours. Garnet is the birthstone of January

Kunzite crystal and cut stone
Strongly dichroic pink kunzite crystal and faceted kunzite. Kunzite (lithium aluminum silicate) is the pink variety of spodumene and is pleochroic

Labradorite carving

Zircons
Faceted zircons showing various colours and high lustre, from Sri Lanka. Zircon comprises of (zirconium silicate) and is not the same as the artificial gem cubic zircona

Topaz
Blue irradiated topaz pebbles and faceted topaz. Topaz is comprised of (aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide)

Labradorite
A close-up of the surface of a rich blue specimen of the mineral labradorite from labrador. Labradorite (calcium sodium aluminum silicate)

Imitation emerald
A faceted teardrop synthetic emerald

Agate
A cut and polished section of blue agate from Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Agate (silicon dioxide) is a cryptocrystalline quartz

Green demantoid garnet in ring from the collection of Sir Arthur Herbert Church. Dementoid is the green variety of andradite garnet

Pink rubellite tourmaline
Chinese pendant carving in pink rubellite tourmaline

Emerald on calcite
Well-formed hexagonal crystals of emerald on calcite. Emerald is a variety of beryl (beryllium aluminum silicate). The green colour is attributed to small amounts of chromium

Topaz
Image of Queen Victoria carved in topaz. Topaz comprises of (aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide)

Almandine garnets
Brooch set with almandine garnets. Almandine comprises of (iron aluminum silicate) and is the most common of the garnets

Beryl
Deposits of the green variety of beryl (beryllium aluminum silicate) known as emerald. Specimens oginally from Ekatrinberg, Russia, now at the Natural History Museum, London

Beryl
A specimen of beryl (beryllium aluminum silicate). There are several varieties of beryl, aquamarine (blue), emerald (green), goshenite, heliodor and morganite

Emerald, a variety of beryl
A cut teardrop stone and a prismatic crystal of the green variety of beryl (beryllium aluminum silicate) known as emerald. Specimen from the Natural History Museum, London

Almandite
A crystal and a cut stone of almandite, a deep red garnet comprised of (iron aluminum silicate). Specimen from the collections of the Natural History Museum, London

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz (silicon dioxide) and is a popular gemstone

Tourmaline
A specimen of the mineral and gemstone tourmaline from Itambacury Theophilo Ottoni, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Benitoite cut stone
Benitoite was discovered in 1906 near the San Benito river in California which remains the only known locality for this (barium titanium silicate mineral)

Potentilla nivea L. snow cinquefoil
Sketch 2, Newfoundland Volumes. From a collection of original drawings and sketches by Georg Dionysius Ehret (1708-1770). Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

Yellow fluorite
A specimen of yellow fluorite (calcium fluoride) with white quartz (silicon dioxide) and brassy chalcopyrite, from Caradon Mines, Liskeard, Cornwall

Observing structure of rock
Looking at fresh granite under a microscope to study structure, granular composition can clearly be seen

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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.