Silicate Collection (page 9)

Absorption spectrum of zircon
Refractometer spectrum of the mineral zircon (zirconium silicate). Ziricon can be found to have a multi faceted crystals

Cordierite variety Iolite
It is famous for its pleochroism, appearing intense blue in one direction but becoming almost colourless as the stone is turned. Cut stone, faceted girdle, 19.69 ct

Topaz crystal
An imperial topaz crystal from Brazil, length 101mm long. Topaz comprises of (aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide)

Asbestos purse
Benjamin Franklins Asbestos purse. A crudely plaited purse made from tremolite asbestos. From the Hans Sloane collection. Asbestos is formed of microscopically fibrous crystals

Hemimorphite crystals enclosed in rock crystal
Hemimorphite, formerly known as calamine is comprised of (hydrated zinc silicate hydroxide). Magnification = x1.2

Kornerupine (magnesium aluminum iron boro-silicate hydroxide) is a rare boro-silicate mineral which occurs in a range of greens and browns - this emerald colour is exceptional

A large cut citrine
Citrine is the yellow and orange variety of quartz (silicon dioxide). Specimen held at the Natural History Museum, London

Citrine and sapphire
Fine and poor examples of gem cutting and polishing. A superbly cut citrine (a yellow variety of quartz) and a poorly cut sapphire (blue), a variety of the mineral Corundum (aluminium oxide)

Fibrolite is an aluminium silicate. It is a rare variety of the mineral sillimanite. This stone from Burma shows blueish-violet and pale yellow pleochroic colours

Lapis lazuli from Afghanistan
Polished slab of lapis lazuli containing some brassy-coloured pyrite. Lapis lazuli (sodium calcium aluminum silicate sulphur sulphate) is a rich blue opaque, semi-precious stone

Andalusite cut stone
Andalusite is an aluminium silicate. It shows spectacular red and green pleochroic colours

Malachite cameo and malachite-chrysocolla mass. Malachite (copper carbonate hydroxide), has a distinctive green banding and belongs to the carbonate class

Belt-hook in lapis lazuli
Carved chinese belt-hook on a piece of rough lapis lazuli from Badakhstan. Lapis lazuli (sodium calcium aluminum silicate sulphur sulphate) is a rich blue opaque, semi-precious stone

Lapis lazuli from Siberia
A polished slab of Siberian Lapis lazuli containing white calcite and some brassy pyrite. Lapis lazuli means blue rock, with the rich colour due to the sulphur in its composition

A group of feldspar specimens
Amazonstone crystals and gems, pin set with sunstone, and moonstones. The feldpars are significant rock building minerals

Polished slab of jade

Tourmaline crystal
A bi-coloured pink and green tourmaline crystal from California

Demantoid garnet cut stone
Demantoid is a variety of andradite garnet. It is green in colour, sometimes with yellow shading

Brown and blue zircons
Natural brown and heat-treated blue zircons. Zircon comprises of (zirconium silicate) and is not the same as the artificial gem cubic zircona

Zircon crystal
Zircon comprises of (zirconium silicate) and is not the same as the artificial gem cubic zircona. Specimen is from Norway

Garnet cut stones
Grossular (calcium aluminum silicate) and demantoid cut gems resting on andradite (calcium iron silicate) crystals. All of which are types of garnet

Quartz box and carved lizard
An ornamental box set with different quartz stones (silicon dioxide) including a large central citrine together with a carved lizard in cat s-eye quartz

Flint on soil of cultivated arable field, Bacton, Suffolk, England, april

Lychnocanium radiolarian, SEM
Lychnocanium radiolarian. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the shell of a Lychnocanium sp. radiolarian. Radiolaria are single-celled protozoans that are found in marine plankton

Amphisphaerina radiolarian, SEM
Amphisphaerina radiolarian. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the shell of a Amphisphaerina sp. radiolarian. Radiolaria are single-celled protozoans that are found in marine plankton

Acrosphaera radiolarian, SEM
Acrosphaera radiolarian. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the shell of a Acrosphaera sp. radiolarian. Radiolaria are single-celled protozoans that are found in marine plankton

Open cast mine. Aerial photograph of Gunheath china clay pit. Kaolin (china clay) is a clay material used in a wide variety of ceramic applications

leopard skin
Cutout of a leopard skin gemstone on white background

rhodonite gemstone
Cutout of a rhodonite gemstone on white background

Aventurine
Cutout of a aventurine gemstone on white background

Haematite
Cutout of a haematite gemstone on white background

Aventurine gemstone
Cutout of an Aventurine gemstone on white background

Snowflake obsidian
Cutout of a snowflake obsidian gemstone on black background

Red Jasper
Cutout of a Red Jasper gemstone on white background

Tigers Eye
Cutout of a Tigers Eye gemstone on white background

Heliotrope, or bloodstone
Cutout of a Heliotrope, or bloodstone gemstone on white background

Brecciated jasper
Cutout of a brecciated jasper gemstone on white background

Carnelian
Cutout of a Carnelian (also spelled cornelian) gemstone on white background

Hawks Eye
Cutout of a Blue Tigers Eye or Hawks Eye gemstone on white background

Semi Precious Stone F003 / 9015
Semi Precious Stone

rose quartz
Cutout of a rose quartz gemstone on white background

piryth gemstone
Cutout of a piryth gemstone on white background

blue apatite
Cutout of a blue apatite gemstone on white background

Carnelia
Cutout of a Carnelian (also spelled cornelian) gemstone on white background

unakite gemstone
Cutout of an unakite gemstone on white background

Silicon, macrophotograph
Silicon. Close-up of the metalloid element silicon (Si). Silicon has a vast variety of uses, including in electronic components, cosmetic breast implants, waterproofing products

Chrysocolla, macrophotograph
Chrysocolla mineral. Chrysocolla (hydrous copper silicate, blue) is a semi-precious mineral found in stalactic masses (stalactites)

Cavansite on mordenite. Cavansite (calcium vanadium silicate) has a rich blue colour that arises from the hydrous nature of its crystals

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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.