Analytical Tool used in GIA

 

Exploring GIA Analytical Techniques for Gemstones

Welcome to the world of gemological analysis where we delve into the tools and techniques used by GIA experts to identify minerals and gemstones. Let's take a closer look at the methods employed:

Classical Analytical Techniques

Standard gemological testing tools like refractometers, polariscopes, and spectrascopes play a crucial role in identifying gemstones. Microscopic observations using gemological microscopes provide further insights into the stones.

Advanced Analytical Techniques

Spectroscopy and trace element chemistry techniques offer a deeper understanding of gemstones. Spectroscopy delves into how gemstones interact with electromagnetic radiation, providing valuable insights into their composition.

Laser Ablation ICPMS

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry enables the precise measurement of trace elements in gemstones. This technique aids in identifying treatments, origins, and distinguishing laboratory-grown stones from natural ones.

FTIR Spectroscopy

FTIR spectroscopy utilizes infrared rays to detect treatments like low-temperature heat treatments in gemstones. It is instrumental in identifying fillers and treatments that may affect a stone's natural state.

Raman Spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy offers insights into the vibrational frequencies of gemstones, aiding in their identification and the detection of inclusions. This technique is particularly useful in differentiating gemstone species.

While field gemology expeditions may not allow for extensive analyses, experts rely on standard gemological tools to make preliminary assessments at gem deposits.

For synthetic stones designed to mimic natural counterparts, a combination of analytical techniques is used to detect any treatments or enhancements aimed at replicating natural gemstones.

Gemology hub-Pigeon Blood Rubies

Pigeon Blood Rubies from Burma: 

A Legendary Tale

Origin of Pigeon Blood Rubies

Long before the Buddha walked the earth, the northern part of Burma was said to be inhabited only by wild animals and birds of prey. The first ruby on earth, symbolizing fire and blood of the earth itself, was discovered in this mystical land.

Mining and Cultural Significance

Rubies, especially the rare Pigeon Blood Rubies, are highly prized gemstones that come from Burma, known for its rich history of ruby mining. The remote mountainous regions near the Chinese border in the Shan Plateau have been a source of these precious stones since prehistoric times.

Legends and Traditions

The land of golden rubies, Myanmar, has a deep cultural connection to these gemstones. Stories of spirits guarding the mines, ancient prophecies, and the mystical allure of these rubies have been passed down through generations.

Gem Market and Trading

From the bustling gem markets in Mandalay to the gem Emporium in Rangoon, the trade of these exquisite stones is a blend of tradition and modernity. The vibrant colors and quality of Burmese rubies continue to captivate gem enthusiasts worldwide.

Synthetic Rubies and Modern Practices

While natural Pigeon Blood Rubies hold a special place in the gem world, advancements in technology have led to the creation of synthetic rubies. These lab-grown gems serve various industries and offer an alternative to natural stones.

The Allure of Pigeon Blood Rubies

For centuries, Pigeon Blood Rubies have been revered for their deep red hue, rarity, and symbolism. Their beauty and cultural significance make them a timeless treasure that continues to fascinate gem collectors and enthusiasts alike.

For further reading 

1. Complete Guide to the Rare and Often Record-Breaking Pigeon Blood Ruby - Sotheby's
2. Pigeon Blood Rubies from Burma documentary of Patrick Voillot - YouTube
3. The Greatest Gem Color? Unboxing Pigeon’s Blood Rubies from Burma - YouTube
4. Burmese Rubies: Natural Loose Untreated Pigeon’s Blood Ruby - MOHRA
5. The Valley of Rubies - Joseph Kessel's Novel
6. Shwedagon Pagoda - Myanmar's Famous Temple
7. Mandalay's Historical Gems - City of Kings
8. Mogok Ruby Mines - Heart of Ruby Mining
9. Emporium in Yangon - Annual Auctions
10. Fred Place Vendôme Jewelry Creations - Parisian Jeweler

 

Gemology hub-Introduction to Earth

Introduction

Welcome to a brand new video series launched by me, Geology Professor Shan Willy. This is the Geology 101: Physical Geology video series, and this is Episode 1 or the first lecture. If you're looking to understand some geology basics and concepts, this is an excellent place to begin. Whether you're new to geology completely or if you've had some geology education previously and you're looking for a refresher, thanks for joining me.

Course Overview

This course and lecture series is modeled after the college course I teach. I'm using the same slides, by and large all the same materials. The only thing missing from this course would be the lab experiences, rock and mineral identification, field trips, and other applications that we might do in a lab setting. However, this series contains all the same material. You can also use many of my existing videos on my YouTube channel to find specific videos and topics that might supplement the material we present here.

Introduction to Earth

What is Geology?

Geology is the science that studies how the planet works, understanding our planet, the processes that govern it, how it behaves, and what it's made of. There are two main courses I teach here at the college with respect to geology:

1. Geology 101: Physical Geology: This course covers what the Earth is made of—rocks and minerals—and the processes that dominate and govern the planet.
2. Historical Geology: This course studies the Earth's evolution over time, including fossils, extinction events, and how plate tectonics have shaped the landscape.

Why Study Geology?

Geologic Hazards

Understanding geologic hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mass wasting, is crucial. These events impact humanity and understanding why they occur can help mitigate their effects.

Natural Resources

Geology provides insight into the natural resources we use daily, such as minerals, water, and fuels like oil, gas, and coal. Our way of life depends on these resources.

Understanding Earth's Past

By studying the rock record and fossils, geology helps us understand the Earth's history and predict future events.

Making Informed Decisions About Property

Understanding geologic hazards can help us make informed decisions about property and avoid situations where homes are condemned or lost due to natural events.

Earth's Interior

To understand plate tectonics, we need to grasp the Earth's interior layers:

• Core: Consists of a solid inner core and a liquid outer core, generating the Earth's magnetic field.
• Mantle: Includes the lower mantle (solid and strong) and the asthenosphere (solid but weak and capable of flow).
• Crust: The outermost layer, thinner and less dense than the mantle.

Concept of Geologic Time

Geologic time involves processes taking millions to billions of years. Understanding these time scales is essential for comprehending geologic processes.

Conclusion

That is Lecture Number One. I hope you've enjoyed it. The nice thing about these videos is you can digest them in chunks, pause, rewatch, whatever you want to do. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of this video series. We'll get into plate tectonics next, starting with a fundamental understanding of what happens inside the planet and how it shapes the Earth's exterior. Thanks again for your time, thank you for supporting this channel and our geology education efforts, and good day!

Tags

Tags: Geology, Physical Geology, Geology 101, Earth Science, Plate Tectonics, Natural Resources, Geologic Hazards, Earth's Interior, Geologic Time, Educational Series, Shan Willy, Professor Shan Willy, Introduction to Geology, Online Learning, Science Education, Viral, Trending, Must Watch, Educational Video

 

Global Climate Summit: Svalbard's Struggle in the Arctic Circle

Introduction

As the Global Climate Summit begins next week, there are rising concerns that governments will reject more drastic measures to cut carbon emissions. One place where geopolitical turmoil is already impacting the climate fight is Svalbard in the Arctic Circle. The Norwegian archipelago is warming faster than any other place on Earth.

Svalbard: A Unique Struggle for Survival

Our Europe correspondent, Nick Beak, ventured deep into the Arctic Circle to discover Svalbard. There's no place quite like it, and here, the struggle for survival is more evident than anywhere else. Climate change is accelerating rapidly, and polar explorer Hilda Phalomstrom shows us how her world is disappearing.

The Impact of Climate Change

Phalomstrom explains, "To survive as a polar bear now, you have to be extremely good at hunting because the seals, their main source of food, are diminishing along with the ice they depend on." This Norwegian archipelago is warming six times faster than the global average. There's much less ice here to reflect heat, and more exposed ocean to absorb it.

Wildlife Adaptations

These beluga whales are swimming in water that's much warmer than it used to be, and all wildlife in Svalbard is adapting to this hotter environment. Phalomstrom adds, "You can hear them now. It's hotter in the water, and it's hotter in the air too." Melting here raises sea levels and affects weather patterns across the globe.

Life on the Edge

In the northernmost settlement in the world, life is on the edge. Houses are being moved and rebuilt, new barriers are installed to prevent avalanches triggered by thawing ground. Leading polar scientist Kim Holloman notes, "Wherever I look, I see change."

Geopolitical Impact on Climate Science

Holloman highlights that the war in Ukraine undermines efforts to understand climate change. "The official exchange with Russian institutions is not possible at this time. Half of the Arctic is Russian coastline, and if we are unable to share knowledge and data, it will hamper our ability to understand what is happening. We need each other to do good science."

Tourism and Environmental Strain

Svalbard attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, further straining this fragile environment. However, authorities claim they're moving towards renewable energy. "Now we are in one of the two production sites we have here in mine number seven, you know, eight kilometers in the mine," an official explains.

The Last Coal Mine

This is Svalbard and Norway's last coal mine, which was scheduled to close. "It makes me sad. It was a mining town, and now it's coming to an end," says a local resident. Just a fortnight after our visit, the state-owned company announced it's delaying the closure due to Europe's energy crisis, making the mine a more profitable operation.

Conclusion

The UN warns we face a climate emergency, and the alarm is sounding. Ignoring it could be perilous. If they can't give up fossil fuels in the fastest-warming place on Earth, what hope is there for the rest of the world?

 for Further Reading

For more detailed insights on the global climate fight and the unique challenges in Svalbard, you can visit the following resources:

• Climate Change in the Arctic
• Svalbard and Climate Change
• The Impact of Geopolitical Issues on Climate Science

Tags

Tags: Global Climate Summit, Climate Change, Svalbard, Arctic Circle, Geopolitical Impact, Polar Bears, Renewable Energy, Coal Mining, Climate Emergency, Environmental Strain

 

What U.N. scientists say about climate change

🔥🌍 The Road to Climate Hell: Urgent Actions We Must Take 🌍🔥

Recent reports from the UN climate science agency paint a grim picture of our planet's future. Human activities are unequivocally responsible for rising temperatures and the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

In early 2022, a landmark report emphasized the diverse regional impacts of climate change, from heat waves and stronger storms to rising sea levels. Millions are at risk of food insecurity and poverty as climate change disrupts crops, water supplies, and global trade.

April 2022 brought a call for action at the individual level, urging governments to implement policies that foster sustainable habits and reduce waste. The report stressed the importance of drastic cuts in emissions to prevent catastrophic warming.

Despite warnings, the pace of action remains inadequate. The transition to clean energy is sluggish, and climate change threatens global economic stability. It's time for bold and immediate measures to secure a sustainable future.

Join the movement for a sustainable future! 🌿 #ClimateActionNow #RenewableEnergy #SustainableLiving

Understanding the Impact of Climate Change on Heat Waves

Climate Change and Heat Waves - Urgent Action Needed

Discover how climate change is fueling deadly heat waves worldwide, and what you can do to protect yourself and others. Insights from Adam, a climate scientist, shed light on the urgency of addressing this global crisis.

Recent events underscore the critical need for immediate attention to the escalating impact of heat waves on communities globally.

Unprecedented Heat Waves

As summer grips the Northern Hemisphere, extreme heat is already taking a toll on people worldwide. From tragic incidents in Mecca to heat domes affecting millions, the severity and frequency of heat waves are alarming.

Climate Change and Heat Waves

Learn how climate change intensifies heat waves, making them more lethal and widespread. The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, elevating temperatures and amplifying the occurrence of extreme heat events.

Protecting Ourselves

Simple measures like staying hydrated and seeking cool shelter can help mitigate heat wave risks. However, vulnerable populations face heightened dangers. Education, infrastructure improvements, and community support are vital for their protection.

Take Immediate Action

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial in combating the escalating threats of heat waves. Urgent action is imperative to curb the devastating impacts of climate change and safeguard our planet's future.

Stay informed, stay safe, and take action to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change and heat waves.

Distinguishing Serpentine Nephrite Jade from Jadeite Jade

 Serpentine, nephrite jade and jadeite jade are both commonly referred to as "jade," but they are different minerals with distinct properties. Here’s a detailed comparison and identification guide: Jade Comparison and Identification Guide

1. Composition and Structure:

Serpentine and Nephrite Jade

Composition: Nephrite is a variety of the amphibole group, mainly composed of actinolite and tremolite.

Structure: It has a fibrous, interlocking structure, which contributes to its toughness.

Jadeite Jade

Composition: Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral, composed primarily of sodium and aluminum silicate.

Structure: It has a granular, crystalline structure, which is different from the fibrous nature of nephrite.

2. Color:

Serpentine and Nephrite Jade

Color Range: Commonly green, but can also be white, yellow, brown, or black.

Common Shades: Often exhibits more subdued, darker greens and can sometimes be mottled.

Jadeite Jade

Color Range: More varied, including green, white, lavender, yellow, pink, red, orange, blue, black, and gray.

Common Shades: Known for its vibrant, emerald-green variety (Imperial Jade), as well as other bright and varied colors.

3. Hardness:

Serpentine and Nephrite Jade

Mohs Hardness: Typically around 6 to 6.5.

Jadeite Jade

Mohs Hardness: Slightly harder, around 6.5 to 7.

4. Transparency:

Serpentine and Nephrite Jade

Transparency: Typically opaque, though high-quality nephrite can be translucent.

Jadeite Jade

Transparency: Ranges from opaque to semi-transparent, with high-quality jadeite being more translucent.

5. Density:

Serpentine and Nephrite Jade

Specific Gravity: Lower, typically around 2.90 to 3.03.

Jadeite Jade

Specific Gravity: Higher, around 3.30 to 3.38.

6. Luster:

Serpentine and Nephrite Jade

Luster: Waxy to silky.

Jadeite Jade

Luster: Vitreous to oily.

Identification Techniques:

• Visual Inspection:
  • Color and Texture: Jadeite often has a more vibrant color and granular texture.
  • Surface Luster: Jadeite has a glassier luster compared to nephrite.
• Hardness Test: Perform a scratch test to compare hardness.
• Specific Gravity Test: Measure density to distinguish between the two.
• Transparency Check: Check translucency under light.
• Professional Gemological Testing: Use refractometer, spectroscope, and X-ray diffraction for precise identification.

Summary:

• Serpentine and Nephrite Jade: Fibrous, tough, generally opaque, waxy luster, lower specific gravity.
• Jadeite Jade: Granular, slightly harder, can be semi-transparent, vitreous luster, higher specific gravity.

5 Reasons Why Quartz Should Be Your Favorite Jewelry Stone in 2024-2025

The Significance of Quartz in Jewelry

Introduction

Quartz holds a significant place in the world of jewelry due to its abundance, variety, durability, aesthetic appeal, affordability, metaphysical properties, and design versatility. Let's delve into the key factors that make quartz a popular choice in jewelry making.

Abundance and Variety

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth, available in numerous varieties such as amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, and smoky quartz. Each variety has distinct colors and properties, allowing for diverse and appealing jewelry designs.

Durability

Quartz ranks 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it relatively hard and resistant to scratches and everyday wear. This durability makes quartz suitable for various types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

Aesthetic Appeal

Quartz comes in a wide range of colors and can be transparent, translucent, or opaque. Its ability to be cut and polished into various shapes enhances its visual appeal, making it a versatile choice for different jewelry styles and preferences.

Affordability

Compared to precious gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds, quartz is more affordable. This cost-effectiveness allows for the creation of beautiful yet budget-friendly jewelry pieces, accessible to a broader audience.

Metaphysical Properties

Many people believe in the metaphysical properties of quartz, such as its ability to promote healing, clarity, and balance. This belief adds an extra layer of appeal, as some customers seek quartz jewelry for its supposed spiritual benefits.

Versatility in Design

Quartz can be cut into various shapes and sizes, making it versatile for different jewelry designs. It can be set in various metals, from silver and gold to platinum, catering to different tastes and styles.

Conclusion

These factors combine to make quartz a popular and enduring choice in the jewelry industry.

 For Further Reading

For more information on quartz and its significance in jewelry, you can visit the following resources:

• Quartz Varieties and Uses
• Mohs Hardness Scale
• Metaphysical Properties of Quartz
• Types of Quartz Jewelry
• Quartz in Jewelry Design

Keywords

• Quartz
• Jewelry
• Mohs hardness scale
• Amethyst
• Citrine
• Rose Quartz
• Smoky Quartz
• Aesthetic appeal
• Affordable jewelry
• Metaphysical properties

 

Pumice Power: The Science of Its Weighty Transformation

Understanding Pumice: The Floating Rock from Volcanoes

Introduction

Pumice, a light rock formed from volcanic activity, is known for its ability to float on water's surface. After underwater volcanic eruptions, pumice often forms large floating islands called pumice rafts. These rafts can drift on the sea for years and serve as key indicators of underwater volcanic activity.

Why Does Pumice Float?

Structure and Surface Tension

Scientists have long been curious about why pumice can float for extended periods before eventually sinking. The mystery lies in its structure: pumice should theoretically float forever like a sealed foam if it didn't have any holes. However, pumice contains holes and tiny stretched-out tubes that help it stay afloat.

Surface tension makes fluids behave as if they have a skin on top because the molecules pull together. This surface tension prevents water from entering the small spaces in pumice, similar to how a water balloon doesn't leak immediately. The tiny holes in pumice keep ocean water out, allowing it to float for a considerable time.

The Sinking Process

Role of Diffusion

Despite its buoyancy, pumice eventually sinks. This occurs due to the combined effects of surface tension and diffusion. Diffusion is when gases spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. In pumice, this process allows gases trapped in the holes to escape into the sea, reducing the gas inside and pulling in water, making the pumice heavier. When pumice becomes denser than seawater, it sinks.

Environmental Impact

Life and Shipping

The phenomenon of floating pumice is not just a geological curiosity; it has significant environmental and maritime implications. These floating rocks can aid sea creatures in traveling long distances and can pose challenges to ships that use seawater for cooling, potentially causing scratches or damage.

Scientific Interest

Research and Studies

Researchers studying marine biology, volcanology, and maritime engineering find floating pumice highly interesting. The main rocks and minerals group in Maine highlighted this topic in their August 2017 news, emphasizing its importance in understanding volcanic activity and its broader impact.

• The Mystery of Floating Pumice
• Pumice Rafts and Marine Life
• Volcanic Activity and Pumice Formation
• Surface Tension in Fluids
• The Role of Diffusion in Nature
• Geological Implications of Pumice
• Marine Research on Floating Pumice
• Impact of Pumice on Maritime Activities
• Maine's Rocks and Minerals Group
• Effects of Volcanic Eruptions on the Oceans

Tags

Tags: Pumice, Volcanic Activity, Pumice Rafts, Surface Tension, Diffusion, Marine Biology, Volcanology, Maritime Engineering, Environmental Impact, Floating Rocks

Keywords

• Pumice
• Volcanic activity
• Floating rocks
• Surface tension
• Diffusion
• Pumice rafts

 

Gemology hub-Facts About Emeralds, Rubies & Sapphires

The Timeless Allure of Emeralds, Rubies, and Sapphires

Transport yourself back to the era of Cleopatra and envision her awe at the magnificence of today's emeralds. Unlike the dull and flawed emeralds of her time, modern emeralds shine with unparalleled brilliance. The history of emeralds dates back to around 330 BC when the first emerald mines were established in Egypt. Egypt remained the primary source of emeralds until the Spanish unearthed a treasure trove of Colombian emeralds in the 1500s, renowned for their size, clarity, and vibrant green hues.

Across diverse cultures, emeralds have held profound significance. In Islamic culture, the color green is revered, while ancient Romans marveled at the intense green shades of emeralds, believing them to offer visual refreshment and relaxation. Emeralds were also attributed with healing properties, believed to cure ailments and bring good fortune. It's no wonder that emeralds are designated as the birthstone for May, symbolizing the rejuvenation and beauty of spring.

A fascinating revelation is that emeralds and aquamarines share a common mineral composition—beryl—a fact unbeknownst until the 18th century. While emeralds dazzle in rich greens, aquamarines captivate with their serene blue hues.

Shifting focus to rubies and sapphires, both gemstones belong to the corundum family. Rubies, characterized by their vibrant red color, symbolize good fortune and royalty, whereas sapphires display a spectrum of colors ranging from blue to pink and yellow.

For centuries, rubies and sapphires have adorned royalty, believed to imbue wearers with wisdom and virtue. Rubies, with their intense red hues and rarity, command high prices in the market, while sapphires, known for their versatility and rich colors, continue to captivate with their unique attributes.

These gemstones have not only been cherished for their beauty but have also played integral roles in various historical contexts, from religious ceremonies to modern technological applications. Whether it's the mesmerizing green of emeralds, the fiery red of rubies, or the profound blue of sapphires, these gemstones carry a rich legacy that continues to enchant individuals worldwide.

The world’s top five diamond mining countries by volume of production

 

A Brief Overview of Diamond Mining Around the World

Introduction

Diamonds, renowned for their durability and brilliance, have captivated human fascination for centuries. Beyond their use in jewelry, diamonds play a crucial role in industrial applications due to their exceptional hardness.

Origins and Early Discoveries

Believed to have formed around 900 million years ago, the first diamonds were discovered in India in the 4th century BC, marking the beginning of their storied history.

Global Diamond Production

Russia: Leading the Diamond Production

Russia stands as the world's foremost diamond producer, leveraging its vast reserves primarily located in Siberia's Yakutia region. ALROSA, a prominent mining group, spearheads Russia's diamond output, making the nation a key player in the global diamond market.

Botswana: Africa's Gem

Botswana, Africa's top diamond producer, boasts high-quality diamonds that contribute significantly to its GDP and export revenue. Mines like Orapa and Jwaneng are among the world's most productive, highlighting Botswana's pivotal role in the diamond industry.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Potential Amid Challenges

Despite political instability, DRC holds significant diamond reserves, largely tapped by artisanal miners. Efforts by entities like Miniere de Bakwange underscore DRC's potential for increased diamond production.

Australia: From Argyle to Merlin

Australia, with its renowned Argyle mine, has been a notable player in the diamond market, despite challenges such as declining deposits. The country continues to produce unique colored diamonds and high-quality white diamonds from mines like Merlin.

Canada: Rising in the North

Canada emerged as a prominent diamond producer in the late 20th century, with mines such as Ekati and Diavik leading the charge. Known for ethical mining practices, Canadian diamonds enjoy a favorable reputation among consumers.

Global Market and Trends

The diamond industry, valued at billions of dollars annually, continues to evolve, with countries like Australia seeing shifts in production due to resource depletion, while newcomers like Canada expand their footprint.

Conclusion

Diamond mining remains a dynamic industry, influenced by geological discoveries, economic factors, and ethical considerations. As global demand persists, nations across the world navigate challenges and opportunities in their pursuit of these precious stones.

 

Mineral Names, What Do The Mean?

Minerals have been getting names since way back in the day. At first, they were named after places or the properties of the minerals, whether real or made up. A lot of these old names have super long histories and we're not even sure where they came from. As mineralogy got more advanced, especially after Georgius Agricola (1494-1555), more and more names started popping up in mineralogical writings.

 

Before 1800, there were less than 100 known mineral species, even though there were a bunch of names being used as synonyms. But as time went on, more and more new minerals were being discovered. From 1800 to now, the number of new minerals being named each year has been going up. Mandarino looked at the number of new species introduced every twenty years starting from 1800. Between 1800 and 1819, there were 87 new minerals. Then, from 1820 to 1919, there were about 185 new minerals introduced every twenty years.

 

In more recent times, the number of new minerals being discovered has shot up. From 1920 to 1939, there were 256 new minerals described. Then, from 1940 to 1959, there were 342 new ones. And from 1960 to 1973, there were a whopping 575 new minerals discovered. As new minerals are being found, old names are being looked at again to see if they're still valid. Some names end up being thrown out when it's found that they're either the same as other minerals or just slight variations of ones that are already well-known.

 

Once a mineral name becomes outdated, it's basically retired - never to be used again. Out of the 15,000 mineral names from back in the day, only about 2,000 are still considered legit species. Some others are kept around as varietal names, like agate, amethyst, carnelian, chalcedony, and citrine for different types of quartz.

 

Compared to the endless possibilities of synthetic inorganic substances, the number of mineral species is actually pretty small. In 1971, there were 1,916 mineral species that were well-established. But there were also 148 minerals that were kind of up in the air - not fully examined or still in question about their species status. However, it's likely that about half of those will turn out to be the real deal after more research.

 

Mineralogy, being an old science, is all about sticking to tradition and customs. This has definitely slowed down any progress in coming up with better mineral names. There are two main ways mineral names are chosen - the rational way, which gives you info about the mineral, and the irrational way, which... well, doesn't really make sense.

 

Although they are not as common, there are many mineral names out there that are based on things like chemical compositions, crystal forms, colors, and other properties. These names make sense and help us understand more about the minerals.

 

On the flip side, there are also names that don't really tell us much about the mineral itself. This all started back in the late 1700s with a guy named Abraham G. Werner. He started naming minerals after people, which didn't really help us understand the minerals any better.

Some names do give us a little more info, like when they're based on where the mineral was found. For example, the name franklinite tells us it's from Franklin, New Jersey, while brazilianite just tells us it's from Brazil.

So basically, some mineral names make sense and some don't. It all depends on how they were named and what info they give us.

Names from Persons☝

European Mineralogists and Other Scientists American Mineralogists☝

Obsolete Names Derived from Mineralogists Names Mineral Collectors Explorers Other Professions☝

Women's Names in Mineral Names☝

Personal Names Hidden in Mineral Names☝

Minerals Honoring a Family Name or a Person More Than Once☝

Mineral Names Honoring More Than One Person☝

Names from Places☝

Names after Physiographic Features Names after Political Divisions☝

Names after Mines and Mineral Deposits Some Unusual Examples of

Names Use of Obsolete Geographical Names☝

Impersonal Names☝

Names Derived from Other Mineral Names:☝

 Names Derived from Botanical Terms☝

 Names from Institutions and Expeditions☝

 Names from Companies☝

 Names from American Indian Tribes☝

 Names from Mythological Characters☝

 Names from Chemical Composition☝

Names from Chemical Element☝

Names: Chemical Prefixes in Mineral☝

Names Chemical Portmanteau Words☝

Names Derived from Chemical Symbols Proposed Use of Chemical☝

Names References☝

Names from Greek Terms Primarily Incorporating Physical and Chemical Properties – Crystallographic Names☝

 Names Based on Crystal Twinning☝

Names Based on Mineral Cleavage☝

Names Derived from Mineral Colors☝

 Names Derived from Mineral Lusters☝

 Names Referring to Other Physical Properties and Associations☝

Names Relating to Chemical Behavior Ancient Greek Mineral Names☝

 Names from Latin Terms Names Related to Physical Properties Chemical Names from Latin☝

Names Formed from a Combination of Latin and Greek Terms☝

Names from Various Languages☝

English German Russian and Other Languages of the Soviet Union Romance Languages Arabic☝

Sanskrit and Other Languages of India Miscellaneous Languages☝

Prefixes Used in Mineral Names Prefixes Relating to Physical Properties Miscellaneous Prefixes Chemical Prefixes☝

Suffixes Used in Mineral Names☝

Common Suffixes Less Common Suffixes Names Without Suffixes.☝

The Use of Symbols with Mineral Names Polymorphism Polytypism Chemical Differences☝

Rules Regarding the Formulation of Mineral Names☝

Old Names New Names Translation of Names into English ☝