10 Spectacular Minerals You Won't Believe are Found on Earth
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| 10 Spectacular Minerals You Won't Believe are Found on Earth |
Earth is home to a wide variety of minerals, some of which are truly spectacular. These minerals come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, and they can be found all over the world. These minerals are not only beautiful, but they are also valuable and rare. They offer a glimpse into the amazing diversity of our planet and the beauty that can be found in nature.
Chrysocolla stalactites
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| Chalcedony on Chrysocolla Stalactites (Pocket) From Inspiration Mine, Inspiration, Globe-Miami District, Gila Co., Arizona, USA Credit: Joe Budd/Rob Lavinsky/iRocks.com |
Rainbow Fluorite
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| Credit: Orbital Joe on Flickr |
Rainbow fluorite is a variety of fluorite that is characterized by its multiple colors. It is one of the most colorful minerals in the world, and can be found in a wide range of colors, including white, green, blue, purple, yellow, and orange.
Blue Lace Agate
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Agate Amethyst Geode (Blue Lace Agate) From Brazil |
Blue lace agate is a type of agate that is characterized by its delicate blue and white banding. It is a form of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline variety of quartz. Blue lace agate is found in a variety of locations around the world, but it is most commonly found in Namibia.
Rainbow Obsidian
Incredible Rainbow obsidian from Davis Creek, Northern California.
Rainbow obsidian is a type of obsidian that displays a rainbow-like sheen when held up to the light. This sheen is caused by the presence of tiny inclusions of magnetite, a mineral that contains iron. 
Amethyst "boot"
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| An 8 inch tall amethyst "boot" from Artigas, Uruguay. Credit: Russ Behnke |
Amethyst boot-shaped specimens are a type of amethyst geode that is formed in the shape of a boot. These specimens are relatively rare and are highly sought after by collectors.
Combination of Calcite, Quartz and Chalcopyrite
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| Calcite blades with Chalcopyrite, Pyrite, and Quartz sprays at top Boldut Mine, Cavnic, Maramures Co., Romania Collection. Photo Kevin Ward and The Mineral Gallery, Inc. |
A specimen combination of calcite, quartz, and chalcopyrite is a beautiful and unique geological formation. Calcite is a carbonate mineral, quartz is a silicate mineral, and chalcopyrite is a copper iron sulfide mineral. These three minerals often occur together in mineral veins and deposits.
Pink Labradorite
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| Unbelievable Labradorite from Newfoundland Canada Credit: Nathan Almeyda |
Pink labradorite is a rare and beautiful variety of labradorite that exhibits a soft pink to rose-colored hue.
Tri-color Calcite
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| Tricolor Calcite specimens from Durango, Mexico |
Tri-color calcite is a banded calcite that is composed of three colors: orange, white, and green. It is a relatively rare variety of calcite, and is found in a few locations around the world, including Mexico, the United States, and Australia.
Opal Pineapple
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| Opal pineapples Photo: Grant Pearson |
Opal pineapples are a rare type of opal that is found in only one place in the world: the White Cliffs opal field in New South Wales, Australia. They are formed when ikaite crystals, a type of calcium carbonate, are replaced by opal. Ikaite is an unstable mineral that only forms under very specific conditions, such as those found in the White Cliffs region.
Thunder-egg Agate
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| Thunder-egg Agate Looks like a galaxy (maybe it is) in a Thunder egg agate. From New Mexico. Credit: Bill The Eggman |
Thunder-egg agate is a type of agate that is found in volcanic rocks. Thunder-egg agate is often found in the form of round nodules. When these nodules are cut open, they reveal intricate patterns and colors. Thunder-egg agate is a popular gemstone used in jewelry making, as well as in carvings and other decorative objects.