MINERAIS NÃO SILICATADOS

Grupo Mineral Exemplos Fórmula Utilizações

Elementos ouro, prata, e cobre Au, Ag, Cu Joelheria, moedas,
nativos indústria
Carbonatos calcite, dolomite CaCO3, CaMg(CO3)2 Cal, cimento

Fe2O3, Fe3O4,
Minérios de ferro,
Óxidos hematite, magnetite, bauxite mistura de óxidos de
alumínio e pugmentos
alumínio

Sal de mesa,
Haletos halite, silvite NaCl, KCl
fertilizantes
Minérios de ferro,
pirite, galena, calcopirite e FeS, PbS, CuFeS2,
Sulfuretos chumbo, cobre e
cinábrio HgS
mercúrio

Materiais de
CaSO4·2H2O,
Sulfatos gesso, sal de epsom construção, sabão
MgSO4·7H2O
terapêutico

Fertilizantes, dentes,
Fosfatos apatite Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)
ossos
 CARBONATOS
Calcite ou o polimorfo aragonite (CaCO3)e
dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2 - ocorrem em rochas
sedimentares carbonatadas (calcários).

Birrefringência da calcite
 CARBONATOS

Estrutura cristalina da calcite

CARBONATITOS - ROCHAS MAGMÁTICAS CARBONATADAS
 ÓXIDOS
Hematite, Magnetite, Limonite, e Coríndo (Al2O3 sa iras, rubis)

Hematite Magnetite Limonite

f
 HALETOS
Salinas, Castro Marim

Mina de Sal, Loulé

Salt pans, Bolívia

 Campos de evaporação - Lítio

Deserto de Atacama, Chile

 SULFURETOS

Pirite (Fe) Calcopirite (Cu) Galena (Pb)

Cinábrio (Hg)
 SULFATOS
Anidrite e Gesso

FOSFATOS
Apatite

 Identi icação dos Minerais

Amostras de Mão
Alguma terminologia:
Espécie mineral - mineral que se distingue dos outros pelas suas únicas propriedades químicas e
ísicas;

Variedade mineral - um tipo especí ico de espécie mineral com algumas características distintivas.
como a cor o hábito ou outras características ísicas externas;

Séries de minerais - duas espécies de minerais entre as quais existe um completo espectro de
composições intermédias, que constituem outras espécies de minerais. Por exemplos Plagioclases
Albite - Anortite.

Grupos de minerais - grupo de espécies de minerais com o mesmo tipo de estrutura cristalina mas
composições químicas diferentes. Exemplo os grupos das an íbias, granadas, olivinas, etc.

No caso do grupo da Barite existem 4 espécies de minerais:

Anglesite - PbSO4

Celestina - SrSO4 Anglesite Celestina

Hashemite - Ba(CrS)O4

Barite - BaSO4
Barite
f

 Identi icação dos Minerais

Amostras de Mão - Propriedades

1. Cor e Risca;
2. Lustro ou Brilho;
3. Dureza;
4. Fractura e Tenacidade;
5. Forma e Sistema Cristalino;
6. Hábito e Forma do Cristal;
7. Clivagem e Partição;
8. Maclas;
9. Densidade (peso especí ico);
10. Outras propiedades, como, sabor, magnetismo, radioactividade, etc.
f

 Fill in this chart based on your own observations about the hand sample you are examining. Then use the database that
comes with this textbook, and any other references, to identify your unknown mineral.
________________
____________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

metallic (submetallic) nonmetallic adamantine (subadamantine or splendent)

dull earthy felty glassy or vitreous
greasy pearly pitchy resinous
satiny silky velvety subvitreous
waxy
(1–10): ________

brittle conchoidal (subconchoidal) ductile

elastic even fibrous flexible
fragile hackly inelastic malleable
plastic sectile splintery tough
uneven ______________
This copy purchased by Paulo Fernandes on 2020-10-27.

isometric orthorhombic monoclinic tetragonal

hexagonal triclinic

acicular arborescent asbestiform banded

bladed blocky botryoidal capillary
colloform columnar concentric compact
concretion coralloid cryptocrystalline dendritic
divergent drusy equant featherlike
fibrous filliform foliated geniculated
geode globular granular gwindle
helicitic lamellar laminated lath-like
massive micaceous nodular pisolitic
platy plumose powdery prismatic
radiated radiating spherulitic ramified reniform
reticulated rod-like rosette scaly
selliform spherulitic spiral stalactitic
stalacmitic stellate striated stubby
sugary tabular tufted wiry

none 90 (isometric, cubic) 120 (rhombohedral) basal

prismatic octahedral dodecahedral pinacoidal
distinct indistinct micaceous

contact (swallowtail) geniculated (elbow) interpenetrating multiple (polysynthetic)

reticulated cyclic __________________
_________________
 actions with light. These include the following: property. Triboluminescence is a related property

This copy purchas 1. Cor e Risca

Risca

a. b. c.

Figure 2.2. a. Streak is the color of a mineral in the powdered form. Often, the color of a mineral is lighter when it is pow-
Cor
dered because the powder is thinner than the bulk mineral sample. b. To test the streak of a mineral, we usually use a streak
plate, which is a piece of unglazed porcelain. The mineral is scratched across the streak plate to show the color of its powder.
c. Because the porcelain in the streak plate has a hardness of about 6–7, minerals that are harder than it will not be powdered.
Minerais idiocromáticos
Instead, the powder you see may- osbeconstituintes químicos principais dos minerais são os responsáveis
ground up porcelain!
pela cor. Exemplo: malaquite

Minerais alocromáticos - os elementos menores traço ou impurezas, é que são responsáveis pela
cor dos minerais. Exemplo: rubi, sa ira.
Rubi Sa ira

Malaquite
f

f
erals such as magnetite; the phenomenon that erals and the surrounding air. It can produce
causes their black color (electrons hopping back brightly colored thin coatings (such as those that
Outrasbetween
and forth propriedades
sites relacionadas
surrounded com a interferência
by oxygen da luz nos
are obvious on minerais:
the bottom of a copper pan after
atoms) is so intense that it’s nearly impossible to cooking) or dull coatings.
makeLuminiscência
magnetite thin-enough
emissãoto detransmit light!
luz visível To
de minerais Aventurine
não minerals
incandescentes look like they contain
(fotoluminiscência);
learn more about the fascinating subject of the glitter, because they have fine-scale inclusions of
causes of color in minerals, see Chapter 7. reflective mineral grains such as mica or hematite
Fluorescência - emissão de luz no espectro visível, pela absorção de energia de uma fonte
Play of colors is the property by which differ- (Figure 2.10). Orthoclase and quartz are the most
externa
ent colors aredereflected
raios X ou
as aluz UV. Ex.isScheelite,
sample turned. The autunite, calcite, fluorite.
common minerals displaying an aventurine
classic example of a mineral having this property appearance.
is opal (Figure 2.4). - contínua emissão de luz pela absorção
Fosforescência Pleochroism
de energiaisde
theumaterm applied
fonte externatodeminerals
raios
Asterism
X ou luzresults
UV, depoisin the appearance
de esta of a star
ter terminado. thatwillemite,
Ex: calcite, possess different
pectolite.colors in the same sample
that is visible within the mineral grain (Figure when light passes through them from different
2.5). It is common in gemmy crystals of the corun- directions (Figure 2.11). Tourmaline, kyanite, epi-
Termoluminiscência - minerais que emitem luz no espectro visível quando aquecidos entre 50 -
dum group of minerals; the Star of Asia Sapphire dote, spodumene (especially the variety kunzite),
475ºC.
and the Ex: turmalinas,
Rosser Reeves Star fluorite,
Rubycalcite
in thealguns
collec-feldspatos.
and cordierite often show obvious pleochroism.
tions at the Smithsonian are beautiful examples of Many other minerals exhibit pleochroism when
these.Diafaneidade
More commonly, a thin plate
- capacidade of muscovite
de transmissão de luzviewed through
através dos a filter
minerais, thatser
podem allows only plane-
transparentes,
translúzidos ou opacos.

Transparente
Figure 2.3. - ÁguaofMarinha
The diaphaneity a mineral is its ability Transluzido - Nefrite
to transmit light. Opaco - Magnetite
A mineral may be transparent like aquamarine (left),
translucent like nephrite (center), or opaque like magnetite (right).

 Outras propriedades relacionadas com a interferência da luz nos minerais:

Espectro de cores - variedade de cores reflectidas pelos minerais quando são rodados. Ex:
Opalas

Asterismo - aparência de uma forma de estrela visível dentro do mineral.

Olho de Gato - presença de ibras minerais paralelas na estrutura dos minerais. estas produzem
bandas ópticas de cores ondulantes que parecem mover-se quando rodamos o mineral. Olho-de-
Tigre

Iridiscência - espectro de cores resultantes da dispersão de luz, nas super ície dos minerais, ou
nas clivagem parcialmente abertas, ou por camadas pouco espaçadas de composição química
diferente no interior dos minerais.

Embaçamento (Tarnish)

Pleocroísmo - minerais apresentam diferentes cores em diferentes posições. Dicroícos (duas

cores) ou tricoícos (três cores)

 terms of quality and intensity. This can be quanti- surfaces is absorbed and then instantly re-emitted
fied by measuring the degree of light absorption back in the form of visible light). Thus, minerals
of the mineral, and the amount of reflectivity it with metallic luster appear opaque. Submetallic
possess (see Chapter 5 for more information on luster is observed on minerals such as columbite,
the related term, refractive index). Note that lus- in which the metallic surface looks slightly less
ter is independent of color. Qualitatively, there Espectro
shiny than ade
oldcores de opalas,
car bumper (Figure 2.13).
are numerous hand sample terms for this proper- Nonmetallic
mostram luster is a duller light reflected
opalescência
ty, as follows: from the surface of most minerals. The lack of
Metallic luster is just what it sounds like: the bright reflectance indicates that most of the light
surface of the mineral reflects light brightly is being absorbed or transmitted by the mineral,
(Figure 2.12), like the shiny surface of the chrome and only a little is being reflected back. Most min-

mitted. Excessively bumper on your grandparents’ 1960s car. It is

d dichroic if they found on materials such as steel (which is not a
mstone alexandrite, mineral), lead, tin, gold, silver, galena, and cop-
n) and trichroic if per. Metallic luster is generally diagnostic,
s property will be although there are a few minerals (notably
neral identification hematite) that occur in both metallic and non-
See Chapter 5 for metallic lusters. The shiny appearance occurs
because electrons in the crystal structure are
shared among atoms through metallic or covalent
bonding, or when free or loosely attached elec-
trons (as are found in conductors or semiconduc-
tors) exist in the material (see Chapter 8). Note
e of light reflected that light reflected off of metallic surfaces is near-
and is described in ly pure reflectance (i.e., all the light that hits the
This can be quanti- surfaces is absorbed and then instantly re-emitted
Asterismo
of light
Figure
absorption - aparência
2.5.
back in the form
Asterism results
de
in the
Olho-de-trigre
of visible light). Thus, mineralsresultante
Figure 2.6. Tiger’s eye quartz contains Iridiscência
Figure no mineral
2.7. Iridescence is the play of col-
nt of reflectivity it with metallic luster appear opaque. Submetallic
uma estrela
oreappearance
information no
ofona star, interior
visible
luster withinonthe
is observed de ibras
fiberssuch
minerals paraleas
of ascrocidolite
columbite, andde
exhibits the hematite
ors pela
caused by the reflexão
scattering daoff a
of light
ex). Note that
mineral lus-as in
grain, in this
which thegarnet.
star metallic surface looksofslightly
property less
chatoyancy. thin coating on the surface of a mineral,
desta granada
Qualitatively, there shiny than a old car bumper crocidolite
(Figure 2.13). em quartzo luz
as numa
in this camada ina na
hematite.
ms for this proper- Nonmetallic luster is a duller light reflected
from the surface of most minerals. The lack of super ície do mineral.
it sounds like: the bright reflectance indicates that most of the light
cts light brightly is being absorbed or transmitted by the mineral,
face of the chrome and only a little is being reflected back. Most min-
f
f
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 Figure 2.8. Schiller (formerly called Figure 2.9. Tarnish is a characteristic
labradorescence or adularescence) is a property of the mineral forms of copper,
special type of iridescence found in silver, and some other minerals. It
feldspars such this labradorite. results from a chemical reaction between
the minerals and the surrounding air.
Asterismo
Figure - labradorite
2.8. Schiller (formerly called Embaçamento
Figure 2.9. Tarnish is- aprata Aventurina
characteristic Figure 2.10. Aventurine minerals like
labradorescence or adularescence) is a property of the mineral forms of copper, these feldspars look like they contain glit-
special type of iridescence found in silver, and some other minerals. It ter, but actually they have fine-scale inclu-
feldspars such this labradorite. results from a chemical reaction between sions of reflective mineral grains such as
Pleocroísmo
the minerals and the surrounding air. of- mica
Cordierite
or hematite.

Figure 2.11. Pleochroism is the term Figure 2.12. The surface of a metallic Figure 2.13. Submetallic luster is
applied to minerals like this cordierite crys- mineral reflects light brightly, like this observed on minerals such as this speci-
led Figure 2.9. Tarnish is a characteristic Figure 2.10. Aventurine minerals like
Lustroofou
s a property the Brilho
mineral -forms
descreveofacopper,
aparênciathese
de como a luz é reflectida
feldspars look like na super
they ície dos
contain glit-
in silver, and
minerais, estesome other
é descrito minerals.
em termos It ter, but
de intensidade actually they have fine-scale inclu-
e qualidade.
results from a chemical reaction between sions of reflective mineral grains such as
theLustro
minerals andsub-metálico
metálico, the surrounding air. de luz
- As reflexões of são
mica or hematite.
fortes e brilhantes e de grande
intensidade.

Brilho metálico - Antimonite Brilho sub-metálico - Molibedenite

rm Figure 2.12. The surface of a metallic Figure 2.13. Submetallic luster is
ys- mineral reflects light brightly, like this observed on minerals such as this speci-
s in antimony. men of molybdenite, in which the metal-
fer- lic surface looks like slightly tarnished

f
als that tend to form in aggregates of fibers, such to commonly manufactured materials. The Mohs-
Brilho
as gypsumnão(especially
metálico, the
podem ser:called satin
variety Woodel scale, introduced by Charles Woodel in
spar) and asbestos. 1935, is the same as the Mohs scale except that dia-

Adamantino; Baço; Oleoso; Resinoso; Sedoso; Vítreo

Figure 2.14. Adamantine minerals are Figure 2.15. The term splendent, which Figure 2.16. Dull samples do not reflect
extremely shiny (brilliant) like this cassi- means that a mineral has the brightest much light (i.e., they scatter light in different
terite; they reflect light very strongly. possible luster, is well represented by directions) like this sample of kaolinite.
this specimen of the mineral galena.
Brilho adamantino -
Figure 2.14. Adamantine minerals are Figure Brilho2.15.
adamantino - Galena
The term splendent, which Brilho2.16.
Figure baço Dull- caulinite
samples do not reflect
Cassiterite
extremely shiny (brilliant) like this cassi- means that a mineral has the brightest much light (i.e., they scatter light in different
terite; they reflect light very strongly. possible luster, is well represented by directions) like this sample of kaolinite.
this specimen of the mineral galena.

Figure
Brilho2.17.
baçoMinerals may sometimes
- carnotite Figure
Brilho2.18. Greasy
Oleoso luster resembles a Figure
- talco Brilho2.19.
pérolaPearly minerals have the
- mica
be described as earthy if they resemble thin coating of oil on the surface of a appearance of the surface of a pearl, as
dirt or clay like this piece of carnotite. mineral, as seen on this sample of talc. seen on this cleavage fragment of mica.

Brilho oleoso ou ceroso -

Figure 2.20. Resinous, pitchy, or waxy Brilho sedoso
Figure 2.21. This -sample
Gesso of gypsum has Brilho vítreo
Figure 2.22. - ambligonite
Vitreous or glassy minerals
Smithsonite
minerals like this sample of smithsonite silky luster; it resembles the shine of a like this amblygonite resemble the sur-
resemble the surface of a wax candle or a piece of silk. face of a piece of broken glass.
Dureza - descreve a resistência dos minerais ao serem riscados.
piece of tree resin or pitch.

A dureza é determinada riscando um mineral de

dureza conhecida outro cuja dureza se
mond is assigned a hardness of 42.5. This recog- known. All of them reflect the strength and type of
nizes the fact that the difference in hardness pretende
bonds indeterminar.
the mineralOstructure
que é riscado apresenta
(Chapter 8). In gen-
between, say, topaz and corundum is much small- uma
eraldureza inferior
(and there areao que risca.
numerous exceptions to these
er than the difference between corundum and dia- generalizations), native metals such as gold, cop-
mond. The Knoop scale was devised by the per, silver, and lead, are relatively soft (Mohs hard-
National Institute for Standards and Technology nesses <3), other non-silicates and hydrous miner-
(then called the National Bureau of Standards). It als tend to have hardnesses <5, and oxides and
uses a measure of the actual force required to anhydrous silicates tend to be the hardest (H>5.5).
make a permanent indentation in a polished sur- Minerals made up of small atoms (especially high-
face. Obviously this is a very sensitive measure- ly-charged cations) and/or densely packed atoms
ment, and it can even be used to distinguish tend to be harder because they have short, strong
between the hardnesses of different faces on a bonds. Hardness in general tends to correlate with
gemstone. Finally, another modification was sug- bond density. Accordingly, some minerals (notably
Fracture and Tenacity slightly different property. Specifically, tough-
ness refers to the amount of energy that can be
The terms tenacity and fracture both refer Escalas
to dif- de absorbed
Dureza by a material before it fractures. Some
ferent aspects of what happens when you try to minerals are so tough that they are almost impos-
Mohs Technical Mohs-Woodel Knoop Povarennykh
break a mineral into scale pieces: tenacity
scale describes sible
scale to break (for
scale people who do field work,
scale
how difficult it is to make the material break, and these types of minerals can prove to be very frus-
fracture describes the surface1. that
1. talc talc results when 1. talc trating, because––they are difficult to break off and
1. talc [001]
you do break it.2. gypsum
3. calcite
2. gypsum
3. calcite
bring
2. gypsum
3. calcite
home for 32further study!).
135
Chalcedony (a
2. halite [100]
3. galena [100]
Tenacity (also called tensile
4. fluorite strength) is the 4. fluorite
4. fluorospar variety of quartz)163 and rhodonite are extremely
4. fluorite [111]
property of a substance
5. apatite to resist
6. orthoclase
separation—its
5. apatite
6. orthoclase
tough
5. apatite
6. orthoclase
minerals.
430 Several 5. terms
560
are used to
scheelite 111]
6. magnetite [111]
so-called “cohesiveness.”
7. quartz It is7.related to glass
pure silica describe tenacity,
hardness 7. quartz 820including:
7. quartz [101–0]
because it describes
8. topaz the way 8. a mineral
quartz breaks 8. topazBrittle or fragile
1340 minerals
8. topaz will
[001] break into
–
9. corundum 9. topaz 9. corundum 2100 9. corundum [1120]
when it is stressed or deformed
10. diamond 10. garnet pieces (Figure 7000
(as when, for42.5 diamond 2.24) or form
10. powders
TiC under stress
example, you scratch it with something
11. fused
12. corundum
zircon from (i.e., when you hit them with
11. a
boron
12. B4C
hammer). Most
nitride
13. silicon by
your test kit). It is also influenced the crys-
carbide commonly-occurring rock-forming
13. B12C2 minerals are
14. boron carbide 14. carbon diamond
15. diamond 15. bort diamond[111]

Mohs Hardness Criteria

Scale
1 rubs off onto skin in tiny flakes, easily scratched by a fingernail
2 easily scratched by fingernail
3 scratched by nail, knife, or copper coin may be scratched by fingernail of some people
4 easily scratched by a nail or knife (never by a fingernail)
5 scratched by a nail or knife with pressure applied
6 NOT scratched by a knife but will scratch typical window glass
7 scratches window glass (but not most kitchen ceramics made from glass)
can be scratched by topaz, corundum, or diamond (but don’t try the latter)
8–10 difficult to distinguish except with diamond or corundum for scratch testing (try diamond sandpaper!)
bending (Figure 2.28). Examples include stibnite,
bending describe
(Figure 2.28). it include: include stibnite,
Examples describe it include:

This copy purchased by Pa

alc, and chlorite. Even fracture refers to a fracture surface that fracture
is
Fractura e Tenacidade talc, and chlorite.
Elastic minerals can be bent but will return
Elastictominerals- são
can dois
relatively smooth
be aspectos
bent and, in most
but will relativos
cases,
return to planar.
Even
ao que
Evensmooth
relatively
refers to a fracture surface that is
acontece quando
and, in se planar. Even
most cases,
heir original shapes afterwards (Figure their 2.29).
original fracture
shapes planes are usually
afterwards (Figure cleavage
2.29). planes.
fracture planes are usually cleavage planes.
tenta partir um mineral em pedaços mais pequenos. A tenacidade é a propriedade que
This property is Uneven
This property is characteristic of both muscovite fracture
characteristic describes
of both a breakage Uneven
muscovite surface fracture describes a breakage surface
descreve
and biotite, and allowed a resistência à separação,
them to be used
and in the and
biotite, enquanto
thatallowed
is rough and
them que beaused
fractura
touneven. The
in the descreve
features
thatofis thea forma
rough com que
and uneven. Theosfeatures of the
manufacture of lampshades (and other house- breakage surface(and
can be further described as:
breakage
bocados partidos manufacture
apresentam,
hold objects!) in previous centuries. hold Inelastic
of direcções
em lampshades
Conchoidal que
fracture
other
não
is
house-
são
fracturingparalelas
along aossurface
round- planoscan de
be further
clivagemdescribed as:
objects!) in previous centuries. Inelastic Conchoidal fracture is fracturing along round-
dosbend
minerals will minerais.
slightly and then break. ed surfaces
minerals will bend slightly marked by break.
and then smooth, curvinged lines like marked by smooth, curving lines like
surfaces
Tenacidade: frágeis, dúctil, maleável, séctil, fretáveis e elásticos.
Hand Sample Identification 31

because they are held together by mostly

onding (see Chapter 8 to learn more about
g). The term friable is also used for fragile
s that disintegrate into fine grains under
ressure.
ile minerals can be shaped or drawn out
res (Figure 2.25). This property only occurs
ve metals such as gold, silver, and copper
e they are held together by metallic bonds.
eable materials can be pounded into a
ith a hammer (Figure 2.26). Generally this
rty associated only with native metals and
c bonding (Chapters 3, 8). A few silver-
ing minerals such as acanthite may also be
malleable. Because gold is malleable, it
Frágil
Figure
made 2.24.
intoBrittle
r form powders
thinorsheets
fragile minerals
that arewillused
break into pieces
to
Figure Dúctil
Figure
2.24. Figure
2.25.
Brittle 2.26.minerals
orDuctile
fragile Malleable
minerals materials
can
will intocan
be shaped
break or be
drawn
pieces out Maleável
pounded
Figureinto a Malleable materials can be pounded into a
2.26.
bjects in gold under stress.as
leaf (such 32 picture frames,
Hand Sample Identification sheet
underwith
into wires.
or form powders a hammer.
stress. sheet with a hammer.
us objects, and paintings from the Middle

le materials can be cut with a knife, or cut
in shavings like chocolate curls (Figure
hey are not completely malleable, howev-
may break easily if hit with a hammer.
materials are gradational between the mal-
metals and most brittle minerals. Minerals
ing this property include chlorargyrite,
m and chalcocite.
ble minerals can be bent without breaking
l not return to their original shapes after
Séctil include stibnite,
g (Figure 2.28). Examples
d chlorite.
A comparison of brittle vs. ductile behavior can
be observed during a scratch test: if the material
excavated from the unknown mineral flies out
into your face, then the mineral is brittle. If the
scratched material simply flows or moves out of
the way (as when you scratch a wax candle), then
the material is behaving in a ductile fashion.
Fracture is formally defined as the texture that
results when a mineral is broken in any direction
other than along planes of cleavage. Terms used to
describe it include: Elástico
Even fracture refers to a fracture surface that is

“form,” “fracture,” “cleavage,” and “habit.” The

terms are distinct because (1) form is the specific
Fractura: perfeita (planos de clivagem), imperfeita - concoidal, ibrosa e muito irregular.Hand Identification
Hand Sample 33
Sample Identificatio

Figure 2.31. Fibrous fracture looks like the broken end of a Figure 2.32. Hackly fracture is breakage along a rough,
frayed piece of rope. jagged surface as seen on this piece of copper.
This copy purchased by Paulo Fernandes on 2020-10-27.

term used to describe the external crystal shape Crystal forms are described using a specific set
that reflects the internal arrangement of atoms, of vocabulary that can be found in older reference
(2) fracture and cleavage describe surfaces along books; the terminology is rarely-used, so we
which a crystal has been broken, and (3) habit won’t provide details here. However, a few relat-
refers to the shape of a crystal without reference ed terms are useful in the context of hand sample
to atomic or internal structure. Try to remember identification.
that all minerals have a crystal form (though they If a specimen exhibits crystal faces that show
Concoidal
Figure 2.30. Conchoidal fracture of quartz shows Figure
smooth,
Figure 2.31. 2.31.
Fibrous Fibrous fracture
fracture looks
may not always show it in hand sample, except in looks
like like
the theform,
broken
off its broken
of end
end we asayofitFigure
ais euhedral,
Figure 2.32.
2.32. Hackly
or Hackly
fracture
possessing fracture is breakage
is breakage along along a r
a rough, Fibrosa Muito irregular
curving lines like a piece of glass or a clammuseum qualityfrayed
shell. frayed piece ofpiece
rope.ofbut
specimens), rope.
not all minerals a distinctive shape.jagged jagged
surface
In cases surface
as seen
where asonseen
oppositethison thisofpiece
piece of copper.
copper.

Forma dos Cristais - euédricos, anédricos e hemimór icos

exhibit cleavage or even fracture. ends of the crystal have different forms, the
This copy purchased by Paulo Fernandes on 2020-10-27.
This copy purchased by Paulo Fernandes on 2020-10-27.

term term
used used to describe
to describe the external
the external crystal crystal
shapeshape Crystal Crystal
formsforms are described
are described usingusing a specif
a specific set
that reflects
that reflects the internal
the internal arrangement
arrangement of atoms,
of atoms, of vocabulary
of vocabulary thatbecan
that can be found
found in older
in older refer
reference
euédrico(2) fracture
(2) fracture and cleavage
and cleavage describe
describe surfaces
surfaces alongalongbooks;books; the terminology
the terminology is rarely-used,
is rarely-used, so we so
whichwhich a crystal
a crystal has been
has been broken, broken,
and (3) andhabit
(3) habit
won’twon’themimór
provideprovide
details icos
details
here. here. However,
However, a fewarelat-
few r
refersrefers
to thetoshape
the shape of a crystal
of a crystal withoutwithout reference
reference ed terms
ed terms are useful
are useful in thein the context
context of hand
of hand sample sam
to atomic
to atomic or internal
or internal structure.
structure. Try toTry to remember
remember identification.
identification.
that
that all all minerals
minerals have ahave a crystal
crystal form (though
form (though they they If a specimen
If a specimen exhibits
exhibits crystal crystal
faces faces that s
that show
may
may not not always
always showshow it in hand
it in hand sample,
sample, exceptexcept
in in
off itsoff its form,
form, we say weitsay it is euhedral,
is euhedral, or posses
or possessing
museummuseum
qualityquality specimens),
specimens), but notbutallnot all minerals
minerals a distinctive
a distinctive shape.shape.
In cases In cases
wherewhere opp
opposite
exhibit
exhibit cleavage
cleavage or fracture.
or even even fracture. ends ends
of theof crystal
the crystal
have have different
different forms,formsthe
a.
anédrico
b.

Figure 2.33. a. Euhedral crystals like this quartz possess a

distinctive shape, which may display a shape or form that is
made up of faces related by symmetry. b. If opposite ends of
the crystal have different forms, the crystal is hemimorphic
like this wurtzite (photo by John A. Jaszczak). c. Samples c.
f
f
f
 well as the angles between those axes, describe 2.6 contains some of the common terms.

This copy purchased by Paulo Fernandes on 2020-10-27.

Sistema Cristalino
Relative lengths of axes Angles between axes
isometric a b c all 90
tetragonal a b c all 90
hexagonal a b c 90 , 120
orthorhombic a b c all 90
monoclinic a b c 90 , 90
triclinic a b c

c
c c
b

b b a
a a
Isometric Tetragonal Triclinic

c c
c
b
a b
a b
a

Monoclinic Hexagonal Orthorhombic

Figure 2.34. The relative axis lengths of the shapes, as well as the angles between those axes, describe each crystal class uniquely.
 Forma e Hábito Hand Sample Identification 35

Figure 2.35. Acicular boulangerite. Figure 2.36. Arborescent copper. Figure 2.37. Asbestiform chrysotile.
This copy purchased by Paulo Fernandes on 2020-10-27.

Figure 2.38. Banded agate. Figure 2.39. Colorless blades of scolecite. Figure 2.40. Blocky orthoclase.

Figure 2.41. Botryoidal hematite. Figure 2.42. Capillary millerite. Figure 2.43. Colloform graphite spherules.

Figure 2.44. Columnar elbaite. Figure 2.45. Ironstone concretion perme- Figure 2.46. Coralloid or helicitic arago-
ated by opal. Photo by Russell G. Rizzo. nite. Photo by Jorge M. Alves.
 36 Hand Sample Identification
Forma e Hábito
(cont.)

Figure 2.47. Cryptocrystalline chal- Figure 2.48. Dendritic manganese oxide Figure 2.49. Divergent or radiated man-
This copy purchased by Paulo Fernandes on 2020-10-27. cedony. (formerly called pyrolusite). ganite.

Figure 2.50. Felted crystals of drusy Figure 2.51. Equant cobaltite pyritohedron. Figure 2.52. Featherlike or plumose silver.
aurichalcite with larger calcite crystals
on the outer edges.

Figure 2.53. Fibrous brucite. Figure 2.54. Filiform hydrozincite. Figure 2.55. Foliated lepidolite.

Figure 2.56. Geniculated rutile. Figure 2.57. Amethyst geode. Figure 2.58. Globular smithsonite.
 Forma e Hábito
Hand Sample Identification 37

(cont.)

This copy purchased by Paulo Fernandes on 2020-10-27. Figure 2.59. Granular or sugary cryolite. Figure 2.60. Gwindle or spiral, quartz. Figure 2.61. Lamellar brucite.

Figure 2.62. Laminated clinochlore. Figure 2.63. Massive graphite. Figure 2.64. Micaceous biotite.

Figure 2.65. Pisolitic siderite. Figure 2.66. Platy magnesite (mesitite Figure 2.67. Powdery vivianite.
variety).

Figure 2.68. Prismatic epidote. Figure 2.69. Radiating spherulitic or Figure 2.70. Reniform (kidney-shaped)
spherulitic wavellite. hematite.
 Forma e Hábito
38 Hand Sample Identification

(cont.)

Figure 2.71. Reticulated taenite and Figure 2.72. Barite rose. Figure 2.73. Scaly celadonite.
kamacite.
This copy purchased by Paulo Fernandes on 2020-10-27.

Figure 2.74. Stalactitic calcite. Figure 2.75. Stalagmitic calcite. Figure 2.76. Stellate muscovite twins.

Figure 2.77. Striated arsenopyrite. Figure 2.78. Stubby manganotantalite. Figure 2.79. Tabular albite.

Figure 2.80. Tufted rosasite. Figure 2.81. Wiry silver with acanthite.
 Term Description Example
Figure
Number
Forma e Hábito
acicular
arborescent
thin, needle-shaped crystals (capillary)
long, thin branching crystals that form tree-like,
epidote, natrolite, boulangerite
ice, silver, copper
2.35
2.36 (cont.)
three-dimensional growth pattern
asbestiform long, thin fibers like asbestos that separate easily chrysotile, grunerite 2.37
banded stripes or bands of different color or texture agate 2.38
bladed long, flat crystals shaped like the blade of a knife stibnite, kyanite, scolecite 2.39
blocky massive, block or brick-shaped orthoclase 2.40
botryoidal resembling bunches of grapes smithsonite, conichalcite, 2.41
hematite
capillary very thin, delicate, hair-like crystals (acicular) millerite 2.42
colloform general term for crystals with spherical groups of any hemimorphite, graphite 2.43
size; more specific terms include botryoidal, globular,
and reniform habits
columnar crystal faces with linear intersections between them, beryl, elbaite, dravite, schorl 2.44
resulting in a column or prism shape
concretion rounded layers around a small center, resulting ironstone 2.45
in an onion-like growth pattern
coralloid twisted, curved branch-like shapes resembling coral aragonite 2.46
cryptocrystalline crystals smaller than can be seen with the human eye variscite, spodumene, chalcedony 2.47
dendritic plant-like or moss-like growth patterns, more copper, acanthite 2.48
two-dimensional than arborescent habits
divergent radiating groups of crystals mesolite, manganite 2.49
drusy a coating of small crystals calcite, stilpnomelane, 2.50
aurichalcite, quartz
equant crystals with equal size in all dimensions garnet, zircon, anhydrite, cobaltite 2.51
featherlike overlapping fine scales resembling a feather (plumose) galena, descloizite, silver 2.52
fibrous bundles of thin fibers in either parallel or radiating chrysotile, brucite, strontianite 2.53
groups
filiform thin, thread-like crystals rutile, hydrozincite 2.54
foliated general term for crystals forming thin, easily biotite, lepidolite, micas 2.55
separated sheets or plates; including leaflike, laminar,
and micaceous
geniculated knee-like crystals chalcocite, rutile 2.56
geode spherical hollow structure lined with small crystals amethyst 2.57
globular radiating individuals form small globes or spheres pyromorphite, smithsonite 2.58
granular all crystals roughly equal in size, resembling celestine, monazite, cryolite 2.59
granulated sugar
gwindle growing in a spiral shape quartz 2.60
helicitic same as coralloid aragonite 2.46
lamellar tabular, flat, platelike crystals stacked on each gypsum, barite, tilleyite, brucite 2.61
other and resembling a book shape
laminated forming thin cleavable sheets biotite, clinochlore 2.62
 40
Forma e Hábito
Hand Sample Identification

(cont.)
Term Description Example Figure
Number

massive no distinctive shape or other characteristics purpurite, iron, graphite 2.63

micaceous very thin sheets that are easily separated muscovite, biotite 2.64
pisolitic pea-size spherical aggregates siderite, bauxite 2.65
platy forming thin rounded plates diaspore, lepidocrocite, magnesite 2.66
plumose same as featherlike galena, descloizite, silver 2.52
powdery tiny, powder-like crystals vivianite 2.67
prismatic long, slender crystals with parallel faces forming in a proustite, natrolite, crocoite 2.68
column or prism shape
radiated same as divergent mesolite, manganite 2.49
radiating spherulitic slender crystals in rounded masses wavellite, gibbsite 2.69
reniform kidney-shaped crystals or groups of crystals arsenic, sulfur, hematite 2.70
reticulated net-like lattice pattern of crisscrossing crystals silver, bismuth, taenite, kamacite 2.71
rosette shaped like a rose hematite, barite, gypsum 2.72
purchased by Paulo Fernandes on 2020-10-27.

scaly forming thin overlapping plates or scales aurichalcite, celadonite 2.73

spherulitic same as radiating spherulitic wavellite, gibbsite 2.69
spiral same as gwindle quartz 2.60
stalactitic cylinders or cones that grow with the pointed end down, calcite, arsenic 2.74
as when forming on a cave ceiling
stalagmitic cylinders or cones that grow with the pointed end up, calcite 2.75
as when growing from a cave floor
stellate radiating star or circle shapes muscovite, astrophyllite 2.76
striated crystal faces with fine, parallel lines pyrite, arsenopyrite, gahnite 2.77
stubby short, fat prisms manganotantalite, borax, benitoite 2.78
sugary same as granular celestine, monazite 2.59
tabular shaped like tablets, or flat, rectangles cerussite, barite, gypsum, albite 2.79
tufted forming small hair-like tufts hydromagnesite, rosasite 2.80
wiry forming thin wires silver 2.81
 tal also exists an equal and opposite distance other, and others are in a reversed position.
across and through an imaginary mirror plane; Twinning may be caused by processes that occur
Clivagem e Partição
Number of Cleavage Description Illustration of
Sketch Cleavage Directions
Directions

No cleavage
0 No cleavage,
None
only fracture Irregular masses with no
flat surfaces

Basal cleavage
1
“Books” that split apart
This copy purchased by Paulo Fernandes on 2020-10-27.

along flat sheets

Prismatic cleavage

2 at 90 Elongated form with

rectangular cross sections
(prisms) and parts of such forms

Prismatic cleavage

2 not at 90 Elongated form with

parallelogram cross sections
(prisms) and parts of such forms

Cubic cleavage
3 at 90
Shapes made of cubes and
parts of cubes

Rhombohedral cleavage
3 not at 90 Shapes made of rhombohedra
and parts of rhombohedra

Octahedral cleavage
4
Shapes made of octahedra and
parts of octahedra

Dodecahedral cleavage
6
Shapes made of dodecahedra
and parts of dodecahedra

Figure 2.82. Mineral cleavage can occur in many different directions and different angles.
 crosses that look as though one crystal has grown
right
e through the other one. Penetration twins are

This copy purchased by Paulo Fernand

Clivagem Partição
common in fluorite and microcline. When the

Layer
structure
Weak
bond
Layer
structure
120
a.
Strong bond

60

Cleavage
b. plane

Figure 2.84. Another diagnostic cleavage occurs in the min-

erals of the amphibole group, which show cleavages at 60°
and 120° angles.

Cleavage
twins form a cross shape with crystals at right plane
angles to each other (as in the mineral staurolite), c.
the terms “Greek cross” and “St. Andrew’s cross”
Figure 2.83. a. Basal, or one-directional, cleavage occurs in
are often used (Figure 2.88). Pyrite and arsenopy-
mica group minerals… b. …because there is only weak
 lot heavier thatrotten
characteristic an equivalent
egg smell volume
whenof water. are
samples in reference volumes on hand sample identifica-
44
Maclas
fractured.
- Some types of coal minerals have a tion. All of them are defined on the basis of the
Hand Sample Identification
intercrescimento
petroleum smell to them, and arsenic-bearing simétrico de um ou mais
elements cristais
they contain do mesmo
(transition mineral
metals, normal-
Minerals
minerals likewith metallic or
arsenopyrite adamantine
release a garliclusters
smell ly iron, must be present for magnetism to occur;
tend
whentohithave
withhigh specific gravities, while dull or
a hammer. see Chapter 23), but simple explanations can be
d to The acid test
non-metallic minerals
is usedare usually much
to determine whetherlower.or used to differentiate them.
it is Minerals withcontains
not a mineral high specific
carbonate,gravities tend3, to
or CaCO be
in its Diamagnetic minerals have no attraction to a
h is composition.
composed of In the field,
atoms withthis
high testmass
is usually
(thosedone
that magnet, and may in fact be repelled very slightly
cific by applying
occur high up on a the fewperiodic
drops chart)
of very dilute
and strong by a magnet if they contain small amounts of
ned hydrochloric
bonds acid, or 7HCl,
(see Chapters andto 8).the surface of a min- transition metals.
s. It eral (note from experience: a leaky bottle of even Paramagnetic minerals such as diopside and
rals very dilute HCl in your pocket will quickly eat a gedrite contain transition metals, but spins of
ave Other Properties
hole through your blue jeans; use with caution!). their electrons are randomly oriented in the crys-
ure- The HCl will react by fizzing wildly if CaCO3 is tal structures, and there is no tendency for the
present.
Occasionally some other properties come into electrons in those atoms to become aligned.
is a Magnetic
play properties
for mineral are significant
identification. Perhapsfor theonly
most a Paramagnetic minerals may sometimes show a
hen few mineral
obvious species,
of these is the butsensetheof terminology bears
taste; some miner- faint attraction to a magnet.
d to als taste salty (halite), salty/bitter (like sylvite,
vity. Macla
which
Figure em
is used
2.87. joelho
Contact - crisoberílo
asoraswallowtail
salt substitute),
twins, are or almost
common in Macla
Figure 2.89. ciclíca - crisoberílo
Cyclic twinning is shown here in chrysoberyl.
the mineral
sweet phaseSmell
(alum). chrysoberyl, shown
can also behere.
an important tool
in mineral identification. Limestone (a rock type
composed of calcite) may often host small
amounts of sulfur compounds, which give off a mention here because these terms are often found
characteristic rotten egg smell when samples are in reference volumes on hand sample identifica-
fractured. Some types of coal minerals have a tion. All of them are defined on the basis of the
petroleum smell to them, and arsenic-bearing elements they contain (transition metals, normal-
minerals like arsenopyrite release a garlic smell ly iron, must be present for magnetism to occur;
when hit with a hammer. see Chapter 23), but simple explanations can be
The acid test is used to determine whether or used to differentiate them.
not a mineral contains carbonate, or CaCO3, in its Diamagnetic minerals have no attraction to a
composition. In the field, this test is usually done magnet, and may in fact be repelled very slightly
by applying a few drops of very dilute by a magnet if they contain small amounts of
hydrochloric acid, or HCl, to the surface of a min- transition metals.
eral (note from experience: a leaky bottle of even Paramagnetic minerals such as diopside and
veryMacla
Figure 2.88. de
dilute HClpenetração
in your
Penetration are- commonly
twinspocket estaurolite
will quickly
formed byeatthea Macla
gedrite
Figure de intercrescimento
contain
2.90. transition
Microcline or-“tartan”
metals,
displays a plaid microclina
but spins of
twinning