Crystals
Shungite
Carbon Mineraloid Root & Earth Star Mohs 3.5–4 Shungite 🖤 — Meaning, History, Science & Ways to Work With It A grounded guide to the glossy black stone from Karelia—part...
Shungite
Carbon Mineraloid Root & Earth Star Mohs 3.5–4 Shungite 🖤 — Meaning, History, Science & Ways to Work With It A grounded guide to the glossy black stone from Karelia—part...
Shattuckite
Shattuckite • copper silicate hydroxide Formula: Cu5(SiO3)4(OH)2 • Crystal system: Orthorhombic Mohs ~3.5 • SG ~3.8–4.1 • Luster: silky to dull; vitreous when encased in quartz Habit: fibrous, felted masses,...
Shattuckite
Shattuckite • copper silicate hydroxide Formula: Cu5(SiO3)4(OH)2 • Crystal system: Orthorhombic Mohs ~3.5 • SG ~3.8–4.1 • Luster: silky to dull; vitreous when encased in quartz Habit: fibrous, felted masses,...
Ruby with zoisite
Ruby in Zoisite • “Anyolite” (metamorphic rock) Components: Ruby (corundum, Al₂O₃ + Cr³⁺) in Zoisite (Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH)) Accents: black amphibole streaks (hornblende group), ± quartz Hardness contrast: Ruby 9 • Zoisite...
Ruby with zoisite
Ruby in Zoisite • “Anyolite” (metamorphic rock) Components: Ruby (corundum, Al₂O₃ + Cr³⁺) in Zoisite (Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH)) Accents: black amphibole streaks (hornblende group), ± quartz Hardness contrast: Ruby 9 • Zoisite...
Sunstone
Sunstone • aventurescent feldspar — typically plagioclase (oligoclase → labradorite) with metallic platelets Idealized series: NaAlSi₃O₈–CaAl₂Si₂O₈ • Also rarely orthoclase (KAlSi₃O₈) Crystal system: Triclinic (plagioclase) • Habit: tabular crystals, granular;...
Sunstone
Sunstone • aventurescent feldspar — typically plagioclase (oligoclase → labradorite) with metallic platelets Idealized series: NaAlSi₃O₈–CaAl₂Si₂O₈ • Also rarely orthoclase (KAlSi₃O₈) Crystal system: Triclinic (plagioclase) • Habit: tabular crystals, granular;...
Ruby with fuchsite
Ruby in Fuchsite • metamorphic rock Components: Ruby (corundum, Al₂O₃ + Cr³⁺) in Fuchsite (Cr‑rich muscovite mica) Contrast duo: Mohs 9 (ruby) vs ~2–3 (fuchsite) Look: cherry‑to‑crimson ruby spots in...
Ruby with fuchsite
Ruby in Fuchsite • metamorphic rock Components: Ruby (corundum, Al₂O₃ + Cr³⁺) in Fuchsite (Cr‑rich muscovite mica) Contrast duo: Mohs 9 (ruby) vs ~2–3 (fuchsite) Look: cherry‑to‑crimson ruby spots in...
Agate geode
Quartz Family (Chalcedony + Quartz Druzy) Volcanic Cavities → Crystal Caves Mohs 6.5–7 (Durable) Agate Geodes 🥥 — How They Form, What to Look For, and Beautiful Ways to Use...
Agate geode
Quartz Family (Chalcedony + Quartz Druzy) Volcanic Cavities → Crystal Caves Mohs 6.5–7 (Durable) Agate Geodes 🥥 — How They Form, What to Look For, and Beautiful Ways to Use...