Minerals: Carbonates
Minerals are defined by five criteria: 1. Naturally Occurring, 2. Inorganic, 3. Solid, 4. Defined Chemical (Atomic) Formula, and 5. A unique set of physical properties.
Carbonates
-are compounds in which one or more metallic or semimetallic elements combine with (CO3) carbonate radical. Calcite is the commonest carbonate, forms when calcium combines with the carbonate radical.
Calcite (banded)
Calcite
Calcite
Calcite (Iceland Spar)
Calcite (dog tooth)
Calcite cluster
Calcite (banded)
Calcite
Calcite
Calcite
Calcite
Calcite
Aragonite (hexagonal)
Aragonite
Artinite
Aurichalcite
Aurichalcite
Aurichalcite
Malachite
Malachite
Malachite (polished)
Azurite
Smithsonite (botryidal)
Smithsonite crystals
Cerussite
Dolomite
Magnesite
Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite (banded)
Rhodochrosite
Siderite
Siderite
Click here to see my mineral teaching display.
Data: Pellant, Chris. Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks and Minerals, The clearest recognition guides avaiable. A Dorling Kindersley Book.