Minerals: Cyclosilicates

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.

Cyclosilicates

-have tetrahedra jointed into rings.

Aquamarine Beryl

Aquamarine Beryl

Beryl

Emerald

Emerald in Matrix

Heliodor

Elbaite

Elbaite

Rubellite

Schorl

Schorl in Matrix

Axinite

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Data: Pellant, Chris. Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks and Minerals, The clearest recognition guides avaiable. A Dorling Kindersley Book.

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