Minerals: Tectosilicates
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.
Tectosilicates
-are “framework” silicates in which every silicon atom shares all four of its oxygen ions with neighboring silicon atoms.
Danburite
Danburite
Nephrite
Lazurite
Sodalite
Sodalite
Tectosilicates: Feldspars
Orthoclase
Microcline
Albite
Anorthite
Polished Labradorite
Raw Labradorite
Tectosilicates: Zeolites
Chabazite-Ca
Harmotome
Heulandite-Ca
Mesolite in Basalt Matrix
Mordenite
Natrolite in Basalt Matrix
Scolecite
Stellerite
Thomsonite in Basalt Matrix
Stillbite-Ca White
Stillbite-Ca Pink
Stilbite-Ca
Tectosilicates: Quartz Group
Quartz (Rock Crystal)
Quartz Cluster
Drussi Quartz
Amyethist
Citrine
Smokey Quartz
Milky Quartz
Rose Quartz
Ocean Jasper
Banded Jasper
Jasper
Jasper “Jade”
Carnelian
Crysoprase
Onyx
Flint
Chert
Chalcedony (Youngite)
Chalcedony
Tiger’s Eye
Tiger’s Eye
Blue Lace Agate
Agate
Agate
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Data: Pellant, Chris. Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks and Minerals, The clearest recognition guides avaiable. A Dorling Kindersley Book.