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.