Mineral 1.0Test your knowledge of specific minerals

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  CarbonateAragonite
CaCO3

Most distinguishing features:
Stalactitic habit, hardness (greater than that of calcite) and colour.

Industrial/economical uses:
Same as calcite, however abundance is much much less than that of calcite, thus having little economic value.

  CarbonateAzurite
Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2

Most distinguishing features:
Colour is reliable, association with malachite is also indicative.

Industrial/economical uses:
A minor ore of copper, also has ornamental uses. Sometimes a pigment (when powdered).

  CarbonateCalcite (massive)
CaCO3

Most distinguishing features:
Recognized by hardness and cleavage. Dolomite and aragonite have higher densities.

Industrial/economical uses:
Used in the manufacture of portland cement (quicklime). Also used as a pharmaceutical (antacids, calcium supplements).

  CarbonateCalcite (sparry)
CaCO3

Other names/forms:
Iceland Spar

Most distinguishing features:
Hardness, crystal habit and twin striae are typical.

Industrial/economical uses:
Used in the manufacture of portland cement (quicklime) and in the pharmaceutical industry.

  CarbonateDolomite
CaMg(CO3)2

Most distinguishing features:
Harder than calcite

Industrial/economical uses:
Used in manufacture of portland cement.

  CarbonateMalachite
Cu2(CO)3(OH)2

Most distinguishing features:
Colour is primary indicator, as well as habit.

Industrial/economical uses:
Used as a minor ore of copper and also has ornamental uses due to vivid green colour.

  CarbonateSiderite
FeCO3

Most distinguishing features:
Identified by colour and hardness.

Industrial/economical uses:
Sometimes used as an iron ore. Also used in pigments where a red or brown colour is desirable.