Mica KAI2(AISi3)O10(OH,F)2 Silicate Group

Physical Features

1. Color- Colorless to pale yellow.

2. Streak- White.

3. Luster- Pearly.

4. Cleavage- Perfect.

5. Transparency- Transparent in thin layers.

6. Fracture- Even.

7. Hardness- 2 to 4.

8. Forms- Poorly crystalized.

There are 37 different mica minerals, all in which have crystalline structure that forms layers that can be split into thin sheets. Chemically they contain complex silicates of aluminium and alkalies with hydroxyl. Some varieties may contain iron, magnesium, and lithium. Mica can be found in pegmatites which are widely distributed and occurs in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks (granite). Mica pegmatite consists of a quartz core with feldspar sides. There are seven important mica minerals. Starting with the most popular of the group. 1. Muscovite, 2. Paragonite, 3. Lepidolite, 4. Phlogopite, 5. Biotite, 6. Zinnualdite, 7. Lepidomelane. Mica occurs all over the world.

Chrysocolla (CuAI) 2H2Si2O5(OH)4nH2O Silicates/phyllosilicates

Physical Features
1. Color- Blue, blue-green.
2. Streak- Pale blue, tan, gray.
3. Luster- Vitreousto earthy.
4. Cleavage- None.
5. Transparency- Transparent to nearly opaque.
6. Fracture- Uneven to conchoidal.
7. Hardness- 2-4.
8. Forms- Massive.
9. Crystal systems- Orthorombic.
Chrysocolla is a mineral that is made from hydrated copper silicate. It most commonly forms in the oxidation zones of copper ore bodies. Many times chrysocolla is associated with other minerals, such as quartz, limonite, azurite, malachite and cuprite, which are frequently intergrown together. Typically found as glassy botryoidal or rounded masses and crusts, or vein fillings. Chrysocolla is sometimes confused with turquoise because of it's light color. Some say it's used for inspiration or creativity, and may help to promote communication.

Jet Organics/ Hydrocarbons

Physical Features

1. Color- Black, brown.

2. Streak- Black to dark brown.

3. Luster- Velvety to waxy.

4. Cleavage- None.

5. Transparency- Opaque.

6. Fracture- Conchoidal.

7. Hardness- 2.5.

8. Forms- Amorphous.

Jet has been classified as a coal because of it's high carbon content. Jet is a fossil wood belived to have formed as a result of being waterlogged and then buried in oxygen deprived mud of the ocean floor for millions of years. Today Jet occurrences can be found in sedimentary marine rocks all over the world. Just the other day when digging in my garden I came across a real nice piece, and of course I saved it. Maybe one day, i'll use it in a ring. Jet is well known for it's amazing uses as an ornamental, such as jewlery.

Orthoceras and Ammonites (fossils)

Herkimer Diamonds Double Terminated Quartz Silicate Group

Physical Features

1. Color- Clear.

2. Streak- White.

3. Luster- Glassy.

4. Cleavage- None.

5. Transparency- Transparent.

6. Fracture- Conchoidal.

7. Hardness- 7.

8. Forms- Faceted.

9. Crystal system- Doubly terminated.

Herkimer Diamonds have a typical hexagonal habit such as quartz, but instead of having a termination on one end they are both doubly terminated. This is a result of the crystals growing with little or no contact with their host rock (dolomite), making Herkimer Diamonds very rare. These diamonds were first discovered in exposed outcrops of dolomite, where they form in cavities, and pockets within the dolomite, sometimes the pockets are also frequently filled with druzy quartz crystals. These occurrences can be found in Herkimer New York and around the little falls area of middleville. There have been other doubly terminated diamonds found in Arizona, Afgahanistan, Norway, the Ukraine, and China. Although they are the same, they are not considered Herkimer Diamonds.

Fossil Rock N.Y. (West Canadian Creek)

Fossil Rock This fossil rock was found in Herkimer New York (West Canadian Creek). Many different fossils have preserved themselves in this piece of sedimentary rock. Ammonites, Trilobites and even Brachipods. Although small in size, they are there, reminding us of their past existence, and how we can learn about them today.

Arrowheads

Obsidian Arrowheads

Amber Organics Group

Physical features

1. Color- Yellow to brown.

2. Luster- Greasy.

3. Transparency- Transparent to translucent.

4. Hardness- 2.5.

Organic gemstones are those that formed as a result of living processes, such as Amber. Amber is a fossil resin thought to have come from trees, pines, conifers, and some angiosperms. Technically Amber is not a mineral, but is classed as a precious stone. Most amber is less than 100 million years old, but can be considered a fossil. The real fossils are the insects which get trapped in the tree resin (sap). As the resin hardens the insects which are trapped are amazingly preserved in exquisite detail. The inclusion of insects in Amber are rare finds, most Amber does not contain insects, so when ever this happens it's considered to be a remarkable find. Amber can usually be associated with coal and shale deposits around the world. Some of these occurrences can be found in the Dominican Republic, Germany, Canada and the U.S.A..