Mineral 1.0: C

Mineral 1.0

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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.

SilicateChalcedony

SiO₂
Other names/forms:
Micro/Cryptocrystalline Quartz

Most distinguishing features:
Identified by hardness and texture/habit.
Industrial/economical uses:
Used for making glass and as a source of Silicon.

SulfideChalcocite

Cu₂S

Most distinguishing features:
Black colour with sooty appearance on weathered surfaces and sectile character are distinctive. Bronze-yellow on fresh surfaces.
Industrial/economical uses:
Mined as a source of copper.

SulfideChalcopyrite

CuFeS₂

Most distinguishing features:
Distinctive brassy-green colour. Has a richer yellow colour than pyrite and a lower hardness.
Industrial/economical uses:
Mined for its copper which has innumerable industrial uses.

SilicateChlorite

(Mg,Fe,Al)₃(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH)₂

Most distinguishing features:
Colour and its low hardness are distinguishing characteristics.
Industrial/economical uses:
None, however chlorite schist sometimes does have ornamental uses.

OxideChromite

FeCr₂O₄

Most distinguishing features:
Resembles magnetite and ilmenite, but not very magnetic and has a more resinous lustre.
Industrial/economical uses:
Only ore mineral for chromium.

SilicateChrysotile

Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄
Other names/forms:
Serpentine

Most distinguishing features:
Habit and colour and most indicative properties.
Industrial/economical uses:
Used in 98% of world's production of asbestos.

Native elementCopper

Cu

Most distinguishing features:
Colour and metallic characteristics are diagnostic.
Industrial/economical uses:
Used as electrical wire due to electrical conductivity and relatively low price.

OxideCorundum

Al₂O₃

Most distinguishing features:
Hardness is best indicator, crystal habit is good too.
Industrial/economical uses:
Used as a gemstone. High-quality ruby can be more valuable than diamond. Corundum is also used as an abrasive in sandpaper, polishing compounds, etc.