Mineral Of The Day

Mineral Of The Day #157: Wollastonite

Mohs Hardness Scale: 4.5-5
Category: Inosilicate mineral
Formula: CaSiO₃

Fun Facts:

• Wollastonite was named after the English chemist and mineralogist William Hyde Wollaston (1766-1828).
• It has high brightness and whiteness, low moisture and oil absorption, and low volatile content.
• Wollastonite is used in ceramics, friction products (brakes and clutches), metalmaking, paint filler, and plastics.

Mineral Of The Day #139: Augite

Mohs Hardness Scale: 5-6.5
Category: inosilicate mineral, pyroxene group
Formula: (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al)(Si,Al)₂O₆

Fun Facts:

• Augite is an important rock-forming mineral. It is found in igneous rocks and high-temperature metamorphic rocks.
• Occasional augite specimens have a shiny appearance that give rise to the mineral’s name, which is from the Greek augites, meaning “brightness.” Ordinary specimens have a dull (dark green, brown, or black) finish.

Mineral Of The Day #91: Rhodonite

Mohs Hardness Scale: 5.5-6.5
Category: inosilicate mineral
Formula: MnSiO₃

Fun Facts:

• Rhodonite’s name comes from the Greek word rhodos which means “rosy.”
• It is used as an ornamental stone and in jewelry.
• Rhodonite often has black manganese oxide veins running through a specimen, giving it a distinct appearance.
• It is the official gem of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Crystal healers call it a “rescue stone” that raises self worth and wards off negativity.

Mineral Of The Day #49: Jadeite

Can you find something made of jadeite in the Brooklyn Children’s Museum collection?

Happy Gemstone Thursday!