Ask-a-Geologist Q&A: Sand Grains

Question: What is the name of sand grains cemented together?

Quartz Crystals are Still a Favorite with Children

Quartz is the most common mineral found in the Earth’s crust.

Quartz – lots of looks, one cool mineral

Quartz is the most common mineral found in the Earth’s crust.  Fairly hard, quartz is a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale which has a range from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).  Quartz, which is sometimes called “Rock Crystal,” is often colorless and has a glassy (shiny) appearance.  Quartz has a white streak when rubbed [...]

Every heard of a Herkimer Diamond?

OK, today I thought I would talk a little about Herkimer Diamonds.  If you know what they are, you’ll probably agree with me that they are so cool!
Sorry!  Herkimer Diamonds are not real diamonds.  Herkimer Diamonds are actually quartz crystals that are naturally formed with points on both ends of the crystal.  These crystals are [...]