![]() Uses: Gypsum is used to make chalk, drywall, plaster, cement, caulking and paints. Other Occurrences: Mexico, Sicily, and Utah and Colorado in the USA Origin of your Samples: Hagersville, Ontario Hardness: 2 (can be scratched by a fingernail)ĭistinguishing Characteristic: soft, but not as soft as talc Uses: Feldspar is used in porcelain and is largely collected as mineral specimens.įeldspar samples courtesy of the Resident Geologist Program, Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. Other Occurrences: USA, Russia, Norway and Madagascar FeldsparĬleavage: good - observe feldspar’s cleavage by holding the mineral up to the light and turning it slowly to see the slick, flashy surface where light reflects off the sampleĭistinguishing Characteristics: pink colour and cleavage Copper is used in electrical wires, plumbing pipes, coins, kitchen appliances – just to name a few.Ĭhalcopyrite samples courtesy of Kidd Creek Mine operated by Falconbridge Ltd. Uses: Chalcopyrite is the primary ore of copper. ![]() Other Occurrences: Chile, Peru, Mexico, Europe, South Africa and USA Chalcopyriteĭistinguishing Characteristic: Conductive It is the primary ingredient of cement and is used in the production of pharmaceuticals.Ĭalcite samples courtesy of the Resident Geologist Program, Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. Uses: Calcite is crucial in the manufacture of fertilizers, metals, glass, rubber, and paint. Other Occurrences: USA, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, England, India, Iceland and Africa. Origin of your Samples: Bancroft, Ontario CalciteĬleavage: good – observe calcite’s cleavage by holding the mineral up to the light and turning it slowly to see the slick, flashy surface where light reflects off the sampleĭistinguishing Characteristic: flat, glassy cleavage surfaces, effervesces with hydrochloric acid, can be scratched with a penny. Ground barite is also found in chemicals, explosives, drilling mud and is used in medical imaging.īarite samples courtesy of Extender Minerals of Canada. Uses: Because of its high density, barite is used as a filler in the manufacture of plastics and rubber. Other Occurrences: Oklahoma, Connecticut and Colorado in the USA, England and Germany. Origin of your Samples: Shining Tree, Ontario (between Timmins and Sudbury) Bariteĭistinguishing Characteristic: unexpectedly heavy It is used for gemstones, mineral specimens and decorative pieces. Amethyst is Ontario’s mineral emblem and the birthstone of February. Uses: Amethyst is valued for its beauty, rarity, reflective nature and durability. Other Occurrences: Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico and Russia Origin of your Samples: North shore of Lake Superior near Thunder Bay, Ontario We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many in-kind contributors for their on-going support.ĭistinguishing Characteristic: purple colour The organization relies greatly on their industry partners, resident geologists from the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and a crew of students to aid in the collection and sizing of samples. More than 60 samples representing 25 different types of metallic and industrial minerals, aggregates and the three main rock groups – igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic – are required for each kit. The sheer number and variety of rock and mineral samples required for the production of the units is immense. ![]() Year after year in-kind contributors from the mineral and aggregate industries provide valuable resources for our educational units. This guide also includes information about each mineral’s physical characteristics, the location from where they were collected and their uses in everyday life. Complete with photos and information about each mineral’s distinguishing characteristics, this mineral identification guide has been designed to assist you in identifying the minerals provided in the Deeper and Deeper and Mining Matters II kits. ![]()
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