Surprising Uses of Minerals
GEO-Currents: A Look at Recent Geological News
MINERAL CRYSTALS EXHIBIT an astonishing array of properties. Each mineral species is characterized by a unique set of physical properties related to its composition and crystal structure (see table for examples). Indeed, students of mineralogy often learn physical properties for their diagnostic uses--to identify unknown mineral specimens. Physical properties are really much more significant, however; it is these properties that suit a mineral to a specific purpose.
People have used certain minerals for thousands of years because of their physical properties. For instance, nephrite jade--which is tough, relatively hard, and attractive--has been used for untold centuries for making tools and fashioning decorative pieces. Magnetite, because of its magnetism, and cordierite, because of its dichroism, were used in ancient times for navigational purposes. In fact, minerals and their products have been so central to human society that the progression of civilization has been designated by such terms as the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and, informally, Silicon (Valley) Age.
People have used certain minerals for thousands of years because of their physical properties. For instance, nephrite jade--which is tough, relatively hard, and attractive--has been used for untold centuries for making tools and fashioning decorative pieces. Magnetite, because of its magnetism, and cordierite, because of its dichroism, were used in ancient times for navigational purposes. In fact, minerals and their products have been so central to human society that the progression of civilization has been designated by such terms as the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and, informally, Silicon (Valley) Age.
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