New Additions to The Geology Museum Collection

 Blue Agate

Rock formation of Agate is very common. It consists of Chalcedony and Quartz as primary components; it comes in variety of colors. Agate is commonly formed within volcanic and metamorphic rocks. The use of Agate as an ornament can be dated back to 'Ancient Greece', it was used in assorted jewelry (found in various different colors) and in the seal stones of Greek warriors.

This rock is of Chalcedony variety and has a chemical formula of SiO2. On the Mohs scale of hardness, it stands between 6.5 to 7 with waxy luster and white streak. Its specific gravity ranges from 2.58-2.64 and having translucent diaphaneity. 

According to the zodiac signs Agate is the birthstone of Gemini. The color blue represents truth, loyalty and reliability. It is believed to have healing abilities by the ancient people of Greece. Healers in todays age use this stone to diagnose and treat throat related problems. Even the word "feeling blue" comes from blue's cool, sedative effect. No wonder even people who don’t "love blue" are drawn to people who do.



Halite crystal

Halite is commonly known as rock salt; halite is the mineral form of sodium chloride (NaCl). The name halite itself comes from the Greek word for 'salt'. Halite forms isometric crystals. The mineral is commonly colorless or white in color, but may have various colors such as blue, purple, pink, red, orange, yellow or gray depending upon the various impurities present.  

On the Mohs scale of hardness, it stands in 2 to 2.5 with a perfect cleavage {001} and conchoidal fracture. The common impurities present are I, Br, Fe, O.

Halite occurs in vast beds of sedimentary evaporite minerals that result from drying up of enclosed lakes, playas, and seas. Salt beds may be up to 350 mts. thick and underline broad area. 









By 

Shubhum Kumar Vidyarthi

Ty Geology

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