One of the many perks of working in the mining industry is uncovering minerals. These naturally occurring substances take millions of years to form in nature, with only a small percentage ever seeing the light of day.
some of the drawings of this mining are stunning and because of the uniqueness of these minerals there are many people who hardly believe in their existence these exotic minerals will truly clear up your mind.
Bismuth
Bismuth is an uncommon mineral composed of the element of the same name. Its rarity is about the same as Silver. It usually forms in ugly masses, though occasionally does form in aesthetic lustrous crystals. Bismuth has a metallic-white color with a slight reddish or pinkish hue. This pure color will only be present on an untarnished (i.e. freshly broken) surface, since Bismuth tarnishes yellow to dark-gray.
Vanadinite crystals on white barite
Vanadinite is one of the most striking minerals, with its stunning bright-red and orange crystals that are perfectly formed and look almost surreal. This mineral is truly a marvel of nature.
Andersonite
Andersonite is a rare uranyl carbonate mineral, that was only described in the last half century. It has a luster that seems to glow and in fact it is very fluorescent. Andersonite specimens will usually glow a bright lemon yellow in ultraviolet light. The mineral is formed as a secondary mineral and as an efflorescent crust in uranium mines.
Uvarovite
Uvarovite is the name given to the green calcium chromium garnet end member. The name has frequently been misused in the past to refer to other green and/or chromium-bearing garnets, many so-called ‘Uvarovites’ are actually chromian Grossular, chromian Pyrope, green Andradite (the so-called Iranian ‘uvarovite’) or even the rare Knorringite (magnesium chromium garnet).
Gold
Gold is one of the most popular and well-known minerals, known for its value and special properties since the earliest of time. Most of the natural Gold specimens that have been found since early times have been smelted for production. Nice specimens, therefore, are regarded very highly, and are worth much more than the standard gold value. Only recently have more specimens been available to collectors, as more miners have been saving some of the larger pieces for the collectors market.
