Quartz, Rose var.

Quartz, Rose var.

Quartz is silicon dioxide SiO2, one of the most common minerals to be found in the Earths crust. There are many varieties of quartz, and this particular specimen is rose quartz.  The pink colour is generally thought to be the result of trace amounts of titanium, iron, or magnesium, however recent studies have suggested that the pink colour is possibly due to microscopic fibres of dumortierite. The origin of this specimen is unknown.

Serpentine, Cornwall.

Serpentine, Cornwall.

Serpentinite is a metamorphic rock which contains one or more of the serpentine group minerals. This serpentine specimen is from Kynance cove, the Lizard,  Cornwall, where there is a very large deposit of serpentinte rock. Serpentine from the general area is usually referred to as "Cornish serpentine"

Halite, Rock salt. Cheshire.

Halite, Rock salt. Cheshire.

Halite, or rock salt is sodium chloride (NaCl).This is an evaporite mineral which has precipitated from evaporating sea water. The "dirty" colour is due to contamination by impurities. This specimen from a Cheshire salt mine requires extra care in storage due to it's tendency to decompose in humid conditions, and become very wet. This specimen is stored in an airtight box,with a good number of dessicant sachets, but even so is still liable to become slightly wet.

Damourite mica. Adelaide hills.

Damourite mica. Adelaide hills.

Damourite mica is a very fine grained variety of muscovite mica. KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 , and is described as an alteration mineral. When handled it has a greasy feel, and it's appearance is similar to serpentine. The specimen is from the Australian Industrial Minerals Mine, Williamstown, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, and was collected by the club's co-founder Jim Nicholls while working in the area.

Vanadinite. Unknown origin.

Vanadinite. Unknown origin.

Vanadinite  Pb5(VO4)3Cl is a mineral which forms in the oxidation zones of lead deposits, and is commonly referred to as a secondary mineral of lead. It is in a series of minerals which include mimetite and pyromorphite. The crystals in this specimen are orange and hexagonal. but sadly the origin of this specimen is unknown.