Hobbies And Interests
Quartz
Quartz is one of the most prevalent crystals found in the Earth's crust and therefore turns up in rocks. It is even called rock crystal by many. Quartz is commonly clear, but can also be red, pink and other colors depending on other minerals present in the crystal. Quartz has value in electronics because of its piezoelectric properties.
Agate
Agate is most commonly found in areas of volcanic rock created by mineral-rich water getting into the porous rock's numerous openings. Agate is a silicone like quartz and may look banded because of various other minerals present in the crystal. Mineral deposits also give agate it varied color and look as well.
Halite
Known popularly as rock salt, sea water evaporates and eventually forms large crystals of sodium chloride called halite. Due to the changes of the Earth over hundreds and thousands of years, the rock salt becomes buried and grows into rock deposits. Underground halite deposits can be 1,300 feet think in some areas.
Rhodochrosite
This beautiful red crystal is the state mineral of Colorado and is a form of manganese. Rhodochrosite is as red as a rose in its most pure form, but the addition of other minerals can give it a deeper or less red appearance and even a frosted look. Its deep colors makes the crystal popular for jewelry.