Log InRegister
Quick Links : The Mindat ManualThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryMindat Newsletter [Free Download]
Home PageAbout MindatThe Mindat ManualHistory of MindatCopyright StatusWho We AreContact UsAdvertise on Mindat
Donate to MindatCorporate SponsorshipSponsor a PageSponsored PagesMindat AdvertisersAdvertise on Mindat
Learning CenterWhat is a mineral?The most common minerals on earthInformation for EducatorsMindat ArticlesThe ElementsThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryGeologic Time
Minerals by PropertiesMinerals by ChemistryAdvanced Locality SearchRandom MineralRandom LocalitySearch by minIDLocalities Near MeSearch ArticlesSearch GlossaryMore Search Options
Search For:
Mineral Name:
Locality Name:
Keyword(s):
 
The Mindat ManualAdd a New PhotoRate PhotosLocality Edit ReportCoordinate Completion ReportAdd Glossary Item
Mining CompaniesStatisticsUsersMineral MuseumsClubs & OrganizationsMineral Shows & EventsThe Mindat DirectoryDevice SettingsThe Mineral Quiz
Photo SearchPhoto GalleriesSearch by ColorNew Photos TodayNew Photos YesterdayMembers' Photo GalleriesPast Photo of the Day GalleryPhotography

Identity HelpCubic crystal

18th Jun 2013 04:21 UTCAdam Berluti

01218830016025459276290.jpg
I found these crystals in a pegmatite pod in centeral CT. The pod is made up chiefly of feldspar and some quartz. Associated minerals I usually find are beryl, hyalite/opal-AN, and magnetite. The magnetites are ALWAYS striated octahedral crystals. However, today I noticed this specimen in a small vug as I was chiseling today. After cleaning it off, I noticed the cubic sides. I cant seem to figure out what they are; I am guessing a cubic magnetite. The crystal shape is definitely cubic, the sides do not angle down into a octahedral shape. Now, on the side of the rock which this is in, I see another cubic xl which is fractured down the middle. In the middle of this cubic crystal is a core of a pyrite colored mineral (pyrite probably?). There must have been a couple small cubes coming off the adjoining sides of pyrite cored cube, but they were all fractured. So I chipped these one of these off and took a strong earth magnet to it. Nothing. No magnetism at all. This confused me, so I decided to post here and see what other think. FOV is about 10mm. I will try getting a picture of the core of 'pyrite'...


03951600015996884058146.jpg

18th Jun 2013 05:04 UTCAlfredo Petrov Manager

Originally a pyrite crystal, with the outer portion now replaced by iron oxides and the core still unaltered pyrite?

18th Jun 2013 05:49 UTCSteve Hardinger 🌟 Expert

Sounds like Alfredo nailed it. Replacement of pyrite by goethite or other iron oxides is certainly known in pegmatites. I've collected such pseudomorphs from pegmatites in southern California as well as in Maine. I've seen them on pegmatite specimens from Pakistan or Afghanistan.

18th Jun 2013 15:57 UTCDonald Peck

Although the "pyrite core" doesn't fit, is uraninite a possibility?

18th Jun 2013 17:37 UTCTim Jokela Jr

No, it's goethite ps pyrite. Very common.

18th Jun 2013 18:21 UTCDan Costian

Hardly magnetite. You can check with a compass to see if it deviates.
 
Mineral and/or Locality  
Mindat Discussions Facebook Logo Instagram Logo Discord Logo
Mindat.org is an outreach project of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Copyright © mindat.org and the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy 1993-2024, except where stated. Most political location boundaries are © OpenStreetMap contributors. Mindat.org relies on the contributions of thousands of members and supporters. Founded in 2000 by Jolyon Ralph.
Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: April 26, 2024 04:29:16
Go to top of page