
- Stone massage,
- Mineral make-up,
- Crystal lattices,
- Gem - o - therapy
- Rock salting..
- to name a few.
This information
bulletin is divided into the following parts
Definitions
As we can see the
fundamental units of a rock are its minerals. A Mineral is a naturally homogeneous crystalline solid. The
ions,atoms, molecules of one or more elements are arranged regularly in a
definite lattice or pattern. If the pattern develops well defined planes or “
Faces” the mineral is referred to as a crystal. Crystalline particle refers to
the fact that there are no well defined planes.
Organic: a substance having Carbon as one of its components. Given the position of the Carbon element on
the Chemical Periodic Table , one can readily see that Carbon can form
compounds by giving up electrons or by filling up its electron shells from
other elements. It is not surprising then that Organic compounds are quite
diverse and more complex than inorganic compounds.
Inorganic: a substance without any Carbon atoms. In rock
forming minerals, Silicates are the most diverse. A quick glimpse again at the
Periodic Table reveals its position to be similar to Carbon and just below it.
So Silica is also ambivalent.
Further
classification of minerals will give insight as to how vast the field is and
how modern cosmetic formulations are merely scratching the surface.
Although many
industrial sources only speak of inorganic minerals, Minerals can be of Organic
or Inorganic matter. Minerals can be
made of a single pure element or most commonly, can be made from compounds of two
or more elements. Table 1 lists some common minerals.
Although Minerals are frequently used
in formulations for their chemical or physical properties. At times they are
used as inexpensive fillers.
Table : 1 Common Minerals |
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Single Element Minerals |
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Diamond |
100% Carbon |
Organic |
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Graphite |
100% Carbon |
Organic ( Different Lattice than Diamond) |
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Copper |
Cu |
Metal |
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Sulfur |
S |
Inorganic |
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Compound Minerals ( two or more elements) |
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Carbonates (..CO3) |
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Often includes borates and nitrates |
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Calcite |
CaCO3 |
Calcium Carbonate ( organic) |
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Dolomite |
CaMgCO3 |
Calcium Magnesium Carbonate ( organic) |
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Smithsonite |
ZnCO3 |
Zinc Carbonate ( Organic) |
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Malachite |
Cu2CO3 |
Copper Carbonate ( organic) |
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Halides ( Salts) |
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Chlorides |
NaCl |
Table
salt |
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Bromides |
CaF2 |
Calcium
Floride |
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Sulfides |
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Pyrite |
FeS2 |
Iron Sulfide |
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PbS |
Lead Sulfide |
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Calcopyrite |
CuFeS2 |
Copper Iron Sulfide |
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Sulfates |
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Gypsum |
CaSO4 |
Calcium
Sulfate |
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Barite |
BaSO4 |
Barium
Sulfate |
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Oxydes |
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Iron Oxyde |
FeO |
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Zinc Oxyde |
ZnO |
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Titanium Diozyde |
TiO2 |
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also
includes Saphire , Ruby, Amethists |
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Silicates |
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Mica |
Aluminum Silicate |
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Talc |
Magnesium Silicate |
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Quartz |
SiO2 |
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