sublimation from volcanic gases

deposition from aqueous solutions and hydrothermal brines

crystallization from an igneous magma or lava
recrystallization due to metamorphic processes and metasomatism
crystallization during diagenesis of sediments
formation by oxidation and weathering of rocks exposed to the atmosphere or
within the soil environment.
Descriptive mineralogy[edit]

Hanksite, Na22K(SO4)9(CO3)2Cl, one of the few minerals that is considered a

carbonate and a sulfate
Descriptive mineralogy summarizes results of studies performed on mineral
substances. It is the scholarly and scientific method of recording the
identification, classification, and categorization of minerals, their properties,
and their uses. Classifications for descriptive mineralogy includes:[7]

native elements
sulfides
oxides and hydroxides
halides
carbonates, nitrates and borates
sulfates, chromates, molybdates and tungstates
phosphates, arsenates and vanadates
silicates
organic minerals
Determinative mineralogy[edit]
Stereo image
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Wulfenites.jpg
[show]Parallel view (Stereogram guide parallel.png)
[show]Cross-eye view (Stereogram guide cross-eyed.png)
Wulfenite from Cochise Co. Arizona
Determinative mineralogy is the actual scientific process of identifying
minerals, through data gathering and conclusion. When new minerals are
discovered, a standard procedure of scientific analysis is followed, including
measures to identify a mineral's formula, its crystallographic data, its optical
data, as well as the general physical attributes determined and listed.

Uses[edit]
Minerals are essential to various needs within human society, such as
minerals used as ores for essential components of metal products used in
various commodities and machinery, essential components to building
materials such as limestone, marble, granite, gravel, glass, plaster, cement,
etc.[2] Minerals are also used in fertilizers to enrich the growth of agricultural
crops.

Collecting[edit]
Mineral collecting is also a recreational study and collection hobby, with clubs
and societies representing the field.[8][9] Museums, such as the Smithsonian
National Museum of Natural History Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, the
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the Natural History Museum,
London, and the private Mim Mineral Museum in Beirut, Lebanon,[10][11]
have popular collections of mineral specimens on permanent display.[12]

See also[edit]