|
|
Natrolite is a common member of the zeolite group , and is known for its needle like ... More
Natrolite is a common member of the zeolite group, and is known for its needle-like crystal habits. It is closely related to Mesolite and Scolecite, and can appear very similar to them. Chemical analysis or optical tests are sometimes required to distinguish Natrolite from the "needle zeolites" Mesolite and Scolecite. In fact, sometimes a single crystal may contain part of each mineral within different zones of the same crystal. Natrolite in acicular form is very brittle and easy broken, so care should be exercised when handling specimens. Natrolite is named for the Greek word "natron", in allusion to its sodium content, and "lithos" for stone. Hide
|
Nepheline is a rock forming mineral. It is usually massive and in unattractive specim... More
Nepheline is a rock-forming mineral. It is usually massive and in unattractive specimens, though a handful of localities have produced well-crystallized examples of this mineral. Nepeheline is a primary constituent of nepheline syenite rocks and nepheline syenite pegmatites, forming in alkali-rich plutonic environments often together with a host of rare minerals. Hide
|
Neptunite is a relatively recent mineral, having been first discovered only in the ea... More
Neptunite is a relatively recent mineral, having been first discovered only in the early 1900's. It is named after Neptunus, the Roman god of the sea, and its etymology is derived from its similarity to Aegrine, which was named after the Norse sea god. Neptunite forms a solid solution series with Manganoneptunite, which is the manganese-dominant variant of Neptunite, whereas Neptunite is the iron-dominant member. Much of the Neptunite crystals from San Benito Co., California are deeply embedded in thick Natrolite; such specimens are prepared for collectors by dissolving the surrounding Natrolite in acid to expose the Neptunite crystals. The typical sharp contrast between black Neptunite on a white Natrolite matrix makes a very aesthetic mineral specimen. Benoite, a rare mineral associated with this locality, may also be present with the Neptunite, creating a very desirable and classic mineral combination. Hide
|
div Nickeline is named for its nickel composition, being one the primary nickel miner... More
Nickeline is named for its nickel composition, being one the primary nickel minerals. In the 1600's, it was thought to have contained copper due to its bronze color, and was known as kupfernickel ("kupfer" is copper in German.) It was officially named Nickeline by French mineralogist Francois Sulpice Beudant in 1832, and subsequently renamed Niccolite by James Dwight Dana in 1868, derived from the latin work for nickel. Both terms are still used to describe this mineral, though Nickeline is the more prevalent term.
|
Niter, along with Nitratine, are unusual minerals belonging to the nitrates group. These two nitrate minerals can be visually indistinguishable, with the ancient term Niter used to describe both Niter and Nitratine. Nitratine is actually the more prevalent and economically important member of the group.
Niter is a very fragile mineral, and is poorly represented in collections. Its solubility in water restricts its occurrence to caves where it receives protection from rain. Niter often forms as powdery growths on cavern walls, and doesn't usually form in good crystals. Large crystals are not natural, and are easily grown synthetically.
Niter original name source is from the ancient Hebrew word "neter", where it is described as cleaning agent in biblical sources.
|
div Nitratine, along with Niter , are unusual minerals belonging to the nitrates grou... More
Nitratine, along with Niter, are unusual minerals belonging to the nitrates group. These two nitrate minerals can be visually indistinguishable, with the ancient term Niter used to describe both Niter and Nitratine. Nitratine is actually the more prevalent and economically important member of the group.
Nitratine is found as an efflorescence in arid environments, where it rarely rains. It is highly soluble in water, and it also deliquescent, which will make it absorb moisture in humid environments. This will cause the Nitratine to crumble into a wet puddle, so care should be taken to preserve specimens in air-tight containers or spray them with a desiccant.
Nitratine is named for its composition of nitrate and to distinguish it from Niter. Most of the ancient nitrate material was in fact Nitratine, although in those times chemical distinctions between these two minerals were never made.
|
div Norbergite is a member of the humite group , and is most distinguished from other... More
Norbergite is a member of the humite group, and is most distinguished from other members by its fluorescence. Norbergite is named after the locality of Norberg, Sweden, where this mineral was first described.
|
Nosean is an uncommon member of the feldspathoid group that is closely related to Laz... More
Nosean is an uncommon member of the feldspathoid group that is closely related to Lazurite and Hauyne. It can sometimes be very difficult to distinguish these three minerals without a complex chemical analysis. Nosean forms a solid solution series with Hauyne, where Hauyne contains calcium in place of some of the sodium, whereas Nosean lacks any calcium and has water in its chemical structure.
Hide
|
