Crystals

A solid material with a repeating, organized arrangement of atoms or molecules that forms a specific geometric shape.

• crystal

• quartz

• calcite

• transparency

How much light can pass through a mineral.

• quartz

• transparency

• crystal

• mohs scale

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

The way crystals can form in different shapes, such as cubic, prismatic, or tabular.

• growth patterns

• transparency

• mohs scale

• gemstone

A valuable and rare mineral or rock that is cut and polished for use in jewelry.

• crystal

• calcite

• quartz

• gemstone

A used to measure the hardness of minerals, ranging from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).

• mohs scale

• transparency

• barite

• quartz

A common mineral with a hexagonal crystal shape and various colors, including amethyst (purple) and citrine (yellow, orange, brown).

• quartz

• calcite

• barite

• pyrite

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

A mineral known for its rhombohedral (like a slanted cube or a stretched-out square) crystal shape and its ability to effervesce (fizz) with acid.  It may be colorless, creamy white, or shades of brownish colors.

• quartz

• calcite

• barite

• pyrite

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

A common mineral in Oklahoma, particularly in the western part of the state. It forms bladed or tabular crystals that are often colorless, white, or light shades of blue, yellow, or brown. It is used in the oil and gas industry as a drilling mud additive.

• quartz

• calcite

• barite

• pyrite

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Also known as "fool's gold".  It forms cubic crystals and can be metallic yellow in color. While not valuable like gold, it can be interesting to find and collect.

• quartz

• calcite

• barite

• pyrite

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1