Mineral identification
Main qualitative characteristic
Gems
Semi precious stones
provides information
Crystallochemical characteristics
Genetics of minerals
natural ionizing radiation
formation of color centers of electron holes
halite
fluorite
Quartz
calcite
Emerald
Ruby
Rubelite
Rhodonite
Chrysolite
Native metals, sulfides and their analogues
Optical Interzonal Electron Transfers and Related Reflection Maxima
Metallic shades (Pyrite)
Metallic shades (Gold)
Fundamental absorption band
cinnabar
orpiment
cuprite
Color of minerals
In individual crystals and mineral chunks
In thin sections
Transparent
In polished sections
In reflected light
Color of a mineral
streak
Comparative evaluation
with the color of some commonly known object or substance
Indigo blue
Green apple
Lemon yellow
Blood red
with "color standards" of minerals
Vermilion red
Emerald green
colors of metals or alloys
Tin white (Arsenopyrite)
Steel gray (molybdenite)
Brass yellow (chalcopyrite)
Copper red (native copper)
Methods continue to be developed
Idiochromic Minerals
Own color
Constant and predictable component
Blue azurite
red cinnabar
malachite green
Allochromatic Minerals
Other colors
Variable and unpredictable property
blue on Amazonite (orthoclase)
yellow in Heliodor (spodumene)
Rose on quartz
Impurities
Pseudochromatic Minerals
False colors
Variable color and unique mineral property
Precious opal
bright reflections of labradorite
trivalent iron ores
The mineral is colorless
chromium (Cr)
iron (Fe)
manganese (Mn)
titanium (Ti)
cobalt (Co)
copper (Cu)