Research on Minerals and Birthstones
Print Resources
1. Check the LIBRARY CATALOG and search for one or more of the following terms:
- mineral
- geology
- gemstone
- The name or names of minerals you’re interested in. NOTE: This might not work because your mineral may not have a book of its own.
If a book is available, check the shelves where it is found. You will probably find many more mineral and geology books in the same area.
2. Browse the SHELVES
Check the 500s section of the library shelves.
- 500: General Science
- 549: Mineralogy
- 550: Earth Sciences
- 553: Minerals
- NOTE: Check the 338 section. You may also find information on the use of minerals in product.
3. Check the REFERENCE SECTION
Check the 500’s section in the reference area.
- You’ll find excellent science encyclopedias such as the Gale Encyclopedia of Science.
- Look in the 000 – 100s for general encyclopedias.
4. ASK FOR HELP
If you get stuck, ask Ms. Harris at school or at your local public library. Don’t be shy. We are here to help you!!!
Database Resources
Try one or more of the following resources:
The National Science Digital Library
"Free Web" Internet Resources
Try the links below first.
If you use a search engine, try entering your mineral's name plus the words "environmental impact" or "processing" or "mining." This will get you closer to what you need for the assignment.
For example: "anhydrite environmental impact" would be the words you type in the search box.
Also, be sure to evaluate the information you are using. Can you trust the source? If not, try another site. :)
- GO HERE FIRST! Scroll down the main page and click on "Alphabetical Listing." Then scroll down again and select the letter that matches your mineral alphabetically. (For example, click on the "A Index" for Adamite) Then scroll down through all the information. Towards the bottom there are links to advertisers of the mineral and their sites may have information on production and environmental impacts.
Mining, Environment and Development
- Provides great articles on the environmental impact of mineral mining.
- This is an excellent overview of the environmental impact of mining.
Mineralogical Society of America's "Mineralogy 4 Kids."
- Although this site looks like it's for kids, check out the section titled "Minerals in Your House" which has information on the minerals found in everyday objects.
- Provides lists of minerals alphabetically and lists the mineral's chemical composition.
United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
- This site provides information on the occurrence, quality, quantity, and availability of mineral resources. Just type a mineral name into the USGA Minerals search bar.
Mineral Information Institute - Common Minerals and Their Uses
- Lots of excellent information on minerals and they way they are used to make different products.
The Probert Encyclopedia - Rocks and Minerals
- Minerals are listed alphabetically. This resource also includes definitions of words and phrases used in geology.
- Brief description of birthstones and the months they represent.
- From the International Colored Gemstone Association, great information on the history of birthstones and information about particular gems.