Dolomite is similar to calcite in appearance. It is used in cement and to obtain the raw material magnesium oxide. The dolomite group includes magnesite, which is also a source of magnesium oxide for industry. Rhodochrosite is popular with mineral collectors because of its beautiful pink color but it is quite soft. Ankerite is found with iron bearing rocks at such locations as Guanajuato, Mexico, New York and Nova Scotia.Smithsonite in its porous form is called dry-bone ore. In crystal form it may be glassy or pearly.

I'm not sure what I will read or blog about after mineralogy but I am leaning toward dinosaurs or gemology.

I am thinking about writing some flash fiction.

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