How and Where Do Minerals Form?
Did you know that there are more than 5,000 different kinds of minerals on Earth?
![Long, green crystal](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem1/5988346-3-eng-US/gem1_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem1/5988346-3-eng-US/gem1_full_990.png 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem1/5988346-3-eng-US/gem1_full_1468.png 1201w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem1/5988346-3-eng-US/gem1_full_1980.png 1201w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem1/5988346-3-eng-US/gem1_full_2475.png 1201w)
![vivid green, lumpy mineral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem2/5988350-1-eng-US/gem2_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem2/5988350-1-eng-US/gem2_full_990.png 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem2/5988350-1-eng-US/gem2_full_1468.png 1201w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem2/5988350-1-eng-US/gem2_full_1980.png 1201w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem2/5988350-1-eng-US/gem2_full_2475.png 1201w)
![Yellow orange cube mineral in white chunky mineral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem3/5988354-11-eng-US/gem3_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem3/5988354-11-eng-US/gem3_full_990.png 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem3/5988354-11-eng-US/gem3_full_1468.png 1271w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem3/5988354-11-eng-US/gem3_full_1980.png 1271w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem3/5988354-11-eng-US/gem3_full_2475.png 1271w)
![blue green smooth faceted mineral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem42/5988358-1-eng-US/gem4_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem42/5988358-1-eng-US/gem4_full_990.png 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem42/5988358-1-eng-US/gem4_full_1468.png 1201w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem42/5988358-1-eng-US/gem4_full_1980.png 1201w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem42/5988358-1-eng-US/gem4_full_2475.png 1201w)
![Dark orange nubby mineral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem5/5988362-4-eng-US/gem5_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem5/5988362-4-eng-US/gem5_full_990.png 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem5/5988362-4-eng-US/gem5_full_1468.png 1201w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem5/5988362-4-eng-US/gem5_full_1980.png 1201w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/gem5/5988362-4-eng-US/gem5_full_2475.png 1201w)
WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?
Some form deep underground, while some form on the surface. Some form in just seconds, while others take thousands or millions of years to form. One thing all minerals have in common is that they come from nature. Minerals can form anywhere.
Explore these five types of environments: Igneous, pegmatitic, metamorphic, hydrothermal, and weathering. How do they produce Earth's amazing variety of minerals?
Igneous Environments
Igneous rocks, and the minerals they contain, form when magma cools and hardens. They can form on or near Earth's surface, or deeper in Earth's crust.
Pegmatitic Environments
Pegmatites are a special kind of igneous rock characterized by large— occasionally enormous—interlocking crystals. They form where abundant water and certain chemical elements are present in a crystal.
Metamorphic
Environments
Metamorphic rocks had previous “lives.” The minerals in the original rock formed under one set of conditions. Then, after being subjected to different degrees of heat, pressure, and abundance of water, they transformed into different minerals.
Hydrothermal Environments
Hydrothermal minerals form when water, heated by magma, circulates through cracks in rock. The water transports dissolved minerals, which crystallize into minerals in the cracks and small cavities as the water cools.
Weathering Environments
Rocks are changed when they are exposed to air, water, and ice at Earth's surface. Weathering is often accompanied by erosion—the transportation of weathered materials by flowing water, wind, ice, and gravity.
Check out these minerals formed in different environments!
Click on a mineral to learn where it was found.
![Layout with multiple neutral colored minerals and pink text](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/igneous_gallery/5997811-5-eng-US/igneous_gallery_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/igneous_gallery/5997811-5-eng-US/igneous_gallery_full_990.png 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/igneous_gallery/5997811-5-eng-US/igneous_gallery_full_1468.png 1468w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/igneous_gallery/5997811-5-eng-US/igneous_gallery_full_1980.png 1920w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/igneous_gallery/5997811-5-eng-US/igneous_gallery_full_2475.png 1920w)
![Grey rock with lots of faces](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_augite_ret/6000683-1-eng-US/ig_augite_ret_full_495.png 482w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_augite_ret/6000683-1-eng-US/ig_augite_ret_full_990.png 641w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_augite_ret/6000683-1-eng-US/ig_augite_ret_full_1468.png 641w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_augite_ret/6000683-1-eng-US/ig_augite_ret_full_1980.png 641w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_augite_ret/6000683-1-eng-US/ig_augite_ret_full_2475.png 641w)
augite
Locality: Eganville, Ontario
Country: Canada
![blue and tan layered mineral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/sodalite/6018412-1-eng-US/sodalite_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/sodalite/6018412-1-eng-US/sodalite_full_990.png 801w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/sodalite/6018412-1-eng-US/sodalite_full_1468.png 801w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/sodalite/6018412-1-eng-US/sodalite_full_1980.png 801w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/sodalite/6018412-1-eng-US/sodalite_full_2475.png 801w)
sodalite
Locality: Bancroft, Ontario
Country: Canada
![Gold mineral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/chalcopyrite/6018408-1-eng-US/chalcopyrite_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/chalcopyrite/6018408-1-eng-US/chalcopyrite_full_990.png 774w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/chalcopyrite/6018408-1-eng-US/chalcopyrite_full_1468.png 774w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/chalcopyrite/6018408-1-eng-US/chalcopyrite_full_1980.png 774w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/chalcopyrite/6018408-1-eng-US/chalcopyrite_full_2475.png 774w)
chalcopyrite
Locality: Cananea, Sonora
Country: Mexico
![Smooth, white, multi-faceted rock](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_orthoclase_ret/6000679-1-eng-US/ig_orthoclase_ret_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_orthoclase_ret/6000679-1-eng-US/ig_orthoclase_ret_full_990.png 774w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_orthoclase_ret/6000679-1-eng-US/ig_orthoclase_ret_full_1468.png 774w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_orthoclase_ret/6000679-1-eng-US/ig_orthoclase_ret_full_1980.png 774w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_orthoclase_ret/6000679-1-eng-US/ig_orthoclase_ret_full_2475.png 774w)
orthoclase
Locality: Naegi, Gifu Prefecture
Country: Japan
![Shiny, jagged, brownish mineral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_quartz_ret/6000677-1-eng-US/ig_quartz_ret_full_495.png 482w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_quartz_ret/6000677-1-eng-US/ig_quartz_ret_full_990.png 641w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_quartz_ret/6000677-1-eng-US/ig_quartz_ret_full_1468.png 641w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_quartz_ret/6000677-1-eng-US/ig_quartz_ret_full_1980.png 641w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/ig_quartz_ret/6000677-1-eng-US/ig_quartz_ret_full_2475.png 641w)
quartz
Locality: Gotthard Pass, Uri
Country: Switzerland
![Various lumpy and smooth gems and minerals](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic_gallery/5997845-5-eng-US/pegmatitic_gallery_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic_gallery/5997845-5-eng-US/pegmatitic_gallery_full_990.png 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic_gallery/5997845-5-eng-US/pegmatitic_gallery_full_1468.png 1468w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic_gallery/5997845-5-eng-US/pegmatitic_gallery_full_1980.png 1920w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic_gallery/5997845-5-eng-US/pegmatitic_gallery_full_2475.png 1920w)
![white mineral with smooth black mineral in middle](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-muscovite2/6012901-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-muscovite_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-muscovite2/6012901-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-muscovite_full_990.png 871w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-muscovite2/6012901-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-muscovite_full_1468.png 871w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-muscovite2/6012901-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-muscovite_full_1980.png 871w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-muscovite2/6012901-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-muscovite_full_2475.png 871w)
muscovite with microcline and quartz
Locality: Portland, Connecticut
Country: United States
![light blue and beige mineral with many faces](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-amazonite2/6012893-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-amazonite_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-amazonite2/6012893-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-amazonite_full_990.png 841w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-amazonite2/6012893-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-amazonite_full_1468.png 841w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-amazonite2/6012893-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-amazonite_full_1980.png 841w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-amazonite2/6012893-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-amazonite_full_2475.png 841w)
microcline var. amazonite
Locality: Florissant, Colorado
Country: United States
![smooth tan mineral with many faces](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-smoky-quartz2/6012905-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-smoky-quartz_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-smoky-quartz2/6012905-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-smoky-quartz_full_990.png 781w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-smoky-quartz2/6012905-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-smoky-quartz_full_1468.png 781w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-smoky-quartz2/6012905-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-smoky-quartz_full_1980.png 781w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-smoky-quartz2/6012905-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-smoky-quartz_full_2475.png 781w)
microcline with smoky quartz and topaz
Locality: Tanakamiyama, Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture
Country: Japan
![red and black mineral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-tourmaline2/6012889-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-tourmaline_full_495.png 456w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-tourmaline2/6012889-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-tourmaline_full_990.png 601w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-tourmaline2/6012889-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-tourmaline_full_1468.png 601w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-tourmaline2/6012889-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-tourmaline_full_1980.png 601w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-tourmaline2/6012889-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-tourmaline_full_2475.png 601w)
elbaite
Locality: Tourmaline Queen Mine, Pala, California
Country: United States
![tall green and blue mineral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-elbaite2/6012897-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-elbaite_full_495.png 479w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-elbaite2/6012897-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-elbaite_full_990.png 631w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-elbaite2/6012897-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-elbaite_full_1468.png 631w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-elbaite2/6012897-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-elbaite_full_1980.png 631w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/pegmatitic-elbaite2/6012897-1-eng-US/pegmatitic-elbaite_full_2475.png 631w)
elbaite
Locality: Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais
Country: Brazil
![Layout of various gems and minerals with orange text](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic_gallery/5997815-7-eng-US/metamorphic_gallery_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic_gallery/5997815-7-eng-US/metamorphic_gallery_full_990.png 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic_gallery/5997815-7-eng-US/metamorphic_gallery_full_1468.png 1468w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic_gallery/5997815-7-eng-US/metamorphic_gallery_full_1980.png 1920w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic_gallery/5997815-7-eng-US/metamorphic_gallery_full_2475.png 1920w)
![smooth white crystal inset jagged mineral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-panasqueira/6012941-1-eng-US/metamorphic-panasqueira_full_495.png 471w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-panasqueira/6012941-1-eng-US/metamorphic-panasqueira_full_990.png 621w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-panasqueira/6012941-1-eng-US/metamorphic-panasqueira_full_1468.png 621w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-panasqueira/6012941-1-eng-US/metamorphic-panasqueira_full_1980.png 621w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-panasqueira/6012941-1-eng-US/metamorphic-panasqueira_full_2475.png 621w)
siderite with quartz
Locality: Panasqueira Mine, Covilha, Centro Region
Country: Portugal
![gold crystal](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-diopside/6012933-1-eng-US/metamorphic-diopside_full_495.png 380w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-diopside/6012933-1-eng-US/metamorphic-diopside_full_990.png 501w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-diopside/6012933-1-eng-US/metamorphic-diopside_full_1468.png 501w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-diopside/6012933-1-eng-US/metamorphic-diopside_full_1980.png 501w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-diopside/6012933-1-eng-US/metamorphic-diopside_full_2475.png 501w)
diopside
Locality: Orford, Quebec
Country: Canada
![round green mineral on top of lumpy brown rock](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-fluorapatite/6012937-1-eng-US/metamorphic-fluorapatite_full_495.png 469w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-fluorapatite/6012937-1-eng-US/metamorphic-fluorapatite_full_990.png 619w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-fluorapatite/6012937-1-eng-US/metamorphic-fluorapatite_full_1468.png 619w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-fluorapatite/6012937-1-eng-US/metamorphic-fluorapatite_full_1980.png 619w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-fluorapatite/6012937-1-eng-US/metamorphic-fluorapatite_full_2475.png 619w)
fluorapatite with zinnwaldite
Locality: Panasqueira Mine, Covilha, Centro Region
Country: Portugal
![brown star shaped mineral in white mineral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-staurolite/6012925-1-eng-US/metamorphic-staurolite_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-staurolite/6012925-1-eng-US/metamorphic-staurolite_full_990.png 701w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-staurolite/6012925-1-eng-US/metamorphic-staurolite_full_1468.png 701w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-staurolite/6012925-1-eng-US/metamorphic-staurolite_full_1980.png 701w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-staurolite/6012925-1-eng-US/metamorphic-staurolite_full_2475.png 701w)
staurolite in muscovite schist
Locality: Kola Peninsula, Murmansk
Country: Russia
![mineral that looks like magma](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-andradite/6012929-1-eng-US/metamorphic-andradite_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-andradite/6012929-1-eng-US/metamorphic-andradite_full_990.png 851w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-andradite/6012929-1-eng-US/metamorphic-andradite_full_1468.png 851w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-andradite/6012929-1-eng-US/metamorphic-andradite_full_1980.png 851w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/metamorphic-andradite/6012929-1-eng-US/metamorphic-andradite_full_2475.png 851w)
andradite with galena
Locality: Broken Hill, New South Wales
Country: Australia
![Group of various cool colored gems and pink text](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal_gallery/5997841-7-eng-US/hydrothermal_gallery_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal_gallery/5997841-7-eng-US/hydrothermal_gallery_full_990.png 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal_gallery/5997841-7-eng-US/hydrothermal_gallery_full_1468.png 1468w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal_gallery/5997841-7-eng-US/hydrothermal_gallery_full_1980.png 1920w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal_gallery/5997841-7-eng-US/hydrothermal_gallery_full_2475.png 1920w)
![white gem with many small turquoise specs](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-dioptase/6012913-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-dioptase_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-dioptase/6012913-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-dioptase_full_990.png 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-dioptase/6012913-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-dioptase_full_1468.png 991w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-dioptase/6012913-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-dioptase_full_1980.png 991w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-dioptase/6012913-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-dioptase_full_2475.png 991w)
dioptase
Locality: Tsumeb, Oshikoto
Country: Namibia
![blue mineral with many faces with gold mineral in it](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-fluorite/6012909-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-fluorite_full_495.png 433w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-fluorite/6012909-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-fluorite_full_990.png 571w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-fluorite/6012909-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-fluorite_full_1468.png 571w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-fluorite/6012909-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-fluorite_full_1980.png 571w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-fluorite/6012909-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-fluorite_full_2475.png 571w)
fluorite
Locality: Elizabethtown, Illinois
Country: United States
![black crystal with white base](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-epidote/6012917-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-epidote_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-epidote/6012917-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-epidote_full_990.png 721w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-epidote/6012917-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-epidote_full_1468.png 721w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-epidote/6012917-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-epidote_full_1980.png 721w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-epidote/6012917-1-eng-US/hydrothermal-epidote_full_2475.png 721w)
epidote
Locality: Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan
Country: Pakistan
![green crystal set in grey mineral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-fluoraphophylite/6012921-3-eng-US/hydrothermal-fluoraphophylite_full_495.png 379w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-fluoraphophylite/6012921-3-eng-US/hydrothermal-fluoraphophylite_full_990.png 759w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-fluoraphophylite/6012921-3-eng-US/hydrothermal-fluoraphophylite_full_1468.png 1001w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-fluoraphophylite/6012921-3-eng-US/hydrothermal-fluoraphophylite_full_1980.png 1001w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-fluoraphophylite/6012921-3-eng-US/hydrothermal-fluoraphophylite_full_2475.png 1001w)
fluorapophyllite
Locality: Pashan, Maharashtra
Country: India
![Purple gem with white gem coming out of it](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-calcite/6014638-2-eng-US/hydrothermal-calcite_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-calcite/6014638-2-eng-US/hydrothermal-calcite_full_990.png 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-calcite/6014638-2-eng-US/hydrothermal-calcite_full_1468.png 1001w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-calcite/6014638-2-eng-US/hydrothermal-calcite_full_1980.png 1001w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/hydrothermal-calcite/6014638-2-eng-US/hydrothermal-calcite_full_2475.png 1001w)
calcite with quartz var. amethyst
Locality: Guanajuato, Guanajuato
Country: Mexico
![Layout with multiple odd gems and green text](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering_gallery/5997807-4-eng-US/weathering_gallery_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering_gallery/5997807-4-eng-US/weathering_gallery_full_990.png 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering_gallery/5997807-4-eng-US/weathering_gallery_full_1468.png 1468w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering_gallery/5997807-4-eng-US/weathering_gallery_full_1980.png 1920w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering_gallery/5997807-4-eng-US/weathering_gallery_full_2475.png 1920w)
![white cuboidal gem](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-halite/6012849-1-eng-US/weathering-halite_full_495.png 433w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-halite/6012849-1-eng-US/weathering-halite_full_990.png 571w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-halite/6012849-1-eng-US/weathering-halite_full_1468.png 571w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-halite/6012849-1-eng-US/weathering-halite_full_1980.png 571w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-halite/6012849-1-eng-US/weathering-halite_full_2475.png 571w)
halite
Locality: Eastern Siberia
Country: Russia
![orange and green mineral](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-adamite/6012853-1-eng-US/weathering-adamite_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-adamite/6012853-1-eng-US/weathering-adamite_full_990.png 681w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-adamite/6012853-1-eng-US/weathering-adamite_full_1468.png 681w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-adamite/6012853-1-eng-US/weathering-adamite_full_1980.png 681w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-adamite/6012853-1-eng-US/weathering-adamite_full_2475.png 681w)
adamite
Locality: Ojuela, Mapimi, Durango
Country: Mexico
![green mineral with fingerlike protrusions](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-malachite/6012861-1-eng-US/weathering-malachite_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-malachite/6012861-1-eng-US/weathering-malachite_full_990.png 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-malachite/6012861-1-eng-US/weathering-malachite_full_1468.png 1071w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-malachite/6012861-1-eng-US/weathering-malachite_full_1980.png 1071w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-malachite/6012861-1-eng-US/weathering-malachite_full_2475.png 1071w)
malachite
Locality: Bisbee, Arizona
Country: United States
![multicolor mineral that looks like cavern](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-limonite/6012857-1-eng-US/weathering-limonite_full_495.png 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-limonite/6012857-1-eng-US/weathering-limonite_full_990.png 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-limonite/6012857-1-eng-US/weathering-limonite_full_1468.png 1031w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-limonite/6012857-1-eng-US/weathering-limonite_full_1980.png 1031w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-limonite/6012857-1-eng-US/weathering-limonite_full_2475.png 1031w)
limonite
Locality: Rossbach, Rhineland-Palatinate
Country: Germany
![yellow mineral with plates](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-wulfenite/6012865-1-eng-US/weathering-wulfenite_full_495.png 456w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-wulfenite/6012865-1-eng-US/weathering-wulfenite_full_990.png 601w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-wulfenite/6012865-1-eng-US/weathering-wulfenite_full_1468.png 601w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-wulfenite/6012865-1-eng-US/weathering-wulfenite_full_1980.png 601w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/earth/how-and-where-do-minerals-form/weathering-wulfenite/6012865-1-eng-US/weathering-wulfenite_full_2475.png 601w)
wulfenite
Locality: Touissit, Oriental
Country: Morocco
Image Credits:
elbaite var watermelon, malachite with azurite, fluorite-calcite, fluorite, grossular w calcite and diopside (no credit), microcline with smoky quartz and topaz, microcline var. amazonite, elbaite (red), staurolite in muschovite schist, siderite with quartz, andradite with galena, diopside, dioptase, Denis Finnin/© AMNH; augite, orthoclase, quartz, chalcopyrite, sodalite, muscovite with microcline quartz, elbaite (green), fluorapatite with zinnwaldite, calcite with quartz var. amethyst, fluorite, epidote, fluorapophyllite, malachite, adamite, wulfenite, limonite, halite, Matt Shanley/© AMNH