Minerals

A mineral is usually a natural inorganic substance having a definite chemical composition and a characteristic atomic structure. Though the term mineral is applied only to natural inorganic substances, the coal and petroleum are included under minerals, even though they are of organic origin. On the basis of its usefulness, all the minerals can be grouped into economic minerals and rock forming minerals. Silicates are the most important rock forming minerals. Accordingly, the major silicate families such as silica group, feldspar group, mica group and garnet group of minerals have been displayed.
Minerals may be identified by their physical, chemical and optical properties. Above all minerals are the backbone of our modern industries. Beryl, Mica, Calcite, Natrolite, Corundum, Gypsum, Kyanite, Sillimanite, Tourmaline, Obsidian, were the other minerals displayed in the gallery.