Collection: Mineraloid Group

The Mineraloid Group consists of naturally occurring, amorphous substances that do not possess the long-range atomic structure typical of true minerals. Unlike crystalline minerals, mineraloids lack a defined crystal lattice, which results in a range of physical properties that can vary even within the same substance. Common examples of mineraloids include opal, obsidian, and amber. Opal, for instance, is known for its play of colour, a result of its internal structure of silica spheres, while obsidian, a volcanic glass, forms through the rapid cooling of lava, which prevents crystal formation. Amber, on the other hand, is fossilized tree resin, valued for its organic origins and the occasional preservation of ancient life forms within it. These substances, though diverse, share the common characteristic of being non-crystalline, making them unique in the world of geology.