What are minerals and why do people collect them?
Minerals are the materials of which rocks are made. A common example is granite, which is composed of the minerals quartz, feldspar, and mica. Each type of mineral has a distinctive composition and certain chemical and physical properties. With practice you can learn to recognize many common minerals that occur in Maine rocks. There are places in this state (and many other parts of the world) where rare and colorful minerals can be found. In some cases they occur as nice crystals, which are especially appealing to collectors. Crystals may be suitably durable and flawless to fashion into gemstones. Mineral collecting is an outdoor hobby enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It provides a good opportunity to learn about earth science, both outdoors and at home.
