Minerals of the Grand Canyon

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• A mineral is defined as being naturally
  occurring, inorganic, and solid, with definite
  chemical composition and ordered internal
  structure. The geology of the Grand Canyon is
  such that there are a limited number of minerals
  present. Weve listed a few of the most common
  Grand Canyon minerals in the following slides.

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• Quartz is the most abundant mineral and the chief
  constituent of most sandstones. It is also the
  most plentiful mineral in the earth's crust.
  Quartz comes in a multitude of varieties, and
  some semi-precious stones are used for making
  jewelry.

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• Calcium Carbonate is the second most abundant
  mineral in the Canyon and is composed of carbon,
  oxygen, and calcium. If not in a crystalline
  form, it forms limestones. It is an extremely
  common mineral found in rocks and is a primary
  component of certain types of shells.

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• Kaolinite is a clay mineral and the third major
  sedimentary mineral that forms the shale and mud
  formations of the Grand Canyon. It is a soft,
  earthy, white colored mineral. It can also be
  colored orange or red from iron oxides.

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• Iron oxides are composed of iron and oxygen. They
  are widely used as inexpensive and durable
  pigments. The wide ribbons of red that adorn the
  Canyon walls are due to iron oxides that stain
  the gray or bluish toned limestones. Generally,
  the colors possible are yellow, red, orange,
  brown, or black.

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• Galena is the natural mineral form of lead
  sulfide and the most important ore of lead. It
  has been used for thousands of years because of
  its relatively low melting point. Galena is also
  a source of silver as some deposits contain up to
  2 of silver.

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• Hematite is mined as a major ore of iron. It is
  much harder than pure iron, but more brittle. It
  can be black, steel gray, red, or brown.

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• Limonite is an iron ore that has been mined for
  the production of iron for thousands of years. It
  can vary in color from a bright yellow to grayish
  brown. This mineral is recognized as a mixture of
  hydrated iron oxides, rather than being
  considered as a single mineral.

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• Papillon is the worlds oldest and largest
  sightseeing company with over 600,000 passengers
  enjoying tours of the Grand Canyon annually.
  There are over forty excursions available
  including destinations like the Hoover Dam, Lake
  Mead, Monument Valley, and Page/Lake Powell.
  Excursions extend beyond flight and include
  horseback, hiking, river rafting, and more.
• Visit our website or call to book a
  tour. Website http//www.papillon.com/
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