Multiple Oxides: The Spinel Group :

Spinel, Magnetite, Chromite

 THE SPINEL GROUP

• The spinels are a group of oxides that have

very similar structures.
 SPINEL
•Spinel is a magnesium
aluminum oxide accessory
mineral in basic igneous rocks
such as gabbro and basalt. It is
also found in metamorphosed
argillaceous rocks and
especially in marbles formed as
a result of contact
metamorphism. It is resistant
to chemical weathering and
abrasion and is often found in
sediments derived from spinel-
bearing rocks. Its main use is as
a gemstone.
SPINEL in thin section
 SPINEL
• Name: From latin "spina", thorn, alluding to its sharp
octahedral crystals.
• Formula: magnesium aluminum oxide, MgAl2O4
• System: Isometric
Color: Black, blue, red, violet
• Hardness: 7½ - 8
• Economic uses
– There is no Industrial use for spinel on large quantities. It is
commonly used for decorative purposes.
 MAGNETITE
•Magnetite is one of the
most common oxide
minerals and also one of
the most common iron
minerals. It is an
important ore of iron
and is found in igneous,
metamorphic and
sedimentary rocks. It can
also be abundant in
sediments.
 MAGNETITE
• Name: Named for locality of Magnesia, Greece
• Formula: Fe3O4
• System: Isometric
• Color: Greyish black or iron
• Hardness:5½ - 6½
• Economic use
– Most of the magnetite mined is used as an ore of iron. Iron
liberated from the ore is usually used to make steel.
– as a toner in electrophotography, as a micronutrient in fertilizers,
as a pigment in paints, as an aggregate in high-density concrete.
 CHROMITE
•Chromite is an iron chromium
oxide mineral and the only ore
of chromium metal. It is a
mineral found in ultrabaisc
rocks such as peridotite. It is
also found in serpentines and
other metamorphic rocks
derived from the alteration of
ultrabasic rocks. It is a high
temperature mineral often
found in the lower parts of
magma bodies from the
fractional crystallization
process.
 CHROMITE
• Name: Named after its chemical composition.
• Formula: iron chromium oxide, FeCr2O4
• System: Isometric
• Color: Black
• Hardness: 5½
• Economic use
– Chromite is the only ore of chromium, a metal used to induce hardness,
toughness and chemical resistance in steel. The alloy produced is known as
"stainless steel". When alloyed with iron and nickel it produces a alloy
known as "nichrome" which is resitant to high temperatures and used to
make heating units, ovens and other appliances. Thin coatings of chromium
alloys are used as platings on auto parts, appliances and other products
and given the name "chrome plated".
 THE END
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