GL - 204 Fundamentals of Geology

MINERALOGY
Oxides

Dr. Mulugheta Tewelde

University of Zimbabwe
Department of Geology
 Oxides
Some facts about oxides:

- Most abundant elements in the crust

- 46.4% by weight
- 94% by volume
- Constant colours
- Diagnostic streak
- Important ores of iron and tin
 Oxides
Oxides
A2X group AX group BA2X4 group
Cuprite, Cu2O Zincit, ZnO Spinel group, MgAl2O4

Magnetite, FeFe2O4
Franklinite, ZnFe2O4
Chromite, FeCr2O4
Chrysoberyl, BeAl2O4
 Oxides (contd.)
Oxides (contd.)
A2X3 group AX2 group
Hematite, Fe2O3 Rutile, TiO2
Ilmenite, FeTiO3 Cassiterite, SnO2
Corundum, Al2O3 Pyrolusite, MnO2
Uraninite, UO2
 Oxides (contd.)
A2X Group
Cuprite, Cu2O

- also known as ruby copper or red copper

Physical properties: H = 3.5 – 4, luster is adamantine but

also metallic, streak is brownish red.

Occurence: In Zimbabwe, it occurs in oxidized zones in

the Copper Queen mine.
 Oxides (contd.)
BA2X4 Group
Magnetite, FeFe2O4

- Important iron-ore, magnetic (diagnostic)

Physical properties: H = 6, no cleavage, luster is metallic,

both the color and streak are black (also diagnostic).

Occurence: In Zimbabwe, it exists in the greenstone belts

in banded iron formation.
 Oxides (contd.)
BA2X4 Group
Chromite, FeCr2O4

- The only important ore of chromium (as an alloy), applied

also as a refractory material.

Physical properties: H = 5.5, color is black to brownish

black, streak is dark brown, luster: mostly metallic.

Occurence: It occurs in layers having a thickness of 50 cm

along the entire length of the Great Dyke (Zimbabwe).
 Oxides (contd.)
A2X3 Group
Hematite, Fe2O3

- Hematite from the greek word for blood, because all its
varities are red and all give a red streak.
- most important iron ore.

Physical properties: H = 6, its red color is characteristic,

but crystals can be black, but streak of all is red.

Occurence: Commercially, it is mined in Buchwa and

Redcliff in Zimbabwe.
 Oxides (contd.)
A2X3 Group
Corundum, Al2O3

- hardest mineral next to diamond.

- Varieties: Sapphire (blue) & ruby (clear red) are the most
known attraction.

Physical properties: H = 9, no cleavage, scratches every

other mineral except diamond.

Occurence: In Zimbabwe, it occurs in the areas of

Chiredzi, Beitbridge, Buhera and Mwenzi.
 Oxides (contd.)
AX2 Group
Rutile, TiO2

- Rutile is an ore of titanium (like illmenite – FeTiO3).

Physical properties: H = 6 - 6.5, color reddish brown to

red, luster admantine to submetallic, streak pale brown.
 Oxides (contd.)
AX2 Group
Cassiterite, SnO2

- also known as tinstone, it is almost the only source of

tin.

Physical properties: H = 6 - 7, luster is adamantine to

submetallic, color is brown to black (due to iron), and
streak is white.

Occurence: Places where it exists in Zimbabwe are: in

Kamativi and around Mutoko and Bikita in pegmatites.
 Oxides (contd.)
AX2 Group
Pyrolusite, MnO2

- chief ore of manganese, also applied to remove

unwanted colour from glass,

Physical properties: H = 1 – 2, luster is metallic, color and

streak are iron-black.

Occurence: Pyrolusite is found

In western Zimbabwe.