Mineralogy of Oxides and Hydroxides

Introduction to Oxide and Hydroxide Mineral Classes

The oxide and hydroxide classes can serve as an instructive connection between primarily metallic opaque and dark-colored native element and sulfide minerals and vitreous, transparent, and light-colored silicate minerals. While studying oxides and hydroxides, we will encounter both opaque dark-colored ore minerals and sparkling transparent gemstones.

There are 395 mineral species in the oxide and hydroxide classes. (Klein & Dutrow, 2007) We will cover the most essential and common membeers. To understand why oxides and hydroxides are studied together as well as their differences, we must consider their chemistry. Take a look at the formulas in the following table. Oxides and hydroxides have identical metallic cations. The only difference is their anions: O^2- for oxides and (OH)^– for hydroxides.