This website contains a three-dimensional virtual object library of the most important rock-forming minerals making up planet Earth. You will find information on:<br>
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<li>Which are the most common minerals on Earth?</li>
<li>What are their most important physical and chemical properties?</li>
<li>Where in the Earth and under which physical conditions do they form?</li>
<li>How can they be identified in hand specimen?</li>
</ul>
A mineral is typically defined as an inorganic solid with a particular chemical composition and a characteristic, periodic atomic structure.
This characteristic atomic make-up is often reflected in the macroscopic crystalline structure of a mineral.
The 3D models presented on this website will help you to visualise, study, and memorise these beautiful and often
complex crystal structures as well as other diagnostic features of minerals.
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We hope that you enjoy using 3DVOL.
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Your 3DVOL team
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Acknowledgements
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3DVOL is funded by the QUT Teaching and Learning Unit and the School of Earth, Environmental, and Biological Sciences. QUT High Performance Computing provides technical support.