A Guide to Common Ore Minerals

Geology students are trained to identify the commonest rock- and ore-forming minerals. It’s a vital skill for professional geologist. Sulphides, silicates, oxides, phosphates; we slog through dozens of them in our petrology labs, learning to identify the important ones using properties like colour, hardness, lustre (the way it shines or doesn’t), cleavage (how they split), density and such. As a kid, I loved this aspect of geology and by my early teens I could already identify the most common economic minerals such as galena (lead), sphalerite (zinc), chalcopyrite (copper), hematite (iron) and the flashier oxides and carbonates like malachite, rhodocrosite and azurite.

I Was Conned

But lately I’ve had this nagging feeling that I was conned at University in my undergraduate days. I missed out on an entire earth-science discipline, and I’m still stewing over it. I touched on this feeling of disquiet in an earlier post (Crystal Power).

In a futile attempt to scratch the itch, I decided to take a deeper look at the mineral properties we should’ve been learning about; the ones that haven’t made the mainstream textbooks yet. More’s the pity because I think these could be far more diagnostic and helpful to field geologists, particularly geologists with inter-dimensional Kundalini issues or Chakratic aura problems.

Here’s a quick run-down of what geologists should be focusing on for half-a-dozen or so of the commonest ore minerals. Each is accompanied by a number from 1 to 10, prefixed by the letters MBI. This is my highly scientific, quantitative Metaphysical Bat-shittery Index. An MBI of 1 represents the least spiritual attributes; a mineral that’s metaphysically dead and deserves to be a rock. An MBI of 10 is a space-time-mind-bending-bat-shit-crazy mineral; more of a sulphide-enriched demi-God than a rock.

Pyrite (FeS2)

Key Properties. Chakra 2 & 3. Strength of Mind. Pollution. Will Power.

MBI 4

Pyrite –iron sulphide- is the most common sulphide mineral. Also called Fool’s Gold, to those in the know pyrite is a.. er… masculine mineral. It possesses relatively limited metaphysical properties compared to some minerals. However, it can enhance strength of mind and will power, and it can also stimulate the second and third Chakras, so I’m guessing it’s good for red-wine hangovers. Once I find out where my first Chakra is – I think I prefer it spicy with chicken- I’m sure I’ll enjoy the additional stimulation.

Ironically, for anyone who’s ever dealt with acid drainage issues from pyritic waste, it “shields the wearer from negative energy as well as environmental pollutants.” So, now I’m confused as to why the environmental crowd keeps moaning on about the acidy, orange-yellow mess pyrite makes. Friends of the Earth should actually regard it as a spiritual blessing.

It’s also said to “guard against ongoing control, criticism and manipulation by a partner, parent or employer” so I’ve asked my wife to buy me 150kg of lump pyrite for Father’s Day.

Sphalerite (ZnS)

Key Properties. Enhances discernment. Balances Yin and Yang. Harmonizes male and female aspects of your personality.

MBI 7

I’ve always thought of sphalerite as the chief ore of zinc; an attractive mineral that ranges in colour from light yellow/green to deep black and has distinctive internal reflections. Shows you what I know, eh?

Forget brass, forget batteries. Forget corrosion-resistant galvanised steel. Sphalerite’s main use is actually to enhance mental clarity while aligning the astral body during the channeling of psychic information. It also helps to guard against misinformation which is why you should throw a large piece of it at your TV set whenever Fox News spouts on about Donald Trump.

Most metaphysical crystal websites advise, unironically, that believers keep some sphalerite with them at all times when they are having “a reading done by someone else because it helps to screen out frauds bearing false information, allowing one to discern reality from illusion or deception.” Quite.

Here’s a handy video about some samples which are available at an amazing price. An interesting way to use it is to rub it when starting your meditation, but be careful as this could lead to potential issues with the social services if you have small children and the nanny sees you. Don’t forget to look at the rainbows and beware the manifestations.

Cinnabar (HgS)

Key Properties. Awakening your Kundalini. Wealth Creation. Mystic Visions. Linking Chakras.

MBI 8                                                                                             

Ok, I’ll be honest. I never got past the word “kundalini” when I was researching cinnabar, and every other property paled into insignificance compared to it. Is it a type of pasta? An African tribe, maybe? Or perhaps a strange sexual use of the tongue developed in ancient Turkey that the Joy of Sex didn’t dare go near? No, the truth is even stranger and is a sure-fire conversation stopper at your next book club meeting.

“The kundalini energy is associated with the Serpent that is said to dwell at the base of the spine, wrapped three and a half times around the sacrum, until it is roused. When this serpent rises up and makes its way to the crown, you are said to be enlightened. Be aware that many people have health issues from the awakening of their kundalini, so make sure that you educate yourself well before purposely doing any processes to make this happen.”

Health issues indeed. I now have no idea whether to be curiously aroused by cinnabar or bloody terrified of the chaos it could cause in my household, as it quietly works to awaken our massed Kundalinis, unleashing uncontrollable serpentine energies and a lot of angry hissing. I keep thinking of how frightened the dog will be.

Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2)

Key Properties. Loosening Blockages. Finding Lost Shit. Chakra 3. Hair Growth. Self Esteem.

MBI 6.5

I have direct experience of the amazing curative powers of good old copper-iron-sulphide. At university, I once had a bad bronchial infection and associated respiratory problems. I was hacking and coughing and nursing all sorts of blockages. One morning during a mineralogy lab, in a flu-induced haze I managed to drop a large chunk of chalcopyrite on my knee while sat at a desk. Lo and behold, I promptly forgot all about my other issues. It is indeed a miracle cure.

True crystal-power believers agree that chalcopyrite helps you find lost stuff. Try it out next time you’re looking for your car keys. Hold a large piece of Peacock Ore in front of you at arm’s length, then walk around the house shouting at the top of your voice “Oh Great Crystal of Locational Power. Where are my fucking car keys?” Everyone in the house will magically pitch in to help find the keys to stop the unbearable lunatic-shouting.

In a couple of weeks, once the sedation wears off, you’ll be able to drive again. The chalco will also help your brain heal and your hair -which fell out in clumps during your extended stint in the padded cell- will grow back under its restorative influence.

Orpiment (As2S3)

Key Properties. Stimulating The Intellect. Chakra Stuff. Not Much Else Really.

MBI 3

Orpiment is a yellow-orange sulphide of arsenic, which has been used for centuries as a natural yellow pigment. Which means that everyone who’s regularly made the natural yellow pigment by crushing the stuff up has regretted it in the long run.

Orpiment only qualifies as an MBI 3 on my scientific scale. Which is a pity, because I once spent 2 summers working on an orpiment mine in Iran, and collected many fine specimens. I have loads of the stuff. To be honest, when I researched its properties, I imagined my mineral cabinet acting as a giant metaphysical lens, concentrating the healing energy beams that squirt out of my orpiment chunks 24/7, gradually turning my family into a race of perfect, inter-dimensional crystal-beings. Alas no. My son still has spots and I’m still overweight.

If you own a piece of it, you are strongly advised not to lick it or use it as an elixir. Which, I suspect, is why it’s said to stimulate the intellect. Anyone who has accidentally ingested it immediately starts thinking long and hard about their own fleeting mortality and how best to rapidly induce vomiting.

Galena (PbS)

Key Properties. Root Chakra. Transformation. Soul Retrieval. Earth Energy Resonance.

MBI 5

Good old Galena. Dense as fuck, silvery-blue and cubic, a bit like a Welsh geologist I once knew. It’s a fan-favourite for mineral collectors. I have a gorgeous chunk from a mine in Bulgaria that I bought for 3 peanuts and clothes peg in a market in Sofia. Little did I know back then how much I could benefit from those humble grey cubes.

But I’m pleased to report, my small piece of plumby eastern Europe has since assisted me in life’s great journey; it’s allowed me to experience alchemical self-transformation. Yes, indeed, and there’s more! My state of physicality has been purified through long hours of staring at galena crystals. By extension, I’ve actually been gazing into the deepest, darkest region of my shadow-self to retrieve parts of my soul that I thought I’d lost. I’m also protected from radiation, psychic attack and electromagnetic something-or-others. So all’s well that ends well.

I’d recommend field geologists line their traverse jackets with any galena they find. By the time they stumble back in to camp, the galena will have transported them to a blissful life of soul-retrieval, compassion and self-acceptance (let’s face it, if you’re a field geologist, self-acceptance is something you’ll need at the end of your summer contract.)

Stibnite (Sb2S3)

Key Properties. Chakras (surprise surprise). Manifesation. Auric Field Strengthening. New Beginnings.

MBI 7-7.5                                                             

Stibnite’s key property –which may or may not relate to auric fields and chakras- is the “laser sharp” focus that it brings allowing us to understand daily synchronicities, which are themselves signs from the Universe pointing us in the direction of our true life path and new opportunities. Got that? Good, because I haven’t the foggiest clue what it means other than it must be positive. So carry stibnite with you at all times.

New investors in the junior mining markets should pick up some stibnite before they start buying shares. It’s believed to stabilise personal finances and “bring wealth, prosperity, abundance ”to its owner, which should help you recoup your inevitable losses from gambling on the miners. But I really can’t describe this mineral any better than the website Healing Crystals:

Stibnite re-aligns our chakras and magnifies the free flowing energy that a cleansed heart outputs. By doing this, it helps us become a higher and better version ourselves, and opens us up to ideas to shape who we truly want to be. Thus, we are creating a warm, harmonious balance and unity of our heart, mind, and will.

This Stuff Is Dangerous

Remember, if you are thinking of tickling your kundalini, or accessing your 5th galactic chakra with a natural crystal of some sort, please heed this crucial public health warning I found on a website.

“Those suffering from illness should consult with their General Practitioner (…before using crystal healing) Crystal healing is a holistic complementary healthcare practice and should be carried out by a suitably qualified crystal healing practitioner.“

Be careful. Engage a professional. Speak to your doctor before rubbing sphalerite. This shit is dangerous.

And Now. Back To Reality.

As ever, I welcome comments, sarcasm and light-hearted abuse. If you like what you’re reading, don’t forget to subscribe to urbancrows.com via the itty-bitty subscription box that I somehow managed to place near the top of the page even if I haven’t worked out how to format it yet. I’ll be sure to email you every time I post another impressively erudite but interminably boring article.