Heavy mineral

In geology, a heavy mineral is one with a density that is greater than 2.9 g/cm3,[1] most commonly referring to dense components of siliciclastic sediments. A heavy mineral suite is the relative percentages of heavy minerals in a stone. Heavy mineral suites are used to help determine the origins and history[1] of sandstones.

References

  1. ^ a b "Heavy minerals", McGraw-Hill Science & Technology Dictionary (Answers.com), http://www.answers.com/topic/heavy-mineral, retrieved 12 September 2011