A mineral is defined as

being naturally

occurring, inorganic,

and solid, with definite

chemical composition

and ordered internal

structure. The geology

of the Grand Canyon is

such that there are a

limited number of

minerals present.

We’ve listed a few of

the most common

Grand Canyon minerals

in the following slides.

Quartz is the most abundant mineral and the chief constituent of most

sandstones. It is also the most plentiful mineral in the earth's crust. Quartz comes

in a multitude of varieties, and some semi-precious stones are used for making

jewelry.

Calcium Carbonate is the

second most abundant

mineral in the Canyon and

is composed of carbon,

oxygen, and calcium. If not

in a crystalline form, it forms

limestones. It is an

extremely common mineral

found in rocks and is a

primary component of

certain types of shells.

Kaolinite is a clay mineral and the third major sedimentary mineral that forms the

shale and mud formations of the Grand Canyon. It is a soft, earthy, white colored

mineral. It can also be colored orange or red from iron oxides.

Iron oxides are

composed of iron and

oxygen. They are

widely used as

inexpensive and

durable pigments. The

wide ribbons of red

that adorn the Canyon

walls are due to iron

oxides that stain the

gray or bluish toned

limestones. Generally,

the colors possible are

yellow, red, orange,

brown, or black.

Galena is the natural mineral form of lead sulfide and

the most important ore of lead. It has been used for

thousands of years because of its relatively low

melting point. Galena is also a source of silver as

some deposits contain up to 2% of silver.

Hematite is mined as a major ore of iron. It is much harder than pure iron, but

more brittle. It can be black, steel gray, red, or brown.

Limonite is an iron ore that has been

mined for the production of iron for

thousands of years. It can vary in color

from a bright yellow to grayish brown. This

mineral is recognized as a mixture of

hydrated iron oxides, rather than being

considered as a single mineral.

Papillon is the world’s oldest and largest sightseeing company with over 600,000

passengers enjoying tours of the Grand Canyon annually. There are over forty

excursions available including destinations like the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead,

Monument Valley, and Page/Lake Powell. Excursions extend beyond flight and

include horseback, hiking, river rafting, and more.

Visit our website or call to book a tour. Website: http://www.papillon.com/

Phone: 1-888-635-7272