Specimen List
This is a listing of toxic minerals in Rick's collection. Determining which minerals are toxic is a bit subjective since a lot of minerals are toxic when inhaled or ingested. Quartz for example in crystal form is rather inert, however when ground into a fine power and inhaled can be deadly, so is quartz toxic? I selected minerals for this list if they are associated with known toxic uses (such as asbestos), lead, or if they present an actual toxic risk in their current form such as crocidolite. Respect them for what they are and observe them through their cases and you will be just fine.
Bumblebee Jasper Slab
Despite its name, Bumblebee Jasper is not a true jasper Instead, it is a silicified volcanic material composed mainly of Sulfur Arsenic Manganese oxides and pyrite. The banded yellow-orange-black patterns resemble the coloration of a bumblebee — hence the trade name. It’s only known source is an active volcano.
