The choice of the "best" gemstone from the minerals fluorite, corundum, talc, and galena depends on various factors, including personal preferences, desired characteristics, and the purpose of the gemstone. Each mineral has its own unique properties and allure.
Fluorite is known for its wide range of colors and vibrant fluorescence. It is prized for its transparency and can exhibit beautiful patterns and internal structures. It is a popular gemstone for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
Corundum is the mineral that includes both rubies and sapphires. Ruby, a red variety of corundum, is highly valued for its rich color and rarity. Sapphires, which come in various colors other than red, are also highly regarded for their brilliance and durability.
Talc, on the other hand, is a soft mineral and not typically used as a gemstone due to its low hardness. It is commonly used in various industrial applications and is also known as the mineral that gives soapstone its characteristic feel.
Galena is primarily a lead ore mineral and is not typically used as a gemstone due to its high density and lack of transparency. It is more commonly sought after for its economic value as a source of lead.
Considering the factors of beauty, durability, and market value, fluorite and corundum (particularly rubies and sapphires) are generally regarded as the more desirable gemstones among the minerals you mentioned.
iodine
Fluorite is a common mineral that forms in a variety of colors. Galena is a lead sulfide mineral with a metallic luster. Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral commonly used in construction materials.
Quartz would be able to scratch fluorite, galena, and pyroxene as it is harder than these minerals on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Fluorite (mostly abandoned), quartz (sandstone), calcite (limestone), clay minerals, and galena (also mostly abandoned). Mineral mining is not what it used to be in Illinois. Fluorite mines which once flourished in southern Illinois are now closed due to overseas competition. Galena was once mined in northern Illinois, but no longer.
Quartz- hardness 7 on Mohs Scale. (Calcite: 3, galena 2.5, talc 1)
iodine
Fluorite is a common mineral that forms in a variety of colors. Galena is a lead sulfide mineral with a metallic luster. Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral commonly used in construction materials.
Gold and copper are native elemental minerals, pyrite (Fool's Gold) is a mineral, as is calcite, galena, chalcopyrite, quartz, actinolite, sulphur, feldspar, mica, tourmaline, corundum, epidote, fluorite, and diamond.
Quartz would be able to scratch fluorite, galena, and pyroxene as it is harder than these minerals on the Mohs scale of hardness.
1 Copper 2 Calcite 3 Fluorite 4 Corundum 5 Gypsum 6 Galena
Fluorite (mostly abandoned), quartz (sandstone), calcite (limestone), clay minerals, and galena (also mostly abandoned). Mineral mining is not what it used to be in Illinois. Fluorite mines which once flourished in southern Illinois are now closed due to overseas competition. Galena was once mined in northern Illinois, but no longer.
galena, pyrite, fluorite, perovskite, or halite cubes
Galena is a mineral.
Pyrite is a mineral that exhibits a cubic crystal structure. It has a distinct metallic luster and a brassy yellow color, often forming cubic or pyritohedral crystals.
Quartz- hardness 7 on Mohs Scale. (Calcite: 3, galena 2.5, talc 1)
Barite Calcite Carnotite Dolomite Feldspar Galena Geodes Gold Gypsum Hematite Limonite Marcasite Metatorbernite Mica Pyrite Quartz Silver Sphalerite
Galena is metallic.