Minerals

Minerals and stones are quite brilliant.  This first one, Smithsonite, is an example that varies in colour based on what impurities/traces are in the piece (like copper, cadmium, cobalt, etc.). 

Smithsonite

swallowtail gypsum

beryl

calcite

nephrite jade

Royal Ontario Museum - more!

murex snails

I learned a bit about natural dyes in college, so when I discovered these murex snails in a display drawer at the museum, I thought was pretty neat! 

Source: traditionsmexico.phanfare.com via Stevanie on Pinterest

mineral pigments

mineral pigments

 Mineral pigments like these have been used on ceramics, in paints, cosmetics, etc.