In geology, a
heavy mineral is a
mineral with a
density that is greater than 2.9 g/cm
3, 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 provenance and history of
.
As heavy minerals are a minor constituent of most sedimentary rock, they must be separated out to be studied. Heavy mineral separation generally uses a dense liquid in either a separatory funnel or centrifuge.[ Liquids used include bromoform, tetrabromoethane, tribromoethane, methylene iodide, and polytungstate liquids.][
]
