Just got around to looking at these dusty old rock kit I got in that collection I bought, I'd say 1960's or so. Pretty cool selection in them, probably some would not be included in kits today like cinnabar, galena and asbestos maybe others, in fact should I encapsulate the hazardous ones?
Thx. Wondering about the labeling as well, a couple don't look right. Also I cant find any info on "pearlite" maybe its an out dated name for what ever it is?
Might be a local name for a type of chalcedony. The two sandstone samples are local derivatives. Some names of minerals have changed over time. Cant read the top of the box but maybe there's a clue there.
None of these minerals can hurt you unless you grind them up and snort or eat them. Even if you were stupid enough to eat powdered rock specimens there is a very good chance the rock would not have any effect but to pop out the other end a little smellier.
The one exception would be snorting powdered Crocidolite. 20 years later you might get lung scarring and thickening or cancer from that asbestos mineral. If you are in the habit of powdering and snorting Crocidolite my best advice is to stop now and get professional help.
The real dangers from minerals are about breathing quantities of fine dust. The big offender there is silica dust from mining, farming, landscaping and demolition work. Burning some minerals can release dangerous fumes. If you are just displaying small samples in a box the danger is nil.