The following article examines the geology, operations, and broader significance of the Thompson Creek mine in the United States, focusing on its role as a source of molybdenum and the economic, technical and environmental dimensions of that activity. The mine has been an important component of the North American molybdenum supply chain and serves as […]
Thompson Creek Mine – United States – Molybdenum Read More »
Brookite is a compelling and often overlooked member of the titanium-oxide family. As one of the naturally occurring forms of titanium dioxide, it occupies an intriguing position between the more familiar anatase and rutile polymorphs. Its distinct crystal chemistry, uncommon occurrence in nature, and growing importance in nanoscale science make brookite a subject of interest
The Henderson Mine is one of the most important primary sources of molybdenum in the United States. Located high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the operation has for decades supplied industry with molybdenite concentrates and downstream products that are critical for modern steelmaking, high-temperature alloys, and specialty chemical applications. This article examines where Henderson
Henderson Mine – United States – Molybdenum Read More »
Cadmium is a soft, bluish-white metal known for its unique combination of chemical and physical properties and for the outsized role it has played in industry and environmental health debates. Although naturally present in the Earth’s crust at low concentrations, cadmium becomes problematic when concentrated through mining, smelting, or industrial use. This article explores where
The global scramble for energy transition and high-tech manufacturing has turned once-obscure elements into strategic assets. Governments now view minerals not just as inputs for industry but as instruments of national security and geopolitical influence. This article examines why major states are building reservoirs of rare inputs, how they do it, and what the long-term
Critical mineral stockpiling strategies by world powers Read More »
Bronzite is a fascinating and often overlooked mineral whose warm, metallic sheen has attracted collectors, lapidaries, and geologists alike. As a member of the pyroxene group, it occupies an important place in the study of igneous and metamorphic processes while also serving practical roles in jewelry and ornamental stone markets. This article explores bronzite from
The Lucky Friday Mine occupies a prominent place in the mining history and present-day economy of northern Idaho. Located within the renowned Silver Valley of the Coeur d’Alene district, this long-lived underground operation has produced millions of ounces of silver together with significant quantities of base metals. The mine’s story reflects the region’s geology, evolving
Lucky Friday Mine – United States – Silver/Lead/Zinc Read More »
Brazilianite is a striking and relatively rare phosphate mineral prized for its intense yellow-green color and often slender, prismatic forms. Found primarily in granite-derived pegmatites, it occupies a curious place between serious scientific interest and the world of gem and mineral collecting. This article explores where brazilianite occurs, why it forms, what makes it valuable,
The Midas Mine is one of the historic and still-notable mineral occurrences in the western United States. Located in the mineral-rich landscapes of the Great Basin, it has produced both gold and silver from veining and replacement-style deposits, and its story ties together geology, frontier history, modern mining techniques and local economic development. This article
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Bournonite is a striking and scientifically interesting mineral that has attracted the attention of mineralogists, collectors and materials scientists alike. Known for its characteristic metallic luster and often elaborate twinned crystals, it is a sulfosalt whose composition and structure link it to both classic ore-mineral parageneses and modern research into chalcogenide materials. This article surveys
