The Bagdad Mine in the United States is one of North America’s long-standing copper operations. Located in central Arizona, it has shaped the local landscape, economy and community life for decades. This article explores the mine’s location and geology, its development and operations, the economic and environmental roles it plays, and several notable facts that […]
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Barite is a mineral that quietly plays an outsized role in many modern industries. Often overlooked by the general public, its physical and chemical characteristics make it indispensable in fields ranging from oil and gas exploration to medicine and environmental protection. This article explores the mineral’s nature, where it forms in the Earth, its varied
Which Ruby Hill Mine do you mean? There are several historic sites with that name in the United States (for example in Nevada, Colorado and other western states). Tell me the state or nearest town, or I can pick one (and I’ll note which one I choose).
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The Goldstrike Mine is one of the most important and storied mineral operations in the United States. Located in northeastern Nevada, it sits within the prolific Carlin Trend, a geologic corridor that has produced a large share of American gold. This article explains where Goldstrike is, what is mined there, how the mine operates, its
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Axinite is a visually striking and scientifically intriguing group of minerals that attracts geologists, gem cutters, and mineral collectors alike. Its characteristic wedge-shaped crystals and a palette of warm to cool colors make it immediately recognizable, while its chemistry and physical properties reveal stories about the fluids and conditions that formed it. This article explores
Strontium is an often-overlooked chemical element that quietly influences many aspects of modern life, from the deep history recorded in rocks to the brilliant reds of fireworks. This article explores where strontium is found in nature, how it is processed and used across industry and medicine, and several intriguing scientific and cultural stories connected to
The rapid expansion of electrification in transport, portable electronics and energy storage has placed recycling of lithium-ion batteries at the center of industrial, environmental and policy debates. This article examines the major technical and economic barriers that slow the transition from a linear “mine-use-dispose” model to a more resilient circularity-oriented system. It also outlines practical
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Augelite is an intriguing and understated member of the phosphate mineral group, prized by mineralogists and collectors for its delicate crystal forms and informative geological associations. Although it rarely features in commercial applications, the study of augelite provides valuable insight into the behaviour of aluminum and phosphate during weathering, metamorphism and low-temperature hydrothermal processes. This
The Twin Creeks mine is one of the notable gold-producing operations in the western United States. Located in the rugged landscape of northern Nevada, it stands as a modern example of how large-scale mineral extraction shapes local economies, technology application, and environmental practice. The mine produces primarily gold, with ancillary recoveries of silver and other
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Atacamite is a striking green mineral that captures the attention of geologists, mineral collectors and conservators alike. Beyond its vivid color, this mineral records environmental histories, signals the presence of chloride-rich fluids, and complicates the preservation of archaeological metalwork. In the following sections I will describe what atacamite is, how and where it forms, its
