Prasiolite is a distinctive green variety of quartz valued for its subtle color, clarity, and versatility in jewelry. Although naturally occurring specimens are uncommon, the stone has gained popularity through treatments that transform ordinary purple amethyst into attractive green gems. This article explores the geology, gemology, treatment methods, sources, uses, and cultural significance of prasiolite, […]
This article explores the exotic world of the superheavy element known as nihonium, its scientific discovery, how it is produced, its predicted and partially observed properties, and the broader context of research into the heaviest members of the periodic table. The element numbered element 113 occupies a place at the frontier of modern nuclear and
The global surge in price levels has reached deep into sectors far beyond consumer goods: it now significantly influences the economics of extracting minerals that modern economies deem critical. As countries race to secure supplies of lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earths and other essential inputs for energy transition and defense, understanding how rising and volatile
How global inflation affects critical mineral extraction costs Read More »
Pollucite is a fascinating and economically important mineral that serves as the principal natural source of the soft, reactive element cesium. Found most commonly in the coarse-grained veins of certain granitic bodies, pollucite’s geological settings, physical properties, and technological connections make it a subject of interest for mineralogists, industrial chemists, and environmental scientists alike. This
The Huanuni mine stands among the best-known mining centers in the high plateau of the Andes. Located in western Bolivia, it has shaped local life, regional industry and national mining policy for more than a century. This article examines the mine’s setting, the minerals produced, its economic role and a number of noteworthy aspects of
Huanuni Mine – Bolivia – Tin Read More »
Piemontite is a striking, rarely encountered mineral that captures the attention of mineralogists and gem collectors alike. Its warm, reddish hues and association with manganese-rich geological environments make it a useful probe into the history of rock formation as well as an attractive material for ornamental use. This article examines what piemontite is, where it
The San Bartolomé mine, set amid the high plateau and rugged ridgelines of the Bolivian Andes, is an important node in the country’s long and complex relationship with silver. Operating in a region where mining has shaped landscapes, societies and economies for centuries, San Bartolomé exemplifies the technical challenges and economic opportunities of extracting metal
San Bartolomé Mine – Bolivia – Silver Read More »
The vast mining complex known as Buenavista del Cobre stands among the most significant mineral operations in Mexico. Located in the northwestern state of Sonora, this mine has played a central role in the country’s extractive industry for decades. Beyond the extraction of **copper**, the site influences local economies, national exports and global metal markets.
Buenavista del Cobre – Mexico – Copper Read More »
Phosphophyllite is a mineral that captivates collectors and gem enthusiasts alike with its delicate, often bluish-green tones and exceptional translucency. Although it rarely appears in jewelry because of its fragility, specimens of phosphophyllite command attention for their aesthetic beauty and geological interest. This article explores the mineral’s chemistry and physical properties, where it is found,
Copernicium is a compelling and exotic member of the periodic table, occupying a place among the heaviest known elements. Synthesized in minute quantities in particle accelerators, this element captures the imagination of physicists and chemists alike because it confronts the limits of nuclear stability and challenges our understanding of chemical behavior under extreme relativistic effects.
