Prehnite is a captivating and often understated green silicate mineral that fascinates collectors, lapidaries and geologists alike. With its soft, leafy tones and frequently botryoidal growths, it occupies a special place between everyday gemstones and scientifically important indicator minerals. This article explores the mineral’s chemistry and crystal habits, the geological environments and notable locality occurrences […]
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The Palabora mining complex in northeastern South Africa stands as one of the country’s most recognizable mineral operations. Famous for its large open pit and the transition to extensive underground workings, Palabora is primarily known for producing copper but also yields several important by-products. This article explores where the mine is located, the geology and
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The Cullinan Mine, set in the rolling hills east of Pretoria, occupies a central place in the global history of gem mining. Famous for producing some of the largest and most historically significant gemstones ever found, the site has shaped not only the map of mineral wealth in southern Africa but also royal and cultural
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Chrysoprase is a captivating green variety of microcrystalline quartz that has been prized for centuries for its vivid hue and pleasing translucency. This article explores its geological origins, global occurrences, gemological properties, uses in jewelry and art, treatments and care, and the cultural stories that surround it. Along the way we will highlight practical information
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The Finsch Mine is one of South Africa’s most important diamond-producing operations. Located in the heart of a mineral-rich region, this mine has shaped local economies, contributed significantly to the global gem market, and continues to be a focus of technological and environmental innovation in the diamond industry. The following sections explore its location and
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Rainbow obsidian is a striking variety of volcanic glass prized for its subtle iridescence and banded flow patterns. When light strikes a polished surface at certain angles, delicate rainbow-like reflections appear, often in concentric or wavy bands that seem to float beneath a black or dark-brown surface. This stone combines the raw geological story of
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Niobium is a subtle but powerful transition metal whose properties and applications touch industries from aerospace to electronics and fundamental physics. Often overshadowed by more familiar metals like iron or copper, niobium plays an outsized role in high-performance materials, superconducting technologies, and modern electronics. This article explores where niobium is found, how it is extracted
The proliferation of electronic devices has created an urgent need to rethink how societies manage discarded products. Recycling electronic waste offers a promising pathway to secure supply chains for critical minerals, reduce environmental harm, and foster a more resilient industrial base. This article explores the scale of the problem, the types of valuable materials embedded
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The Letlhakane mining complex sits at the heart of Botswana’s diamond-producing belt and has played an important role in shaping the modern economy of the country. Located among a cluster of kimberlite pipes and open pits, the mine extracts high-quality stones that feed global markets and support local development. This article explores where Letlhakane is
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The Roy Hill Mine is a striking example of a modern, large-scale resource development in Western Australia. Located in the heart of the Pilbara region, it stands as one of the significant producers of iron ore in the world. This article explores where the mine is situated, what it produces, its broader economic role, and
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