Angelskin Coral evokes images of delicate pink branches, carved rosaries and antique ornaments, but it is also a living part of marine ecosystems with a story that stretches from the seabed into culture, commerce and science. This article explores where Angelskin Coral occurs, how it has been used by people, the biology and ecology behind […]
The Shenhua Haerwusu mine is one of the most prominent coal extraction sites in northern China, notable for its sheer scale and role in the country’s energy landscape. Operated by Shenhua, the project combines modern open-pit engineering with massive logistical systems to move millions of tonnes of fuel each year. This article examines where the
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Andesine is a member of the plagioclase feldspar group whose name and geological associations evoke images of volcanic mountain belts and evolving magmas. As an intermediate plagioclase, its chemical and structural characteristics make it central to understanding igneous processes, while its occasional appearance as a faceted or polished stone has triggered both commercial interest and
The mining district around Benxi, in northeastern China’s Liaoning province, is one of the country’s historically important centers for iron ore extraction and heavy industry. For well over a century the area has anchored local economies, fed regional steel production, and shaped the landscape, society and infrastructure of the surrounding cities and towns. This article
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Molybdenum is a transition metal with a unique combination of physical, chemical and biological properties that have shaped its role across industry, science and agriculture. From deep within the Earth’s crust to high-tech laboratories and hospitals, this element plays pivotal roles that are sometimes invisible but often indispensable. This article explores where molybdenum is found
The recent wave of mineral discoveries across the African continent is reshaping markets, investment flows and international relations. New deposits of critical metals and gemstones are attracting attention not only for their immediate economic potential but also for the strategic role they could play in the global energy transition and advanced technologies. As state and
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Analcime is a distinctive mineral that sits at the crossroads of several mineralogical categories. Appreciated by collectors and studied by geologists, it raises intriguing questions about crystal chemistry, formation conditions, and industrial potential. This article explores where analcime occurs, how it forms, what it is used for, and several lesser-known but fascinating aspects of its
Anatase is one of the three naturally occurring crystalline forms of titanium dioxide and a material that has drawn sustained attention across geology, materials science, and applied technology. Defined by a distinctive tetragonal crystal structure and characteristic physical and electronic properties, anatase appears in minerals, engineered powders, and thin films. Its combination of high refractive
The spiral silhouettes of ancient seas, preserved in stone and admired in museums and jewelry shops alike, tell a story that spans hundreds of millions of years. This article explores the biology, distribution, practical uses, and cultural significance of ammonites — one of the most recognizable and scientifically valuable groups of extinct marine animals. Through
The Fushun mining complex in northeastern China represents one of the most historically important and industrially significant energy and raw-material centers in the country. Located in the heart of Liaoning province, the area has been a persistent source of **coal** and **oil shale** for well over a century, shaping local urban development, heavy industry and
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