The deep, shifting blues and violets of Tanzanite have captured the imagination of gem collectors and jewelry lovers since the late 1960s. Found in a single, relatively small zone near the town of Merelani and the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, this gem’s rarity and striking appearance make it one of the most fascinating modern discoveries […]
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The Marcona mine sits on the arid Pacific coast of Peru and is one of the country’s best-known mineral operations. This article describes where the mine is located, what is extracted there, the mine’s broader economic role and some of the more interesting technical, social and historical aspects surrounding it. Throughout the text, key terms
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The name Spinel Ruby evokes both history and confusion: a vivid red gemstone that for centuries was mistaken for true ruby, admired by monarchs and jewelers alike. Although today gemologists separate the two by chemistry and crystal structure, spinel continues to fascinate collectors, designers, and scientists. This article explores where spinel ruby occurs, how it
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The Antamina mine stands among the most important mining operations in Peru and the world. Situated high in the Andes, it extracts large quantities of copper and zinc from a massive polymetallic deposit and has reshaped the economic landscape of the surrounding region. This article examines where Antamina is located, what is produced and how,
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Kunzite is a visually striking pink to lilac variety of the mineral spodumene that has captured the attention of gem collectors, jewelers and metaphysical enthusiasts for more than a century. Its delicate hues, impressive crystal habits and occasional ability to yield very large, clean stones make it unique among gem materials. While prized mostly as
Cerro Verde is one of the most important mining complexes in southern Peru, known above all for its large-scale production of copper. Located on the high Andean plateau near the city of Arequipa, the site has grown from a regional mine into a modern industrial operation that shapes local economies, contributes substantially to national exports,
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Gallium is an element that sits quietly between aluminum and indium in the periodic table, yet it exerts an outsized influence on modern technology. This soft, silvery metal has unusual physical properties, a fascinating discovery history, and a growing list of high-tech applications. The following sections explore where gallium is found, how it is produced,
The global push to decarbonize energy systems is reshaping commodity markets, with profound consequences for the trade, processing and strategic importance of a wide range of metals. As nations accelerate the rollout of electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar arrays and battery storage, the demand profile for certain metals is rising sharply. This article explores the
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Diopside is a distinctive member of the pyroxene group whose chemical formula can be written as CaMgSi2O6. It occupies an important place in mineralogy, petrology and the gemstone market because of its diverse occurrences, clear links to deep geological processes and a number of emerging industrial and biomedical uses. This article explores what diopside is,
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The following article examines the Yanacocha mining operation in Peru, exploring its location, geological setting, production profile, economic importance and the complex social and environmental issues that have surrounded it for decades. It aims to provide a balanced and informative overview of one of Latin America’s largest and most controversial mining projects, drawing on widely
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