Beryl is a fascinating mineral that sits at the crossroads of geology, gemology and industry. Belonging to the cyclosilicate family, it can appear in a rainbow of colors and sizes, from delicate pale stones to large, gem-quality crystals coveted by collectors and jewelers. This article examines the mineral’s chemistry and structure, the places where it […]
The Foskor Phalaborwa operation is one of South Africa’s best known phosphate-related industrial sites, located in the mineral-rich region of northern Limpopo. This article explores where the mine sits, what commodities it produces, its broader economic significance, and several interesting aspects—from logistics and processing to social and environmental dimensions. The account aims to provide a
Foskor Phalaborwa Mine – South Africa – Phosphate Read More »
Chalcedony is a fascinating member of the quartz family, admired for its subtle colors, fine texture and long history of human use. This article explores its natural formation, global occurrences, diverse varieties, practical and artistic applications, and cultural significance. Readers will find geological explanations, tips for collectors and lapidaries, information on synthetics and imitations, and
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The Telfer mine is a notable and long-running mining operation located in the remote interior of Australia. It combines both gold and copper production in a rugged desert environment and has played an important role in the development of Western Australia’s mining industry. This article outlines where the mine is, what is extracted there, how
Telfer Mine – Australia – Gold/Copper Read More »
Chrysocolla is a vivid and variable mineral beloved by collectors, jewelers, and cultural historians alike. Its striking blue-green hues and intimate association with copper-rich environments give it a distinctive place among secondary copper minerals. This article explores where chrysocolla is found, how it forms, its practical and cultural uses, and several intriguing facts that connect
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The Koolyanobbing Mine, situated in the heart of Western Australia’s mineral-rich Yilgarn region, is an important source of iron ore that has shaped the economic and industrial life of its surrounding communities. Its operations feed global supply chains, link remote landscapes to port infrastructure and reflect broader trends in mining technology, logistics and environmental management.
Koolyanobbing Mine – Australia – Iron ore Read More »
Erbium is a soft, silvery metal belonging to the family of rare earth elements known as the lanthanides. Although it rarely appears in pure form in nature, erbium and its compounds play a disproportionately large role in modern optics, telecommunications, and medical technologies. This article explores where erbium is found, how it is extracted and
Azurite is a strikingly deep blue **mineral** admired by collectors, artists and geologists alike. Its intense color and historical presence in art make it more than a scientific curiosity: azurite has played roles in mining exploration, pigment technology and decorative stonework for centuries. This article explores azurite’s chemistry, physical characteristics, geological environments, notable occurrences, historical
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The Cannington mine is one of Australia’s best-known mineral operations, notable for its high-grade silver and associated lead and zinc resources. Located in the mineral-rich northwest of Queensland, the operation has been an important source of primary metals for domestic industry and international markets. This article explores where the mine sits in the Australian landscape,
Cannington Mine – Australia – Silver/Lead/Zinc Read More »
The prospect of extracting mineral wealth from the ocean floor has moved from science fiction into boardroom strategy over the last decade. As terrestrial deposits become harder to access and demand for batteries and electronics rises, the idea of harvesting resources from abyssal plains and seamounts could fundamentally reshape how the world sources critical raw
How deep-sea mining could change global mineral sourcing Read More »
