Knowledge base

The natural occurrence of native copper in the form of nuggets and masses has fascinated geologists, miners, historians and collectors for centuries. This article explores the geological origins, global distribution, physical properties, applications and cultural significance of copper in its native metallic state. Along the way you will encounter scientific details, practical uses and some […]

Bismuth is an often-overlooked but fascinating mineral and native metal with a range of geological occurrences, unusual physical and chemical properties, and growing industrial and scientific applications. This article explores where bismuth is found, how it behaves in nature and in the laboratory, the processes used to extract and refine it, its principal and emerging

Magnesite is a mineral with a deceptively simple chemical formula yet a complex and varied role across geology, industry and emerging technologies. Formed in several geological settings and valued primarily as a source of magnesium and magnesium oxide, this carbonate mineral has been used for centuries and is now central to high-temperature industries, environmental applications

Lepidolite is a visually striking, mica-group mineral valued both by collectors and industry. Recognized for its lavender to rose-violet hues and flaky, scaly habit, it is an important source of several alkali metals and is intimately tied to the geology of Li-bearing granitic systems. This article explores the mineral’s chemistry and physical characteristics, its geological

Sodalite Blue is a striking and much-loved ornamental stone known for its deep, often royal sodalite tones and contrasting white veining. This mineral attracts gem collectors, lapidary artists and designers for its distinctive blue color and versatile applications, from beads and cabochons to architectural slabs. Beyond aesthetics, sodalite has an interesting geological story, a number

Halite, commonly known as rock salt, is a mineral that has shaped landscapes, economies and cultures for millennia. It is admired by geologists for its simple cubic crystals, studied by chemists for its role as the primary source of table salt, and utilized by engineers and municipalities for practical, everyday functions such as road maintenance.

Aragonite is a fascinating and widely distributed mineral form of calcium carbonate that plays major roles in geology, biology and human industry. Although less stable at Earth’s surface than its polymorph calcite, aragonite forms elegant acicular crystals and needle-like aggregates, builds the shells and skeletons of many marine organisms, and appears in caves, hydrothermal systems

Chiastolite is a fascinating and visually striking variety of the mineral andalusite, prized both by collectors and lapidaries for its distinctive dark, cross-shaped inclusions. This article explores its mineralogical identity, typical environments of occurrence, practical uses in jewelry and ornamentation, and the cultural and metaphysical associations that have grown up around it. Along the way,

Andalusite is a distinctive and scientifically valuable mineral whose presence tells a story about the pressure and temperature history of rocks, and whose physical properties have found uses in both industry and jewelry. Named after the Spanish region where it was first recognized, this aluminum silicate is one of three polymorphs of Al2SiO5 and plays

Ametrine is a striking and unusual variety of quartz that combines the purple of amethyst with the yellow to orange of citrine in a single crystal. Renowned for its natural bicoloration, ametrine offers a visual drama that appeals to gem collectors, jewelers and those interested in the mineral’s alleged energetic attributes. This article explores the