Knowledge base

Kyanite is an intriguing and versatile mineral that captivates both geologists and industry professionals. Known for its distinctive blade-like crystals and striking colors, it occupies a special place among the three Al2SiO5 polymorphs along with andalusite and sillimanite. This article explores the mineral’s geological setting, physical and chemical characteristics, practical applications in modern industry and […]

Serpentine is a group of hydrous magnesium silicate minerals with a rich interplay of geology, industry and culture. Beyond its attractive green hues and waxy luster, serpentine plays a significant role in understanding rock alteration processes, hosting valuable mineral deposits, and posing real-world environmental and health challenges. This article explores the mineralogical characteristics of serpentine,

Jet, a deep black organic gemstone prized for its warm polish and dramatic appearance, has moved through human history as both a decorative material and a talisman. Emerging from ancient forests transformed over millions of years, this stone has been carved, worn and imbued with meaning in cultures across the world. The following exploration covers

The opal has fascinated people for centuries with its shimmering surface and seemingly magical flashes of color. This article explores the stone from many angles: what it is, how and where it forms, the major sources and mining regions, its practical and artistic applications, and the scientific and cultural stories that surround it. Along the

Tourmaline is a mineral that fascinates geologists, gemologists and collectors alike because of its extraordinary variety of colors, physical properties and geological settings. In this article we will explore where tourmaline forms, what gives it such dazzling hues, how it is used both as a precious gemstone and in scientific contexts, and some intriguing cultural

Magnetite is one of the most widely recognized and scientifically significant iron oxides on Earth. This mineral combines an intriguing set of physical and chemical properties — chief among them persistent natural magnetism — which have made it important since antiquity and indispensable in many modern technologies. The following text explores its nature, global occurrence,

The following article explores the mineral known as dolomite from multiple angles: its composition, geological occurrence, physical properties, industrial uses, environmental implications, and some lesser-known but intriguing aspects of its behavior and role in Earth systems. The aim is to provide a comprehensive, scientifically grounded description while highlighting practical applications and interesting phenomena connected to

Zircon is a small but immensely informative mineral whose durability and chemical composition make it indispensable across geology, industry and gemology. This article explores the mineral’s chemistry, crystallography, global occurrences, scientific applications and cultural uses. Along the way it highlights remarkable discoveries enabled by zircons and the reasons this mineral remains a focus of modern

Spinel is a gemstone with a long and fascinating story that often hides in plain sight behind more famous stones. Although it has been admired for centuries, its identity was sometimes mistaken for other minerals, which only adds to its intrigue. This article explores the geological origins of spinel, its physical and chemical characteristics, the

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