May 2023

Rainbow Fluorite: Properties, Uses, Meaning

What is Rainbow Fluorite Rainbow fluorite is a variety of fluorite that exhibits a range of colors, often in a rainbow-like …

Cross-Cutting Relationships

The principle of cross-cutting relationships states that any geologic feature that cuts across, or disrupts another feature …

How Banded Iron Formations Could Help Us Find Habitable Planets

Study suggests ancient microorganisms helped cause massive volcanic events Visually striking layers of burnt orange, yellow,…

The Giant Amethyst Geodes in Uruguay

The giant amethyst geodes in Uruguay are the largest in the world. Nestled in the Artigas department of Uruguay lie some of…

Conk Opal: The Wood That Turned to Gemstone

Conk opal is a rare type of opal that is found in the Virgin Valley region of Nevada. It is formed when opal replaces the …

A Piece of Australia Is Trapped Beneath Vanuatu

A tiny piece of ancient Australia has been found under Vanuatu, raising new questions about how continents are made. A team …

Connellite: Mineral Information & Facts

Connellite is a rare hydrous copper chloro-sulfate mineral with the chemical formula Cu₁₉(OH)₃₂Cl₄·3H₂O. It crystallizes in …

The Mystery of the Mineral Mouse Explain

The Atacamite mouse is a specimen of a mouse that has been completely mineralized by atacamite, a copper chloride hydroxide…

The "Fossil Truck Tire"

The "Fossil Truck Tire" is a giant ammonite fossil that was discovered in 1947 by geologists mapping the coal seam…

Scientists Uncover Source of Helium-3 Leakage from Earth's Core

Helium-3 is a very rare element on Earth, but it is a very promising fuel for nuclear fusion reactors. If we can figure out …

Sweet Home Mine Rhodochrosite

The Sweet Home Mine, located near Alma, Colorado, is renowned for producing some of the world's most exquisite rhodochro…

The Devil’s Corkscrew Mystery

The mysterious origin of Nebraska’s ‘Devils Corkscrews’   Devil's Corkscrew is the nickname for a type of fossil burrow …

Researchers Discover New Clues Regarding the Origin of Earth’s Continents

New study challenges popular theory on the origin of Earth’s continental crust Continents are part of what makes Earth uniqu…

Crocoite: Properties, Uses, Facts

Crocoite is a lead chromate mineral with a brilliant orange-red color. Crocoite is a highly toxic mineral and can be harmful…