Category: Minerals

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft made history by successfully returning a sample of asteroid soil to Earth, marking the agency’s first-ever asteroid sample return mission. The spacecraft dropped off a capsule containing several ounces of material collected from the asteroid Bennu in the Utah desert, a significant milestone in space exploration and scientific research. About a quarter…

The intersection of geosciences with colonial histories is a complex and often overlooked area of study. The discipline of geology, along with its practices and collections, has historically been intertwined with colonial and Eurocentric approaches. This includes the mapping and study of foreign lands, the extraction of natural resources overseas, and a significant lack of…

Subsea technology company Seatools has achieved a significant milestone by delivering deep-sea mineral collection equipment for Allseas’ innovative seabed mining ship, the Hidden Gem. This delivery marks a pivotal advancement in the exploration and extraction of polymetallic nodules from the ocean floor, which are rich in essential metals for the burgeoning electric vehicle and renewable…

Nashik is home to Gargoti, a unique museum founded by K.C. Pandey, dedicated to showcasing the beauty and rarity of zeolites, minerals formed from ancient volcanic activity. These minerals, known for their delicate structures and vibrant colors, are the result of silicate minerals expelling water when heated, a process that takes place over millions of…

In the heart of Clark County, two rock shops stand as testaments to the enduring fascination humans have with the natural world. Handley Rock & Jewelry Supply, founded by Arlene Handley, is one of these gems. Handley’s shop is a treasure trove of natural wonders, each piece a silent storyteller of the earth’s ancient history.…

The discovery of a rock collected during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 has led scientists to conclude that the moon is approximately 40 million years older than previously estimated. This revelation places the moon’s formation at over 4.46 billion years ago, closely following the birth of the solar system itself. The rock sample, gathered…

A dedicated group of community members is rallying to protect a cherished piece of their local heritage—the historic 1906 truss bridge at Old Stone Fort. These passionate individuals have formed a group, “Save Our Old Stone Fort Bridge,” on Facebook to raise awareness and garner support for preserving the bridge as a pedestrian pathway. They…

Rockhounding, the hobby of collecting and studying rocks and minerals, attracts enthusiasts for various reasons, including the appreciation of natural beauty. Precious stones like diamonds and rubies, which are rocks themselves, exemplify the geological wonders waiting to be discovered by outdoor explorers. Starting with the Basics: The Rock Collector’s Code For those new to rockhounding,…