Geology and Paleontology on ZME Science

What makes gemstones so brilliantly colored -- spoiler alert, it's physics

In a previous color, we’ve talked about what makes things colored — the way objects absorb, reflect, or transmit light at different wavelengths. But let’s be a bit more specific. What gives gemstones colors, or rather, what changes the way they absorb and reflect light so that they come out in so many different, striking […]

Geological faults: the beauty (and science) of a key geological process

This picture encapsulates the beauty of a geologic fault -- it's like someone took it from a textbook and slammed it into real life.

What are thundereggs? The rare, chalcedony-filled rocks

It's one of the most spectacular types of rock out there.

13 Incredible Armored Dinosaurs That Were Built For Battle

These dinosaurs were built like a tank.

Are turtles dinosaurs? Their evolution took its own distinct path

They're more like cousins than siblings.

Utahraptor: the dinosaur with a killer claw

These were the actual Jurassic Park raptors.

Edmontosaurus: The Fascinating Life of a Late Cretaceous Giant

Exploring a less-known Cretaceous grazer.

The 16 Fastest Dinosaurs: The Speed Demons of the Mesozoic

Life on the fast lane a couple hundred million years ago.

Gallimimus: the chicken-mimicking dinosaur

RUN, GALLIMIMUS, RUN!

Meet the 16 Strangest Dinosaurs You've Never Heard Of

All dinosaurs were strange. These are some of the strangest. The ones we found, at least...

10 Mind-Blowing Triceratops Facts

Three horned facts for the Three Horned Face.

Archaeopteryx: the winged link between dinosaurs and birds

- It's a bird! - It's a plane! - No... it's Archaeopteryx!

Slate: characteristics, properties, uses

You've seen it on rooftops everywhere, but where does slate come from?

Kentrosaurus: "Sharp Lizard"

Stegosaurus' cool smaller cousin with a tail-long thagomizer and a side spike.

Ichthyosaurus: "Fish Lizard"

These dolphin-like marine reptiles appeared millions of years before dinosaurs.

Styracosaurus: "Spiked Lizard"

Tricerotops often takes the spotlight. But its less famous cousin was no pushover.

Geodes: Nature's Hidden Treasures

Have you ever seen a geode?

Nonsilicate minerals -- the underdogs of geology

Silicate minerals dominate the Earth's crust -- but nonsilicate minerals play a key role as well.

Amorphous "minerals" -- what happens when geology goes out of order

They are the chaotic "bad boys" of geology, and their formation is as interesting as it gets.

Deinocheirus: "Terrible Hand"

Deinocheirus's massive arms puzzled scientists for decades until recent discoveries revealed it as one of the most bizarre and gigantic dinosaurs ever found.

Mosasaurus: "Meuse Lizard"

The Mosasaurus was a giant marine reptile, which dominated ancient oceans with its fearsome jaws and massive body.

The power of 'healing' crystals: what they can and can't do

Crystals are lifeless masses that don't have any 'energetic' properties. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't own some if you like them.

The properties of minerals: From hardness to luster

Each mineral has its own unique set of properties.

Therizinosaurus: "Scythe Lizard"

A herbivorous raptor-like dinosaur with humongous claws? I'm hooked!

Tarbosaurus: "Alarming Lizard"

Tyrannosaurus' smaller cousin with an equally menacing name and actually overall equally menacing.

Oviraptor: "Egg Thief"

Although its name means 'egg snatcher', this dinosaur was actually a caring parent.

Quetzalcoatlus: the largest flying animal ever discovered

This aircraft-sized pterosaur would have been a formidable match even for an adult T.Rex.

Silicate minerals: the building blocks of the Earth

Silicates are by far the most common type of mineral on Earth.

The seven types of crystals -- the stunning geometry that comes from an atomic lattice

Some people say crystals have healing powers, but that's not the type of crystals we're looking at here.

The most valuable minerals -- and why they matter so much

What's your favorite precious mineral?

How do minerals form? Everything you need to know

Minerals are the building blocks of rocks and the storytellers of Earth's history. They're the Legos of our planet.

Carcharodontosaurus: "Shark-toothed Lizard"

The underdog contender for the 'Largest Theropod' throne. Folks, I give you Carcharodontosaurus.

Pterodactylus: "Winged Finger"

Pterodactylus, the first identified pterosaur, reshaped our view of prehistoric flight and Mesozoic ecosystems.

Pteranodon: "Toothless Wing"

Pteranodon were not only among the largest pterosaurs, but also one of the largest flying animals ever.

Pachycephalosaurus: "Thick-Headed Lizard"

Like humans, this dinosaur's thick skull was supposedly only for showing off.

How to collect rocks -- the comprehensive guide for the amateur geologist

Collecting rocks is one of the best hobbies to connect you with nature.

Ankylosaurus: "Fused Lizard"

Fossil records speak of one that could deter the Tyrannosaurus. If the Rex was an unstoppable force, this dinosaur is the immovable object.

Iguanodon: "Iguana Tooth"

Early paleontologists seriously thought it looked like a rhinoceros iguana.

Gypsum: mineral characteristics, properties, uses

Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O). It is renowned for its wide use in the manufacturing of plaster, drywall, and fertilizers. The mineral forms in geological time from the evaporation of water (it’s an evaporite mineral) and as a hydration product of anhydrite. It’s a versatile and widespread mineral, […]

Pressure in geology: How pressure plays a key role in rock formation

Rocks aren't simple, inert objects. They are dynamic, moving from one structure to another, holding inside them clues of processes that transformed them -- including pressure.

What are crystals? What the science says

Healing crystal? Na. Geology is interesting enough without making things up.

The role of temperature in forming rocks

Without temperature, there is no geology.

Ceratosaurus: "Horned Lizard"

You've heard of the mighty Tricerotops, but here's another three-horned dino you should definitely know.

What's the difference between rocks and minerals

The primary difference between rocks and minerals lies in their composition and formation.

Argentinosaurus: "Argentina Lizard"

A brief explainer for an ABSOLUTELY HUMONGOUS titanosaur. Let's take a look at what is believed to be the largest land animal ever.

Diplodocus: The long-necked iconic dinosaur of the Jurassic

A short explainer for a looong dinosaur. Let's take a look at one of the most iconic Jurassic sauropods.

The 10 Smallest Dinosaurs to Ever Walk the Earth

Usually, the word dinosaur hints at an immense and vicious creature. Well, that's not always the case...

Giganotosaurus: The Largest Carnivorous Dinosaur

Giganotosaurus was one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs, reshaping our understanding of prehistoric predators.

Carnotaurus: "The Meat Eating Bull"

Carnotaurus, known as the 'meat-eating bull' is unique for its distinctive horns, well-preserved skin, and swift speed.

The 10 Largest Dinosaurs to Ever Walk the Earth

A rundown of the most impressive dinosaur titans.

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