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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 […]

What are thundereggs? The rare, chalcedony-filled rocks

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

Slate: characteristics, properties, uses

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

What's the difference between rocks and minerals

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

Hematite: mineral characteristics, properties, uses

Hematite forms through various geological processes and is even found on Mars.

Pyrite: mineral characteristics, properties, uses

The object of desire of many fools, pyrite is one of the most fascinating minerals.

Feldspar minerals: properties, types, uses

Feldspars are the most abundant class of minerals in the Earth's crust.

The Mica minerals: geology, characteristics, types, and uses

Mica is a generic term for a group of complex potassium-aluminum silicate minerals.

How igneous rocks form

Igneous rocks, born from the fiery heart of our planet, crystallize from molten magma.

How sedimentary rocks form

Sedimentary rocks are formed through a fascinating process where layers of material are compacted and cemented over millions of years.

How metamorphic rocks form

Metamorphism is an extremely important geological process.

What's the difference between weathering and erosion?

Exploring the slow yet relentless forces that sculpt our planet.

Calcite geology: mineral properties, crystal structure, uses

Calcite is a common mineral and the principal constituent of limestone and marble.

The main types of minerals and their importance in geology

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid substance with a specific chemical composition and a defined crystalline structure. Unlike rocks, which can be aggregates of different minerals, each mineral is composed of the same material throughout. Essentially, minerals are composed of the same substance throughout and have a specific internal arrangement of atoms, rocks […]

The coolest rocks in geology

How many of these do you know?

Obsidian geology: nature's black glass

It's one of the most interesting types of rock in geology.

Shale geology: characteristics, formation, uses

Shale is one of the most common sedimentary rocks, but it also has some unique properties.

Gneiss: characteristics, formation, uses

Gneiss is one of the most prevalent metamorphic rocks. Here's what you need to know about it.

Limestone: characteristics, formation, uses

Exploring the geology and fascinating characteristics of limestone.

Sandstone: characteristics, rock formation, and uses

It's one of the most widely found sedimentary rocks.

Quartzite: characteristics, formation, uses

Quartzite is a natural stone with an intriguing geological history.

Granite geology: how granite forms, minerals, and composition

Granite is one of the most intriguing types of rock -- and one of the most common type of igneous rocks.

What are the most common types of rocks?

An overview of the most common rocks found on our planet.

Metamorphic rocks: formation, types, examples

Turning one rock into another with the power of geology.

Basalt: characteristics, formation, uses 

Basalt is a common dark-colored igneous rock with some intriguing qualities.

Marble geology: characteristics, formation, uses

Marble's unique properties and aesthetic appeal have made it a highly sought-after material for a wide range of uses.

Extraterrestrial rocks -- the geology of our solar system

The different types of rocks found in our solar system besides Earth.

There's a museum in Japan that honors rocks which resemble human faces

Among them, you'll find ET or even Jesus.

How long before the world runs out of fossil fuels?

They won't run out during your lifetime, but there's a catch...

Rock-solid geology puns that will make you erupt in laughter

They're the schist.

How coal is formed

It's a recipe that requires lots of dead plants, cooked at high pressure and temperature for millions of years.

What's behind lithium mining? Here's all you need to know

Lithium mining is essential for supplying the world with batteries. But there's a dark side to it.

The bismuth crystal: why it looks so amazingly trippy and why it's actually a big deal for science

It's seriously cool, in more ways than you think.

What is petrified wood, how does it form, and what is it good for?

It's one of the more spectacular things in geology... or is it biology?

Earth, wind, and water: The types and formation of sedimentary rocks

Your introduction to the world of sedimentary rocks and processes.

What is Sahara dust and why does it matters so much for the Earth

Wind, geology, and chemistry meet up to create this important phenomenon.
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