Minerals
Minerals have a broad range so much so that they have their own discipline of study called mineralogy. These essential elements often have complex processes that lead to their formation.
What Are Geodes and Where Can You Find Them?
Is Africa Splitting in Two? Really? Here's the Scoop
What Exactly Is the Eye of the Sahara, aka the Richat Structure?
River-bottom Bones: The Strange World of Underwater Fossil Hunting
Velociraptor Alert: The Feathered Dinosaur Quiz
The Rockin' State Fossils Quiz
Learn More / Page 2
This white-hot metal not only makes beautiful jewelry, it's coveted for industrial, medical and military purposes too.
By Alia Hoyt & Desiree Bowie
Let's take a look at some of the strongest metals on Earth and their surprising uses.
By Dave Roos & Sascha Bos
Cobalt is associated with the color blue, but it's so needed for rechargeable batteries that the U.S. put it on the list of minerals it can't live without.
By Dave Roos
Advertisement
Diamond engagement rings. Diamond anniversary bands. Diamond earrings and necklaces. And now, the right-hand diamond ring! The four Cs -- cut, clarity, carat and color. Find out what the fuss is all about.
By Kevin Bonsor
Curious about healing crystals and their meanings? Here's the lowdown on 12 of the most popular stones for wellbeing.
Tanzanite is so rare, it is sourced from just an 8-square-mile (20-square-kilometer) area in Tanzania. It was first discovered in the late 1960s and it burst onto the jewelry scene thanks to Tiffany & Co.
The Mohs hardness scale is used by geologists and gemologists as a way to help identify minerals using a hardness test. How does it work?
Advertisement
This beautiful pink quartz is found in numerous places throughout the world and is thought to be associated with unconditional love.
The element lithium is one of just three created during the Big Bang and has been used for mental health care for decades. But now it's in higher demand than ever before.
What's the difference between moissanite and diamonds? And which of these brilliant stones wins out when it comes to the engagement ring competition?
By Mitch Ryan
It was the world's largest diamond when mined and today it's cut into nine gems that are all part of the British Crown Jewels. But since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, questions have emerged about its imperialist history.
By Dave Roos