Sylvia RoseOct 125 min readTungsten: Elusive Metal of Light, Art & IndustryTungsten, also known as wolfram, is a rare and versatile metal. In nature, tungsten is found in ore form, combined with other elements....
Sylvia RoseSep 305 min readChalcedony Gems: Secrets of Silicon Dioxide Silicon dioxide (SiO₂), or silica, holds fascinating secrets within its molecular structure. It's one of the most abundant minerals found...
Sylvia RoseSep 305 min readCarbuncle: Red Stone of Magic & MedicineCarbuncle has many meanings. Today it most often describes a deep red almandine garnet gemstone cut with a smooth, convex face or...
Sylvia RoseSep 234 min readAluminum(III) Oxide: Secrets of Precious GemstonesAluminum oxide or alumina (Al2O3) is the secret to the composition and allure of precious gems such as sapphire and ruby. This white,...
Sylvia RoseSep 234 min readCorundum: Secrets of Valuable GemstonesCorundum is a mineral composed of aluminum oxide. Living deep within the Earth in an environment of intense heat and pressure, the...
Sylvia RoseSep 13 min readGoethite: The Other Iron-Rich MineralGoethite is common but like hematite a remarkable iron oxide mineral. In geology and mineralogy, goethite has piqued the interest of...
Sylvia RoseMar 35 min readLimonite: Ancient Earth PigmentsLimonite is an iron earth mineraloid among the first colors of the Stone Age palette. Grinding limonite produces yellow ochre. Other...