Sylvia Rose3 days ago5 min readCalcite: Metal-Eating Bacteria to Coral ReefsCalcite is made up of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). With stunning crystal formations and a range of beautiful colors, calcite also has...
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 225 min readAntimony (Stibnite, Kohl) Ancient Metal of Science & BeautyAntimony (stibnite, Sb) is one of the elements known by the ancients, a primary source of black powder kajal or kohl. With its silvery...
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 RoseAug 304 min readEarthy & Mineral Hematite: DifferencesHematite, an iron oxide mineral, is well-known for its striking metallic luster and deep red to black colorations. Appearing in various...
Sylvia RoseAug 304 min readHematite: Iron Oxide Red Earth Pigment"Hematite" comes from the ancient Greek for blood. The stone creates red dust when cut and polished. The red color isn't always visible...
Sylvia RoseAug 294 min readHow to Extract Red from Hematite: A Step-by-Step GuideHematite, an iron oxide mineral with the chemical formula Fe2O3, is prevalent around the world. Known for metallic luster and red earth...
Sylvia RoseJul 234 min readGalena: Silver Lead Ore of MetallurgyGalena (PbS) is the primary lead ore for centuries. Lead can be smelted from galena in a regular wood fire. Some galena deposits contain...
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...