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Sylvia Rose
Dec 18, 20244 min read
First Life on Earth: Microbes & Stromatolites
Ancient microbes in harsh conditions are the earliest life forms. Fossil records appear in rock formations up to 3.7 billion years old....
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 20, 20245 min read
Calcite: Metal-Eating Bacteria to Coral Reefs
Calcite is made up of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). With stunning crystal formations and a range of beautiful colors, calcite also has...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 30, 20245 min read
Chalcedony Gems: Secrets of Silicon Dioxide
Silicon dioxide (SiOâ‚‚), or silica, holds fascinating secrets within its molecular structure. It's one of the most abundant minerals found...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 22, 20245 min read
Antimony (Stibnite, Kohl) Ancient Metal of Science & Beauty
Antimony (Sb) from the ore stibnite, is one of the elements known by the ancients, a primary source of black powder kajal or kohl. With...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 1, 20243 min read
Goethite: The Other Iron-Rich Mineral
Goethite is common but like hematite a remarkable iron oxide mineral. In geology and mineralogy, goethite has piqued the interest of...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 30, 20244 min read
Earthy & Mineral Hematite: Differences
Hematite, an iron oxide mineral, is well-known for its striking metallic luster and deep red to black colorations. Appearing in various...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 30, 20244 min read
Hematite: 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...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 29, 20244 min read
How to Extract Red from Hematite: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hematite, an iron oxide mineral with the chemical formula Fe2O3, is prevalent around the world. Known for metallic luster and red earth...
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Sylvia Rose
Jul 23, 20244 min read
Galena: Silver Lead Ore of Metallurgy
Galena (PbS) is the primary lead ore for centuries. Lead can be smelted from galena in a regular wood fire. Some galena deposits contain...
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Sylvia Rose
Mar 3, 20245 min read
Limonite: Ancient Earth Pigments
Limonite is an iron earth mineraloid among the first colors of the Stone Age palette. Grinding limonite produces yellow ochre. Other...
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