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The Center publishes analyses critical to national security on domestic and international mineral supply chains.

Filter Total Items: 655

Mineral resource of the month: bromine Mineral resource of the month: bromine

The article offers information on bromine, a natural element considered as a dissolved species in seawater, saltwater lakes and underground brines linked with petroleum deposits. Bromine belongs to the halogen group of elements and is characterized with brownish-red color and beach-like odor. It is commonly used in flame retardants, agriculture and drilling.
Authors
Water Resources Division U.S. Geological Survey

Mineral resource of the month: lime Mineral resource of the month: lime

The article presents facts about lime, which is said to be a caustic chemical manufactured from limestone or other calcium carbonates in a kiln at temperatures ranging from 935 to 1,350 degrees Celsius. It states that lime is widely used in industries such as steelmaking, paper production and chemical manufacturing. It also mentions that global lime production amounts up to 280 million...
Authors
Water Resources Division U.S. Geological Survey

Exploration review Exploration review

This summary of international mineral exploration activities for 2008 draws upon available information from industry sources, published literature and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) specialists. The summary provides data on exploration budgets by region and mineral commodity, identifies significant mineral discoveries and areas of mineral exploration, discusses government programs...
Authors
D.R. Wilburn

Mineral Commodity Summaries 2008 Mineral Commodity Summaries 2008

Each chapter of the 2008 edition of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Commodity Summaries (MCS) includes information on events, trends, and issues for each mineral commodity as well as discussions and tabular presentations on domestic industry structure, Government programs, tariffs, 5-year salient statistics, and world production and resources. The MCS is the earliest...
Authors
Water Resources Division U.S. Geological Survey

Industrial garnet Industrial garnet

No abstract available.
Authors
Donald W Olson

Industrial diamond Industrial diamond

No abstract available.
Authors
Donald W Olson

Mineral resource of the month: cultured quartz crystal Mineral resource of the month: cultured quartz crystal

The article presents information on cultured quartz crystals, a mineral used in mobile phones, computers, clocks and other devices controlled by digital circuits. Cultured quartz, which is synthetically produced in large pressurized vessels known as autoclaves, is useful in electronic circuits for precise filtration, frequency control and timing for consumer and military use. Several...
Authors
Water Resources Division U.S. Geological Survey

Exploration review Exploration review

This summary of international mineral exploration activities for the year 2007 draws upon available information from industry, literature and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) specialists. The summary provides data on exploration budgets by region and mineral commodity, identifies significant mineral discoveries and areas of mineral exploration, discusses government programs affecting the...
Authors
D.R. Wilburn

Mineral resource of the month: Graphite Mineral resource of the month: Graphite

The article presents facts about graphite ideal for industrial applications. Among the characteristics of graphite are its metallic luster, softness, perfect basal cleavage and electrical conductivity. Batteries, brake linings and powdered metals are some of the products that make use of graphite. It attributes the potential applications for graphite in high-technology fields to...
Authors
Water Resources Division U.S. Geological Survey

Mineral resource of the month: antimony Mineral resource of the month: antimony

The article describes the characteristics and industrial uses of antimony. Antimony, which is produced as a byproduct of mining other metals such as gold, lead or silver, is used in everything from flame retardants, batteries, ceramics and glass. It is also used in glass for television picture tubes, computer monitors, pigments and catalysts.
Authors
Water Resources Division U.S. Geological Survey
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