What is white gold?
White gold was originally developed to imitate platinum (a naturally white metal). White gold is usually an alloy containing about 75% gold and about 25% nickel and zinc. If stamped 18 karat, it would be 75% pure gold.
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Digital Gold Rush Depends on Traditional Gold
In 1849, the discovery of gold in California sparked one of the most famous gold rushes in history. Thousands trekked across mountainous terrain to seek the precious metal, with entire industries springing up around the rush. In fact, the desire to understand our mineral resource wealth that led to the creation of the U.S. Geological Survey was in part fueled by gold rushes like this one.
EarthWord–Placer
Whether you pan for gold or rare earths, you’ll get a lot of sand...and this EarthWord!
The Top 5 Mineral-Producing States
In 2016, these five states led the pack in mineral production, accounting for about one third of the total mineral production value for the entire country.
The Top 5 U.S. Minerals by Production Value
In 2016, the United States mined $74.6 billion worth of minerals, and the following five mineral commodities accounted for 68.5 percent of that value.
EarthWord–Rock vs. Mineral
Ever wondered what the difference between a rock and a mineral was? This EarthWord should cover it...
The Golden Rule on April Fools
Think you know which mineral Fool’s Gold is? You might be fooled...
EarthWord - Mother Lode
Happy Mother's Day from EarthWords!
EarthWord – Ore
The naturally occurring material from which a mineral or minerals of economic value can be extracted. Usually minerals, especially metals, are mined first in ore form, then refined later.
USGS Scientists Study Effects of Gold King Mine Release
On August 5, while investigating the Gold King Mine in southwestern Colorado, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency accidentally triggered the release of approximately three million gallons of acidic, metal-rich mine wastewater from the Gold King Mine into Cement Creek, a tributary of the Animas River.
2017 Oct. Public Lecture — Global Trends in Mineral Commodity Supplies
- The U.S. is increasingly reliant on supply of mineral raw materials from other countries.
- Advanced technologies are increasingly making use of nearly the entire periodic table of the elements.
- Dynamic studies of critical and strategic mineral supply and demand can identify emerging potential supply risks.
- The USGS - National Minerals
Chalcopyrite, Pentlandite, and Pyrrhotite
Mineral: Chalcopyrite, Pentlandite, Pyrrhotite
Mineral Origin: Creighton Mine, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada (Sample on loan from George J. Coakley)
Primary Commodity: Copper and nickel
Primary Commodity Uses: Copper is used primarily in electronics, mostly in building construction and industrial
Sphalerite
Sphalerite, zinc sulfide, is and has been the principal ore mineral in the world. Zinc uses range from metal products to rubber and medicines. Zinc alloys readily with other metals and is chemically active. On exposure to air, it develops a thin gray oxide film (patina), which inhibits deeper oxidation (corrosion) of the metal. The metal’s resistance to corrosion is an
...Native Gold
A sample of native gold. Gold has been treasured since ancient times for its beauty and permanence. Most of the gold that is fabricated today goes into the manufacture of jewelry, but it also performs critical functions in computers, communications equipment, spacecraft, jet aircraft engines, and a host of other products. Read more about gold
...Gold Veins
Gold-bearing quartz veins from the Blue Ribbon Mine, Alaska. Credit: AlaskaMining at English Wikipedia, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44555449
The Gold Rush and the 1906 Earthquake
The Gold Rush and the 1906 Earthquake: How they combined to create the breakthrough discovery of modern seismic science
- Accidents of Gold Rush merchant marine navigation transformed a seismic disaster into a seminal discovery and led to San Francisco's extreme liquefaction vulnerability today.
- Just about everything that we love about the Bay area is
Why Do Minerals Matter?
You might be surprised where minerals pop up; they're just about everywhere. We sit down with Kathleen Johnson, USGS Mineral Resources Program Coordinator, as she walks us through just how valuable minerals are to our lives.
Gold Pans and Placer Gold
Gold Pans and Placer Gold - image by Max Flanery, California Geological Survey.
Rare Platinum Nugget
Rare platinum nugget NMNH 73738 from the National Mineral Collection. Photo by Chip Clark, Smithsonian Institution. PGEs are essential for manufacturing computers, TVs, cell phones, and other portable electronic devices. They are found in hard drives, circuitry, and automobiles.
Platinum Nugget
PGEs: The platinum-group elements (PGE) include platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium. Although platinum is well known for its use as jewelry and as an investment commodity, the major applications of PGE are industrial because these elements have high melting points, corrosion resistance, and catalytic qualities. Their leading
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