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Critical Minerals Coloring Sheet: zircon
Zircon, chemical formula ZrSiO4, is the main source for the critical minerals zirconium and hafnium. Fun fact: one place to find zircon is in sand with heavy, strong minerals. Fun fact: scientists use zircon to learn how old rocks are!
In the picture is potassium feldspar with a bunch of zircon crystals.
Zircon is used to make ceramics that can handle high heat. Zirconium is used in strong metals that don't rust, and it is also used on the outside of nuclear fuel rods. Hafnium is used in nuclear reactors to help catch neutrons.
Public Domain.
Cathodoluminescence images generated by the interaction of electromagnetic radiation ranging in energy from ultraviolet to near infrared with sectioned and polished zircon mineral grains from an Archean-age rock found in the Yellowstone region.
Cathodoluminescence images generated by the interaction of electromagnetic radiation ranging in energy from ultraviolet to near infrared with sectioned and polished zircon mineral grains from an Archean-age rock found in the Yellowstone region.
Sections of a zircon crystal, only 100 micrometers across, showing stages of the crystal's growth. Upper panel shows the outer surface of the crystal, which is 131,000 years old based on 238U-230Th dating. This is when the crystal stopped growing. Lower panel shows the interior of the same zircon crystal.
Sections of a zircon crystal, only 100 micrometers across, showing stages of the crystal's growth. Upper panel shows the outer surface of the crystal, which is 131,000 years old based on 238U-230Th dating. This is when the crystal stopped growing. Lower panel shows the interior of the same zircon crystal.
Layered deposit of unconsolidated heavy mineral sands along the shores of Folly Beach, South Carolina.
Layered deposit of unconsolidated heavy mineral sands along the shores of Folly Beach, South Carolina.
Cathodoluminescence images generated by the interaction of electromagnetic radiation ranging in energy from ultraviolet to near infrared with sectioned and polished zircon mineral grains from an Archean-age rock found in the Yellowstone region.
Cathodoluminescence images generated by the interaction of electromagnetic radiation ranging in energy from ultraviolet to near infrared with sectioned and polished zircon mineral grains from an Archean-age rock found in the Yellowstone region.
Sections of a zircon crystal, only 100 micrometers across, showing stages of the crystal's growth. Upper panel shows the outer surface of the crystal, which is 131,000 years old based on 238U-230Th dating. This is when the crystal stopped growing. Lower panel shows the interior of the same zircon crystal.
Sections of a zircon crystal, only 100 micrometers across, showing stages of the crystal's growth. Upper panel shows the outer surface of the crystal, which is 131,000 years old based on 238U-230Th dating. This is when the crystal stopped growing. Lower panel shows the interior of the same zircon crystal.
Layered deposit of unconsolidated heavy mineral sands along the shores of Folly Beach, South Carolina.
Layered deposit of unconsolidated heavy mineral sands along the shores of Folly Beach, South Carolina.
