Images

The screenshot was captured from the 3D web viewer tool created by Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS).

This screen clipped image was generated with the Illinois State Geological Survey's 3D viewer. This map shows the surficial geology of Boon County, Illinois above a generated cross section along the red diagonal indicator line.

Critical Mineral Crossword Puzzle: Manganese

Manganese is listed as a "critical mineral". Learn about where we get manganese and how we use it by solving the crossword puzzle clues!

More information:

USGS Mineral Resources Program color by number for the critical mineral graphite.

USGS Mineral Resources Program coloring page for cassiterite and the critical mineral tin.

The mineral cassiterite, chemical formula SnO₂, is the most important mineral source for the critical mineral tin. Fun facts: tin is one of the earliest metals used by humans! The chemical symbol for tin, Sn, comes from its Latin name, stannum.

USGS Mineral Resources Program coloring page for the mineral galena and the critical mineral lead.

USGS Mineral Resources Program Critical Mineral Word Scramble Puzzle: Tantalum

USGS Mineral Resources Program coloring page for the critical mineral barite.

Barite, chemical formula BaSO₄, is a critical mineral. Fun fact: barite is one of the heaviest minerals that isn't a metal.

Critical Mineral Crossword Puzzle: Rhenium.

Rhenium is listed as "critical mineral". Learn about where we get rhenium and how we use it by solving the crossword puzzle clues!

More information

This map shows the generalized glaciated terrain of the state of Illinois. For more information, visit the Illinois State Geological Survey website. 

This image shows a street map within McHenry County, Illinois (above). The red line indicates the location of the geologic cross section (below). The red line shows an area of proposed development and the cross section indicates the existence of a sensitive aquifer along that locator line. 

2025 List of Critical Minerals

The 2025 List of Critical Minerals includes 60 critical minerals. 50 of these were also included on the 2022 List of Critical Minerals, and 10 are new. There are 15 rare earth elements included on the List. 

This is an image of the top two winners from the competition holding their awards along with contest sponsors. 

This picture illustrates a BSGMC participant student poster presented at GSA. 

Terry Lee from the University of Nevada, Reno, 1:24,000-Scale Geologic Map of the Western Half of the Franklin Lake NW 7.5-Minute Quadrangle, Ruby Mountains-East Humboldt Range Metamorphic Core Complex, Northeast Nevada.

This picture illustrates a BSGMC participant student poster presented at GSA. 

David Canova, University of Barcelona, Salt structures in the Eastern External Betics fold and thrust belt, SE Iberia—Geologic maps, cross sections, and palinspastic reconstructions. 

This picture illustrates a BSGMC participant student poster presented at GSA. 

Terri Zach, University of Kentucky, Geology of the Survey Peak 7.5' Quadrangle, Wyoming: Using Detailed Mapping to Reconstruct the Paleo-Topography of the Northern Teton Range and Implications for the Paleo-Teton Collapse Hypothesis.

This is an image of the sign that was placed at the 2025 GSA annual meeting to designate the USGS NCGMP-hosted BSGMC. 

Alaska Science Center Data Management staff organize, scan, and digitally archive physical data. Once published as part of a data release, the physical data are organized and placed into banker boxes, labeled with pertinent information, such as the data release DOI, and moved to a secure location.

Isolated aluminum specimen from the USGS mineral collection. High-definition image showing metallic texture and matte surface.

Isolated barite specimen from the USGS mineral collection. High-definition image showing tabular crystal structure and pale color.

High-definition image of a barite specimen showing layered structure and subtle color variations.